Mint 400 Helicopter Rules and Regulations
2024 Mint 400 Air Space:
The Mint 400 races operate East of the 15 fwy, between Primm and Sloan, out into the McCullough mountains. See attached airspace map. The principal airport for race operations is Jean. The Jean airport is unmanned. There is no control tower.
Jean Airport
23600 S Las Vegas Blvd
Jean, NV 89052
(702) 261-4800
They offer self service fuel, but do NOT allow hot fueling. If you need to hot fuel you will need to arrange your own fuel truck.
The jump school and other airport users have been made aware of our race and schedule, however please use standard protocol when landing and taking off.
Unless you have secured permission from a private property owner in the area, the Jean airport is the only designated landing zone in our air space. Landing on BLM land is prohibited unless it is an emergency.
INTERSECTING RACE COURSES ON SATURDAY - IMPORTANT!!!
The 2024 racecourses for four wheel vehicles and motorcycles on Saturday will once again intersect and cross at multiple points.
Four wheel vehicles will be running CLOCKWISE again this year.
Motorcycles will be running COUNTER-CLOCKWISE again this year.
PLEASE be VERY careful when filming or spotting on Saturday when both races are running.
You MUST have a GPS enabled device with the course loaded, prior to entering air space so that you can effectively communicate your position. We also strongly recommend a cellular enabled tablet with the YB Tracking App installed. The cellular coverage is good for 85% of the race course.
There are a multitude of power lines that run through the Ivanpah Valley near Primm, and up in the Jean area. Please be very careful when near the power poles and do not fly underneath them.
Communications:
The Mint 400 helicopter race frequency is: 130.30
All helicopters must be actively monitoring this radio frequency while in the Mint 400 airspace.
Communicating with competitors or relaying information to pits from helicopters is considered cheating and is not allowed at the Mint. Those caught doing so will be penalized.
Mint 400 Race Operations frequency is Weatherman = 151.625
Altitude Policy:
Please orbit CLOCKWISE at the Start/Finish line AND when hovering over your racer or a spot in general. If you need to share airspace with multiple choppers over other parts of the course please communicate your altitude and position frequently.
Minimum Altitude:
- Backwards on Course 1000agl
- Start/Finish Line 500agl
- Spectator Areas 500agl
- Checkpoints 250agl
- Over Course 30agl - you cannot see racers coming up behind you while on the deck!
- Open Terrain No Min
- Drones Stay Below 50agl - no sharing of helicopter airspace
How to report your position during the race:
- Please start by identifying your color and helicopter type.
- Next, identify your position.
- Then your altitude and direction.
Example: “This is the blue A-Star, I’m at race mile 65 near the entrance of the Gonzo Pit. I’m at 500 AGL heading due North”.
Remember, every mile of the course has a mile marker that corresponds to that mile. To report your position refer to your race course map. Locate your position relative to the course and report the nearest mile marker.
Medical Emergencies:
Report via radio: If you witness a crash, or see a medical emergency please radio Mint 400 Medical immediately on Weatherman = 151.625
They will need to know:
- Approximate race mile.
- Number of vehicles involved.
- If there is a fire hazard.
- If the course is blocked.
Please hover over the accident scene carefully at 500agl and advise other helicopters on approach with other race vehicles.
Land to Assist:
If you deem it necessary to land your helicopter and provide assistance, contact Mint 400 Medical on Weatherman = 151.625 and wait to receive clearance. If cleared to land you must immediately shut down your engine once you touch down. Do not create an additional hazzard by landing too close to the accident scene, as the medical transport chopper may need to land as well and race vehicles may need to drive around the accident scene.
Report via phone call: If you cannot make radio contact but have cell service please call David Nehrbass at (725) 780-6197 He will need the SAME information: approximate race mile, # of vehicles involved, if there is a fire hazard, and if the course is blocked.
Report via text message: If you cannot make radio contact or a phone call please try texting David Nehrbass at (725) 780-6197 He will need the SAME information: approximate race mile, # of vehicles involved, if there is a fire hazard, and if the course is blocked.
Medical Helicopter Protocol:
- Keep the airspace near the accident clear and as the medical chopper approaches radio on 130.30 to them and ask if they need assistance.
- Keep the frequency being used by the medical helo clear, and the airspace clear unless needed for support.
Pilot Etiquette:
In all circumstances, the goal of all pilots should be to avoid creating pockets or plumes of dust that create a vision hazzard for participants, other helicopters, course workers or the general public.
Please do NOT fly under the powerlines or power poles unless it is an absolute emergency.
The Mint 400 owners and management staff reserve the right to penalize any team or revoke media credentials for any pilot if we deem your actions, or inaction, is causing an unsafe environment. Flying at the Mint is a privilege not a right.
