U .S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Rotorcraft External-Load Operations Date: 3/16/20 AC No: 133-1B Initiated by: AFS-800 Change: 1
1. PURPOSE OF THIS ADVISORY CIRCULAR (AC). This AC provides background information, describes rotorcraft external-load operations, and describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, to apply for and obtain authorization to conduct rotorcraft external-load operations under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 133. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel will provide the necessary materials and information during the application process. This AC also provides guidance and information for certificated rotorcraft external-load operators. The information in this AC and related reading material will assist you in completing the application process in an efficient and accurate manner.
2. PRINCIPAL CHANGES. This change updates paragraph 3.6 to clarify that part 133 does not apply to Public Aircraft Operations (PAO). It also includes minor editorial changes that do not affect policy, such as identifying regulatory references and updating organizational language per the Future of Flight Standards reorganization.
PAGE CONTROL CHART Remove Pages Dated Insert Pages Dated Pages i thru iii 5/31/17 Pages i thru iii 3/16/20 Pages 1-1 thru 1-3 5/31/17 Pages 1-1 thru 1-3 3/16/20 Pages 2-1 and 2-2 5/31/17 Pages 2-1 and 2-2 3/16/20 Pages 2-4 thru 2-13 5/31/17 Pages 2-4 thru 2-13 3/16/20 Page 2-18 5/31/17 Page 2-19 3/16/20 Pages 3-1 thru 3-4 5/31/17 Pages 3-1 thru 3-3 3/16/20 Pages 3-9 and 3-10 5/31/17 Pages 3-8 and 3-9 3/16/20 Page 3-12 5/31/17 Page 3-11 3/16/20 Page 3-15 5/31/17 Page 3-13 3/16/20 Pages 4-1 thru 4-6 5/31/17 Pages 4-1 thru 4-5 3/16/20 Page A-2 5/31/17 Page A-2 3/16/20 Pages A-5 thru A-8 5/31/17 Pages A-5 thru A-8 3/16/20 Page A-10 5/31/17 Page A-10 3/16/20 R obert C. Carty Deputy Executive Director, Flight Standards Service
U .S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Rotorcraft External-Load Operations Date: 5/31/17 AC No: 133-1B Initiated by: AFS-800 Change:
This advisory circular (AC) provides background information, describes rotorcraft external-load operations, and describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, to apply for and obtain authorization to conduct rotorcraft external-load operations under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 133. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel will provide the necessary materials and information during the application process. This AC also provides guidance and information for certificated rotorcraft external-load operators. The information in this AC and related reading material will assist you in completing the application process in an efficient and accurate manner. The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.
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CONTENTS Paragraph Page
Chapter 1. General1-1
1.1 Purpose of This Advisory Circular (AC)1-1
1.2 Audience1-1
1.3 Where You Can Find This AC1-1
1.4 What This AC Cancels1-1
1.5 Applicability1-2
1.6 Related Regulations1-2
1.7 Related Reading Material (current editions)1-2
1.8 External-Load Combinations, Designations, and Related Concepts1-3
1.9 Background1-3
1.10 AC Feedback Form1-4
Chapter 2. C ertification Process and Rules2-1
2.1 Application Process2-1
2.2 Phase 1 and Phase 2—Preapplication and Application2-1
2.3 Phase 3—Document Compliance2-4
2.4 Phase 4—Demonstration and Inspection2-9
2.5 Phase 5—Certification2-13
Chapter 3. Operating Rules and R equirements3-1
3.1 Operating Rules3-1
3.2 Congested Area Operations3-1
3.3 Carriage of Persons3-7
3.4 Human External Cargo (HEC)3-8
3.5 Night Operation Considerations, Limitations, Training, and Risk Mitigation
Procedures (if applicable)3-13
3.6 Public Aircraft Operations (PAO)3-13
Chapter 4. Airwor thiness Requirements4-1
4.1 Operations Flight Characteristic Demonstration4-1
4.2 Rotorcraft Type Certification Requirements4-1
4.3 External-Load Attaching Means4-3
4.4 Quick-Release Devices4-4
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4.5 Portable Safety Devices (PSD)/Belly Bands4-4
4.6 Airworthiness Regulations and Limitations4-5
Appendix A. S ample Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight ManualA-1
Appendix B. H and SignalsB-1
Appendix C. Possibility of D-Ring Reversal or Dynamic Rollout During Winching
or Long Line OperationsC-1
L ist of Figures
Figure 2-1. FAA Form 8400-6, Preapplication Statement of Intent2-15
Figure 2-2. S ample FAA Form 8710-4, Rotorcraft External-Load Operator Certificate
Application2-17
Figure 2-3. S ample Letter of Nomination for Designation as a Chief Pilot2-18
Figure 2-4. C ertification Process Flowchart2-19
Figure 3-1. S ample Congested Area Plan3-4
Figure 3-2. L etter of Agreement for Congested Area3-7
Figure C-1. Example of D-Ring ReversalC-1
