Sample Diagram of Congested Area Plan Route of Flight Pick-up SIte
• Emergency 8th Street + Landing Site Locations Operational Area 7th Street B Tower AV Street Blocked Tower will be vacated. No persons or vehicies will 14 stories to rooftop. Top two stories of the be on the ground in the operational area who are not directly associated with the operation. Seven city policemen will be provided to secure the operational area. See attached agreement with city police department. The fire department was notified of the operation and stated that they would be on the scene If possible.
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3-8 Figure 3-2. Letter of Agreement for Congested Area
LETTER OF AGREEMENT FOR CONGESTED AREA Personnel of the [name of the political subdivision] agree to exclude all unauthorized persons from the operational area described on the attached CAP, which was prepared for rotorcraft external-load operations. I understand that the operations will be conducted on [dates] and remove the operator’s responsibility to exclude all unauthorized persons from the operational area.
[Signature of official] [Name of official] [Title of official] [Date]
3.3 Carriage of Persons.
3.3.1 Passenger Carrying Versus Carriage of Persons. Part 133 does not provide for “passenger-carrying” operations, but does provide for the “carriage of persons” in accordance with § 133.35. If conducting passenger-carrying operations, the operation must comply with part 91 or 135. No Class A, B, or C external-load operator may allow passenger carrying during external-load operations unless the person carried is a flightcrew member, is a flightcrew member trainee, performs an essential function in connection with the external-load operation, or is necessary to accomplish the work activity directly associated with the external-load operation. An operator with Class D external-load approval may receive authorization to transport persons externally who are other than a crewmember or not directly associated with the external-load operation.
3.3.2 Class B Human External Cargo (HEC). Under § 133.35, an operator with a Class B approval is authorized to externally carry a crewmember, a person essential to the external-load operation, or a person who is necessary to accomplish the work activity directly associated with that operation with a single-engine or multiengine rotorcraft, in accordance with applicable operating limitations. If Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) or RFM Supplement (RFMS) operating limitations, markings, or placards contain language prohibiting use for HEC, operators of civil rotorcraft must comply with those limitations in accordance with § 91.9(a) (e.g., an RFMS limitation such as, “the cargo hook is approved for non-human cargo, Class B rotorcraft-load combinations only”).
The RFM or RFMS may also include additional limitations indicating certification for HEC (e.g., “the external load system meets the 14 CFR part 27 certification requirements for HEC”). The operator may carry the persons in the following examples as a Class B external load, which must be jettisonable:
• Power line patrol/maintenance personnel.
• Rescue personnel who are performing emergency medical and rescue services.
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3.4 Human External Cargo (HEC).
3.4.1 Class D Load Combination Operations. As with other load combinations, Class D operations must be authorized per § 133.17. Additionally, the operator is required to have an FAA-approved initial and recurrent training program. Any pilot conducting Class D operations must be current in accordance with the training requirements of § 133.37.
Finally, the rotorcraft must meet the equipment requirements of § 133.45(e) and the Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual (RLCFM) must contain information essential for safe operation with Class D loads.
Note: Part 133 operations under instrument flight rules (IFR) must be specifically approved by the FAA; however, no person may be carried as part of an external load under IFR.
3.4.2 Class B Load Combination Operations. As with other load combinations, Class B operations must be authorized per § 133.17. The test for determining whether it is appropriate to conduct a human external load as a Class B versus a Class D external-load combination operation is to consider the standard industry practices for the work activity being accomplished. If the person is performing an essential function in connection with the external-load operation or is necessary to accomplish the work activity directly associated with that external-load operation, the operator may be authorized to transport the person as a Class B external-load combination. If the person is not performing an essential function in connection with the external-load operation or is not necessary to accomplish the work activity directly associated with that external-load operation, then the operator would be required to transport the person as a Class D external-load combination if that person is transported externally.
3.4.2.1 Class B HEC has become an essential tool within the rotorcraft-helicopter industry and when conducted utilizing best safety practices has proven to be a safe and efficient means of transport. Pilots and operators should conduct a thorough safety analysis of any proposed Class B HEC operation to ensure that the use of Class B HEC is appropriate to the mission and that a proper hazard identification and risk analysis has been conducted.
3.4.2.2 When conducting Class B HEC operations, it is important to understand the current regulatory requirements. Section 133.23 states the applicant must demonstrate to the Administrator satisfactory knowledge and skill regarding rotorcraft external-load operations. An operator that conducts HEC operations must demonstrate the specific knowledge and skill for safe HEC operations as part of the knowledge and skill test.