After the race if 3 pilots complain about your flying or radio work during the race you will be spoken to.
If you get two complaints in one year you will be asked not to fly Mint 400 or CA 300 races for at least one year.
Television Crew:
For 2024 Jim McCoy will be flying his R44 for The Mint 400 television and Livestream production. Please defer to Jim when he asks you to allow him to move into film. Jim is also the Mint 400 Helicopter Steward and will be informing and sharing information from us on the ground.
Helicopter Spectating:
Helicopter spectating at the Mint will be allowed on a limited, first come first basis. Helicopters wishing to spectate the Mint must adhere to all of the above listed rules and regulations. Spectating helicopters may not interfere with television or race team helicopters at any time. ALL of the same rules apply to spectating from a helicopter.
Mint 400 Drone Operation Rules and Regulations:
- Operating a drone at The Mint 400 is strictly regulated.
- All drones must pre-register with the Mint 400 online and be approved. There is NO onsite registration.
- Drone pilots must attend the helicopter safety meeting or watch the pre-recorded safety video.
- All pilots must have a Part 107 FAA certification and present a copy upon request.
- Drone Operators will provide proof of commercial liability UAV/UAS insurance in the amount of at least $1,000,000 naming The Mint 400 Race Corp, Inc, Mad Media, LLC and Terranaut Media Group as additionally insured. Policies must be approved by the US FAA and be written by a carrier admitted in the United States.
- You must have a spotter at all times while your drone is airborne.
- Your spotter must have a working radio programmed with the helicopter race frequency: 130.30 and be actively monitoring the channel while you are airborne. You must be able to communicate to helo’s within radio range.
- Your radio must also be programmed with Mint 400 Weatherman = 151.625 and you must be prepared to relay your position in the event that you witness an accident or emergency.
As a drone pilot it is YOUR responsibility to maneuver your aircraft away from any helicopters in your airspace. It is NOT the helicopter pilots job to navigate around you. Drop altitude immediately if you suspect you will have an effect on an approaching helicopter. No exceptions.
Drone Airspace VS Helicopter Airspace:
Mint 400 Drones will be positioned throughout the race course including:
- Primm Start/Finish Area - Please use caution when flying over spectators!
- Chokers - RM11
- Thumpers - RM19
- Primm Main Pit - RM22 - Called “Gene Hirst”
- Fox Proving Grounds - RM23 - RM24
- Spectator Area 2 - RM29 - The Quarry
Maximum Altitude:
The maximum altitude for drones is 50agl. Period. End of story. Do not fly higher than 50’ ever.
How to report your position during the race:
Every mile for the course has a mile marker that corresponds to that mile.
To report your position refer to your race course map. Locate your position relative to the course and report the nearest mile marker with the precursor “Drone Pilot”
EX: “This is the Drone Pilot at race mile X near the entrance of the Fox proving grounds. We are hovering at 30’ drivers side moving due East. We have you in sight Blue A-Star - NO EFFECT.”
Do not assume helicopters have heard you if you do not receive a radio reply and land immediately if you suspect they may enter your air space.
Medical Emergencies:
If you witness a crash, or see a medical emergency have your spotter radio Mint 400 Medical immediately on Weatherman = 151.625 They will need to know the approximate race mile, # of vehicles involved, if there is a fire hazard, and if the course is blocked.
Land your drone immediately. Do not fly your drone again until the emergency is addressed and the course is completely clear with no helicopters in the area. Do not talk on the radio again until the incident is concluded, unless you are asked for further information.
Report via phone call: If you witness a crash or medical emergency, and cannot make radio contact with Mint 400 Ops, but have cell service please call David Nehrbass at (725) 780-6197 He will need the following information: approximate race mile, # of vehicles involved, if there is a fire hazard, and if the course is blocked.
Report via text message: If you cannot make radio contact or a phone call please try texting David Nehrbass at (725) 780-6197 He will need the SAME information: approximate race mile, # of vehicles involved, if there is a fire hazard, and if the course is blocked.
Pilot Etiquette:
In all circumstances, the goal of all pilots should be to avoid creating pockets or plumes of dust that create a vision hazzard for participants, other helicopters, course workers or the general public. Do not fly your aircraft directly at the competitors or in any way obstruct their view. You may track them from the side but do NOT cross in front of them unless you are 50’ or more ahead of them.
Please defer to the Mad Media Drone Operators when they are filming the race for television.
Take turns between battery changes and communicate! Avoid conflict by sharing airspace.
After the race if 2 drone pilots complain about your flying or radio work during the race you will be spoken to. If you get two complaints in one year you will be prohibited from flying at the Mint 400 again.