Figure C-2. M S 18027-2A HookC-2
Figure C-3. Hook with a Mechanical Lock Latch Gate DesignC-2
Figure C-4. H ook with a Simple Spring-Loaded Safety Latch or KeeperC-3
1-1 CHAPTER 1. GENERAL
1.1 Purpose of This Advisory Circular (AC). This AC provides background information, describes rotorcraft external-load operations, and describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, to apply for and obtain authorization to conduct rotorcraft external-load operations under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 133. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel will provide the necessary materials and information during the application process. This AC also provides guidance and information for certificated rotorcraft external-load operators. The information in this AC and related reading material will assist you in completing the application process in an efficient and accurate manner. To be eligible for a Rotorcraft External-Load Operating Certificate, an operator must meet the following eligibility requirements:
1. The applicant must have the exclusive use of at least one rotorcraft that meets the requirements of part 133, § 133.19.
2. The applicant must hold, or have available the services of at least one person who holds, a current commercial or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with a rating appropriate for the rotorcraft prescribed in § 133.19, issued by the Administrator.
1.1.1 Effects of Guidance.
1.1.1.1 The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.
1.1.1.2 The material in this AC is advisory in nature and does not constitute regulation. It describes an acceptable means for demonstrating compliance with applicable regulations. The FAA will consider other acceptable means.
While these guidelines are not mandatory, they are derived from extensive FAA and industry experience in determining compliance with applicable regulations.
1.1.1.3 This AC does not change, create, or permit deviations from existing regulatory requirements.
1.2 Audience. This AC applies to all operators seeking a part 133 Operating Certificate and all operators that currently have a part 133 Operating Certificate.
1.3 Where You Can Find This AC. You can find this AC on the FAA’s website at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars.
1.4 What This AC Cancels. AC 133-1A, Rotorcraft External-Load Operations in Accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations Part 133, dated October 16, 1979, is canceled.
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1.5 Applicability. This AC provides information for persons interested in applying for a Rotorcraft External-Load Operating Certificate.
Note 1: A 14 CFR part 137 agricultural aircraft operator may, if he or she complies with part 137, conduct agricultural aircraft operations with a rotorcraft with external dispensing equipment in place without a part 133 Rotorcraft External-Load Operating Certificate.
Note 2: The holder of a Rotorcraft External-Load Operating Certificate under part 133 need not comply with part 137 subpart B certification rules when conducting an agricultural aircraft operation involving only the dispensing of water on forest fires by rotorcraft external-load means. However, part 137 subparts A, C, and D apply.
1.6 Related Regulations. Title 14 CFR parts 1, 21, 27, 29, 61, 91, and 133 and 49 CFR parts 100–175 (hazardous materials (hazmat)). The current CFRs can be accessed at https://www.ecfr.gov.
1.7 Related Reading Material (current editions). The following websites and references provide additional information related to this AC:
1. FAA ACs. The following are available at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/:
• AC 27-1, Certification of Normal Category Rotorcraft.
• AC 91-32, Safety In and Around Helicopters.
• AC 120-92, Safety Management Systems for Aviation Service Providers.
2. FAA Handbooks and Manuals.
• FAA-H-8083-21, Helicopter Flying Handbook, available at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/.
• Safety Risk Management, available at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/risk_mana gement/.
3. FAA Orders and Notices. Available at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices/.
4. Other Materials.
• International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) Safety Management System Toolkit at http://www.ihst.org/Default.aspx?tabid=3053.
• Utilities, Patrol and Construction (UPAC) Safety Guide for Helicopter Operators at https://www.rotor.org/Resources/Safety.
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1.8 External-Load Combinations, Designations, and Related Concepts. Rotorcraft-load combinations (RLC) are defined in part 1, § 1.1. The following paragraphs provide greater clarity on rotorcraft external-load combinations and designations, and related concepts.
