Helicopter pilot reported a safety concern with an uncharted; unlit cell tower that is in the flight path of the helipad during approach into OL54 Airport. The reporter stated the cell tower is not listed in Jeppesen and also does not meet Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) guidelines.

Date: 2024-10 · Aircraft: Helicopter · Phase: approach

Anomalies: deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy|inflight-event-encounter-cftt-cfit

Synopsis

Helicopter pilot reported a safety concern with an uncharted; unlit cell tower that is in the flight path of the helipad during approach into OL54 Airport. The reporter stated the cell tower is not listed in Jeppesen and also does not meet Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) guidelines.

Narrative

Close OL54 immediately. Too dangerous at night. Multiple Helicopter Emergency Medical Service operators are complaining about the unregistered cell tower installed directly in flight path of Exceptional Community Health Helipad. OL54 should be closed as soon as possible in order to prevent another Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Operator running into an unlit tower. The tower has 2 significant deadly issues. One. This tower is not listed in the Jeppesen database and thus Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTWAS) does not provide cautions or warnings. Secondly; there is no obstacle lighting or reflective surface to this tower. Lastly; this tower appears to have been installed after OL54 received its FAA designation. This tower makes any approach into OL54 at night deadly. Pilots and medical crew have complained to Company and nothing is getting done. In order to prevent another Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Operator hitting a tower or wires; we as a group of concerned another Helicopter Emergency Medical Service professionals ask FAA close OL54 immediately until the tower is relocated or install appropriate obstacle lighting for an obstacle that is within Area A and B of the Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) guidelines.Close OL54 immediately. Too dangerous at night. Someone will hit this unlit tower.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.