Weather cameras for Point-in-Space (PinS) approaches
Point-in-Space approaches let HEMS crews reach hospitals and landing sites in weather that would otherwise stop a VFR flight. The critical moment is the visual segment from the PinS to the helipad. Panomax day and night weather cameras at the landing site show the crew what that segment looks like before they commit.
How PinS approaches work
A PinS approach is a GNSS-based instrument procedure for helicopters that ends at a point in space instead of at the helipad itself. From there the pilot continues visually, on a 'proceed visually' or 'proceed VFR' segment, depending on how the procedure is designed. PinS procedures are increasingly used by HEMS operators in Europe and other regions to serve hospitals and sites without a conventional instrument approach.
The gap: weather at the visual segment
Official weather reports describe conditions at the nearest reporting station, which may be kilometres away and at a different elevation. What matters for a PinS approach is the visibility and cloud between the PinS and the landing site. Without information from that exact location, crews may launch only to find the visual segment unflyable, or decline missions that could have been flown.
How Panomax cameras help
- Camera at the destination: a permanently installed camera at the hospital helipad or landing site, aligned with the visual segment.
- Day and night images: a clear view of visibility, cloud and precipitation around the clock.
- Updates as often as every 5 minutes: with a timestamped archive to see whether conditions are improving or deteriorating.
- Landmark labels: reference points in the image help crews judge visibility consistently. See the software.
Camera images are supplemental visual information. They do not replace official weather sources or the minima published for the procedure, but they give crews a much better picture of the conditions they will meet. Read more about weather rules for HEMS.
Hospitals and landing sites
Hospitals that receive helicopter patients can install a Panomax camera at their helipad so that every operator flying to them benefits. More on landing zone cameras.
About Panomax
Panomax GmbH (Austria) makes 360° day and night weather cameras for HEMS and air rescue, with about 1,000 cameras in 27 countries. Operators including ADAC Luftrettung, DRF Luftrettung, ÖAMTC, Luxembourg Air Rescue and Flight For Life Colorado use Panomax for live visual weather at bases, hospital landing sites and flight routes. We work with operators across Europe, the United States and Canada.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Point-in-Space (PinS) approach?
A PinS approach is a GNSS-based instrument approach procedure for helicopters that leads to a point in space rather than directly to a runway or helipad. From that point, the pilot continues to the landing site visually, either on a 'proceed visually' or a 'proceed VFR' segment, depending on the procedure design.
Can a weather camera be used to meet PinS approach minima?
No. Weather cameras provide supplemental visual information and do not replace the official weather information or minima required for an instrument approach. They help crews see whether conditions at the landing site are likely to allow the visual segment, alongside official weather sources.
Where should cameras be placed for a PinS procedure?
Typically at the destination heliport or hospital landing site, looking along the visual segment towards the PinS, so the crew can see visibility and cloud on the part of the approach they will fly visually.
Do the cameras work at night?
Yes. Panomax cameras provide day and night images, which matters for HEMS crews flying PinS approaches around the clock.
Which operators use Panomax?
Air rescue operators using Panomax include ADAC Luftrettung, DRF Luftrettung, ÖAMTC and Luxembourg Air Rescue in Europe, and Flight For Life Colorado in the United States.