1. Class A Rotorcraft-Load Combination (RLC). The external load cannot move freely, cannot be jettisoned, and does not extend below the landing gear. An example of a Class A load is the carriage of items in an approved cargo rack, bin, or fixture attached to the exterior of the aircraft. A cargo rack certification may or may not include a cargo envelope. The FAA-approved Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement (RFMS) required for the cargo rack installation specifies the approved configuration.
If the cargo carried is within the envelope specified in the RFMS, the rotorcraft operator may operate in accordance with 14 CFR part 91 or 135. Rotorcraft operators must conduct flight operations in accordance with part 133 when the cargo rack certification does not include a cargo envelope or the cargo carried exceeds the specified envelope (§ 1.1).
2. Class B RLC. The external load is jettisonable, carried above or below the skids, and lifted free of land or water during the rotorcraft operation. An air conditioner unit being lifted onto the roof of a tall building is an example of a Class B load (§ 1.1).
3. Class C RLC. The external load is jettisonable and remains in contact with land or water during the rotorcraft operation. Wire stringing, dragging a long pole, and boat towing are some examples of Class C loads (§ 1.1).
4. Class D RLC. The external load is other than Class A, B, or C and approved on an individual basis through the issuance of Letter of Authorization (LOA) A044, Class D Operations Involving Carriage of Persons, using the Web-based Operations Safety System (WebOPSS). Only approved Class D operations allow carriage of a person other than a crewmember or person who is essential and directly connected with the external-load operation, in an FAA-approved personnel lifting device with a transport Category A multiengine helicopter. A harbor pilot being transported externally to or from a ship utilizing a personnel lifting device or a person being rescued utilizing a personnel lifting device are examples of Class D loads. Any other carriage of persons under part 133 must be in accordance with § 133.35 (§ 1.1).
5. External Load. A load that is carried, or extends, outside the aircraft fuselage.
6. Human External Cargo (HEC). A person(s) that at some point in the operation is carried external to the rotorcraft.
7. Non-Human External Cargo (NHEC). Any external cargo operation that does not at any time involve a person(s) carried external to the rotorcraft.
1.9 Background. Rotorcraft external-load operations in the United States have steadily increased over the past two decades. The FAA’s General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey estimated that, in 2015, operators flew 175,000 hours under part 133. Since publication of AC 133-1A in 1979, several amendments have been made to part 133.
While some changes were administrative in nature, others affected the operating, airworthiness, and certification rules for external-load operators.
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1.9.1 Amendment 133-9. In November 1986, as part of its Rotorcraft Regulatory Review Program, the FAA published Amendment 133-9. This amendment:
• Defined “Class D rotorcraft-load combinations” in part 1 and prescribed the operational rules for Class D loads;
• Changed the applicability of the certification requirements for certain types of operations;
• Updated personnel requirements;
• Amended knowledge and skill requirements;
• Simplified Operating Certificate amendment procedures;
• Defined requirements for flight under instrument flight rules (IFR);
• Amended flight characteristics demonstration requirements; and
• Simplified the process for adding rotorcraft to an Operating Certificate.
1.9.2 Amendment 133-12. In March 1990, also as part of the Rotorcraft Regulatory Review Program, the FAA published Amendment 133-12. This amendment adopted new airworthiness standards for external-load attaching means as defined by parts 27 and 29.
The operational rules were also revised to allow use of external-load attaching means and quick-release devices approved under part 21, as long as they comply with the applicable provisions of part 27 or 29.
1.10 AC Feedback Form. For your convenience, the AC Feedback Form is the last page of this AC. Note any deficiencies found, clarifications needed, or suggested improvements regarding the contents of this AC on the Feedback Form.
2-1 CHAPTER 2. CERTIFICATION PROCESS AND RULES
2.1 Application Process. The application process is designed to ensure that you, the operator, meet the requirements for certification under 14 CFR part 133. If satisfactorily completed, the application process will result in issuance of a Rotorcraft External-Load Operating Certificate and any additional authorizations.
2.1.1 Certification Process Phases. There are five phases in the application process (see Figure 2-4, Certification Process Flowchart):
1. Preapplication (combined with Formal Application Phase in most instances),
2. Formal Application,
3. Document Compliance,
4. Demonstration and Inspection, and
5. Certification.
Note: The part 133 certification process combines Phase 1, Preapplication, and Phase 2, Application.
