Module 5: Sketching Maps London’s Air Ambulance

In this module, you will learn: How London’s Air Ambulance lands safely. How to create a sketch map. How to work out if London’s Air Ambulance could land at your school.

Introduction As a pilot for London’s Air Ambulance, I need to make sure that the helicopter can land safely. We need an area at least the size of a tennis court, but can land on school playgrounds, bridges, box junctions or multi-storey car parks. In the past we have landed in Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and on Horse Guards Parade. We rely heavily on mapping tools to find the safest places to land. Captain Dave Rolfe, Pilot Click on image of Captain Rolfe to watch short video.

Landing Safely The London’s Air Ambulance helicopters are built for urban environments and can land in relatively tight spaces. Their steel skids also allow them to land on soft surfaces spreading out the weight of the helicopter. A London’s Air Ambulance helicopter can land in an area as small as a tennis court!

Drawing Sketch Maps Sketch maps are produced by geographers from observations, showing the main features of an area. Create a sketch map of your school and plot a “H” where you think the best place for a helicopter to land might be. Use a trundle wheel to approximate sizes and include a scale, key and coordinates.

Task Use the worksheet grid to draw your sketch map and answer the questions in full sentences. I studied engineering at university, and later trained as a pilot. To study engineering, you should focus on maths, physics and engineering at GCSE and A-Level.

Careers Download the free HELIMED app to learn more about being a pilot, paramedic or doctor with London’s Air Ambulance.