3.4.2.3 Section 133.33 states that before a person may operate a rotorcraft with an external-load configuration that differs substantially from any that person has previously carried with that type of rotorcraft (whether or not the RLC is of the same class), that person must conduct, in a manner that will not endanger persons or property on the surface, flight operational checks as the Administrator determines are appropriate to the RLC. Class B HEC load
3-10 combinations differ substantially from other Class B rotorcraft loads and require an operational flight check.
3.4.2.4 Section 133.41 states the applicant must demonstrate to the Administrator, by performing the operational flight checks prescribed, as applicable, that the RLC has satisfactory flight characteristics. HEC operations must be demonstrated utilizing a simulated load (ballast) on the personnel lifting device to verify satisfactory flight characteristics, unless these operational flight checks have been demonstrated previously and the RLC flight characteristics were satisfactory. For the purposes of this demonstration, the external-load weight (including the external-load attaching means) is the maximum weight for which authorization is requested.
3.4.2.5 Section 133.47 states that the applicant must prepare an RLCFM and submit it for approval by the Administrator. The RLCFM must set forth any other information essential for safe operation with external loads. With regard to HEC operations, this information should include at a minimum:
1. Class B HEC Operations.
2. Class B HEC Training:
• Pilot training.
• Crewmember training.
• Recurrent training.
• Recent experience.
3. Personnel Qualifications:
• Pilot qualifications.
• Crewmember qualifications.
4. Class B HEC Briefings.
5. Operational Safety Considerations.
6. Communications.
3.4.2.6 Helicopter operators should select only those pilots that have demonstrated a sufficient level of experience, skill, and ability within Class B vertical reference operations. Class B HEC pilot training should be conducted by an operator’s Chief Pilot or the Chief Pilot’s qualified designee. Pilot training should be conducted and documented in accordance with the operator’s Class B HEC training program and should contain, but is not limited to, the following minimum curriculum:
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3.4.2.6.1 Pilot training:
1. Knowledge and skill training.
2. Demonstrated proficiency with precision vertical reference load placement.
3. Proper load configuration, use, and application of Class B HEC.
4. Installation, inspection, and operation of secondary safety device(s).
5. Acceptance or rejection criteria of HEC attaching means to include long lines, chairs, and/or harnesses.
Note: See Appendix C, Possibility of D-Ring Reversal or Dynamic Rollout During Winching or Long Line Operations, for information about winch operation.
6. Hazard identification, risk analysis, and mitigation.
7. Crew Resource Management (CRM).
8. Communication.
9. Normal/abnormal and emergency procedures pertinent to Class B HEC operations.
10. Electrical wire environment hazards.
11. Fuel management.
3.4.2.6.2 Crewmember training. Crewmembers working on or around the helicopter should be trained by a competent person in the following areas:
1. Acceptance or rejection criteria of HEC attaching means to include long lines, chairs, and/or harnesses.
2. Task-specific operations.
3. Hazard identification, risk analysis, and mitigation.
4. CRM.
5. Communication:
• Emergency procedures pertinent to Class B HEC operations.
• Ground.
• Flight.
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6. Mock-up training and review of:
• Rigging inspection and acceptance or rejection criteria of equipment.
• Communication procedures.
• Simulation of task (both crew and pilot tasks).
7. Documented completed proficiency on all of the above.
Note: Each operator is responsible to ensure that the individuals providing crewmember training have sufficient experience with Class B HEC operations, safe rigging, and fall protection.
Additionally, competent instructors should have working knowledge and understanding of the particular risks associated with the specific operation being conducted.
3.4.2.6.3 Recurrent training. Both pilots and crew members should receive recurrent Class B HEC training annually. Additional training should be conducted and documented for each new operation type, equipment change, or when the mission profile is significantly modified.
3.4.2.6.4 Recent experience. Each operator should have a recent experience program that is designed to ensure each pilot and crewmember is prepared to perform Class B HEC safely and has conducted Class B HEC or equivalent precision operations within a specified period of time. An individual’s recent experience must be obtained from the company’s specific operations and should not carry over from outside experience.
3.4.2.6.5 Pilot qualifications. Helicopter pilots selected to perform Class B HEC operations should have previous experience with HEC operations and should be trained for safe operations within the HEC operating environment.
Operators should establish minimum sufficient experience levels to serve as a basic qualification threshold. Considerations of such minimum experience may include:
• 2,000 hours as pilot in command (PIC) in helicopters.
• 500 hours of vertical reference long line experience.