2.1.2 Certification Process Gates. Included in the five phases are three gates. Completing the requirements for each gate allows a party to proceed to the next part of the application process.
Note: Certain cases may dictate that the guidance and suggested sequence of events in this AC be modified. In such situations, the applicant and the responsible Flight Standards office should consider existing conditions and circumstances. The FAA will not issue an Operating Certificate until it determines that all requested authorizations can be conducted in a safe manner and all applicable FAA regulations, guidance, and policy have been complied with.
2.2 Phase 1 and Phase 2—Preapplication and Application.
2.2.1 Applicant Resources.
1. To start a part 133 application, contact the responsible Flight Standards office for your primary business address. The Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) will provide the applicant with the appropriate information and references needed to begin the certification process. The applicant should be aware of the certification and operating requirements of part 133. The FSDO personnel will explain:
• The general applicability and definition of terms.
• The certification requirements.
• The operating rules.
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• Part 133 recordkeeping requirements.
• The requirement to comply with other Federal, State, and local regulations.
2. Special considerations include:
• Load class authorizations A, B, C, or D.
• Instrument flight rules (IFR) authorization requirements.
• Qualifications and experience required for the Chief Pilot.
• Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual (RLCFM) requirements.
• Training program requirements for Class D operations.
• Hazardous materials (hazmat) training program, if applicable.
2.2.2 FAA Form 8400-6, Preapplication Statement of Intent. Complete the Preapplication Statement of Intent (PASI) (available at http://www.faa.gov/forms) and submit it to the FSDO (see Figure 2-1, FAA Form 8400-6, Preapplication Statement of Intent). Upon receipt of a signed PASI, the FSDO will review the form to ensure that there is sufficient information to further process the preapplication and that the proposed operation is consistent with part 133. The following information is required to complete the PASI:
• The company legal name, including any doing business as (DBA) names, the principal base of operations address, the mailing address, phone numbers, and the planned date when operations will begin.
Note: Per § 133.11(b), no person holding a Rotorcraft External-Load Operating Certificate may conduct external-load operations subject to this part under a business name that is not on that certificate.
• Names of management personnel and the Chief Pilot.
• Type, make, model, and quantity of rotorcraft operated.
• All desired authorizations (e.g., Class A, B, C, or D or IFR) in block 10.
Note: If the PASI is unacceptable, the FSDO will describe the reasons why it is unacceptable in section 2 of the form and return it. The FSDO will notify the applicant, either verbally or by letter, that the PASI is unacceptable for the reasons detailed in section 2 of the form and that a new PASI is required (§ 133.15).
2.2.3 Application Package.
1. FSDO personnel will provide the applicant with the following materials or refer you to the current online resource:
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• FAA Form 8710-4, Rotorcraft External-Load Operator Certificate Application (see Figure 2-2, Sample FAA Form 8710-4, Rotorcraft External-Load Operator Certificate Application).
• Sample Letter of Nomination for Designation as a Chief Pilot (see Figure 2-3).
• Sample Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual (see Appendix A).
2. FSDO personnel will discuss how to complete the forms and advise the applicant to submit the forms with original signatures.
3. The following factors will be used to determine if additional items need to be discussed with the applicant:
• Previous experience in part 133 external-load operations;
• Size, scope, and safety aspects of the requested operation;
• Area of operation;
• Class D or IFR authorization, if requested; and
• Ability to comply with the certification requirements.
4. FSDO personnel will discuss the following with the applicant and answer any questions about the certification process:
• The time and gate requirements for the completion of each phase;
• Area of operation (local or across FSDO boundaries), including the location of the principal base of operations, and the location of any probable satellite bases;
• Load class authorization(s) the operator is seeking;
• Operator’s previous experience with part 133 operations;
• Qualifications and experience of the proposed Chief Pilot;
• Applicability of 14 CFR parts 91 and 133;
• AC 133-1, Rotorcraft External-Load Operations;
• Previous or pending enforcement action against the applicant or pilot(s);
• Contents of the RLCFM; and
• Requirements for developing a training program for Class D operations.
2.2.4 Application Review. If the application package is not complete, the FSDO will notify the applicant in writing of the changes needed before certification can continue. An example of a properly completed application form is shown in Figure 2-2. An indepth review of the package will be conducted during the Document Compliance Phase.
2.2.5 Application Meeting. After the application review process is completed, an application meeting will be scheduled to discuss: