Flight Planning
On 17 May 2025, a pilot-in-command (PIC) planned a flight in the area of the Gorka landing site for training and proficiency maintenance. The flight plan was submitted to the Moscow Regional Center of the Air Traffic Management System at 07:00 via electronic means. Authorization to use the airspace was granted at 07:01. The airspace along the requested route was Class C.
Pre-flight Actions
The PIC arrived at the Gorka landing site at approximately 07:50. A medical examination before the flight was not conducted, which was permitted under Federal Aviation Regulations (FAP-128) as the flight was not international and the aerodrome lacked a medical officer. The PIC obtained weather forecasts and actual conditions from the Gorka information controller; conditions were suitable for visual flight rules (VFR).
Helicopter pre-flight preparation was performed by maintenance personnel of Gorka-Aero LLC, who held appropriate qualifications. Prior to the flight, the PIC took a personal acquaintance on board as a passenger. The passenger was not included in the airspace usage application, and a manifest listing persons on board was not prepared, violating paragraphs 2.20 and 2.21 of the Federal Aviation Rules 'Preparation and Execution of Flights in Civil Aviation of the Russian Federation' (Order No. 128 of the Ministry of Transport of Russia dated 31 July 2009).
Departure
At 08:33:47, the PIC started the engine. At 08:38:09, the PIC took off with the passenger on board.