• 200 hours as PIC in specific type of the helicopter to be used in the Class B HEC operation.
• 200 hours as PIC conducting precision vertical reference, long line operations.
• Knowledge of the hazards and “hands-on” operations to be conducted.
• Fitness for duty and physical or psychological limitations (IMSAFE).
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• Communications limitations.
• Understanding of the five hazardous attitudes and their antidotes:
anti-authority, impulsive, invulnerability, macho, and resignation.
3.4.2.6.6 Crewmember Qualifications:
1. Not all crewmembers will be comfortable with or qualified to perform Class B HEC operations. All crewmembers should be selected for Class B HEC operations on a voluntary basis.
Crewmembers selected should be qualified for Class B HEC operations based on:
• Experience level.
• Knowledge of aircraft limitations, including weight limitations to meet aircraft performance limitations.
• Knowledge of the “hands-on” operations to be conducted.
• Fitness for duty and physical or psychological limitations (IMSAFE).
• Communications limitations.
• Understanding of the five hazardous attitudes and their antidotes:
anti-authority, impulsive, invulnerability, macho, and resignation.
2. Thorough training of both pilots and crewmembers is critical to safely conducting Class B HEC operations. The following topics should be developed and integrated into an operators Class B HEC training program:
• General helicopter safety training,
• Applicable regulations pertaining to Class B HEC operations, and
• Company-specific requirements and limitations.
3.4.2.6.7 Class B HEC briefings. The daily briefing should be attended by all persons involved in the operations for that particular day. The briefing should cover concerns, identified risks, and hazards. Additionally, this briefing should cover:
1. Definition of the core operational and individual tasks for the day.
2. Identification of specific hazards.
3. Discussion of hazard and risk mitigation.
4. Communication issues.
5. Weather conditions and forecasts (i.e., wind gusts, lightning, or other weather factors that could increase risk).
6. Any revisions to the site-specific safety plan.
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7. Universal “go/no-go” authority.
8. Pre-operation reconnaissance flight.
9. Personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for the task.
10. Review of key points of the Emergency Action Plan.
11. Weight and Balance (W&B) calculation.
Note: An additional briefing should be conducted upon any significant change in the daily operations which was not covered by the daily briefing.
3.4.2.6.8 Operational safety considerations. When selecting crewmembers for Class B HEC, care should be given to ensure that those individuals with the least experience and knowledge be paired with qualified crewmembers experienced in Class B HEC operations (no green on green). Each aircraft used for Class B HEC operations should be subject to daily engine power assurance checks and trend monitoring.
3.4.2.6.9 Communications. Prior to any Class B HEC operation, it is essential that all crewmembers and the pilot have established a clear method of communication. This may consist of hand signals and/or two-way radio communications. Communications should be tested prior to each day’s operation. When there are communication failures or confusion, operations should be suspended until clear communications are restored.
3.5 Night Operation Considerations, Limitations, Training, and Risk Mitigation Procedures (if applicable).
1. It is more dangerous to conduct rotorcraft external-load operations during darkness; therefore, extensive training and detailed planning become increasingly important. In accordance with § 133.47, the RLCFM must set forth any other information essential for safe operation with external loads.
With regard to night operations, this information should include, at a minimum, adequate considerations, limitations, training, and risk mitigation procedures describing how the operator will conduct operations at night.
2. It is important to realize that certain problems will exist at night that do not occur during daylight operations. Common night problems include increased time required for hookup, tendency for the helicopter to drift during hover, and lack of depth perception for crewmembers and ground personnel. During night operations, hand-and-arm signals are the same as daylight operations except that flashlight wands or other visible light sources are used.
3. Whenever possible, and if the situation permits, personnel should wear reflective vests. Manmade securable lighting (e.g., chemlights, battery powered light source, etc.) attached to the top of the load assists the aircrew in identifying the load; likewise, a chemlight attached to the cargo hook aids the hookup team during the hookup operation. Some helicopters are equipped
3-15 with lights positioned by the cargo hook. The aircrew identifies the cargo hook by illuminating the cargo hook light.
3.6 Public Aircraft Operations (PAO).
1. Section 133.1 prescribes that part 133 subpart B, Certification Rules (§§ 133.11–133.27) do not apply to a Federal, State, or local government conducting PAO. However, operators conducting PAO must still comply with part 133 subparts A, C, and D.
2. PAO are required to comply with part 133 subparts A, C, and D. For further information, refer to AC 00-1.1, Public Aircraft Operations. Each external-load attaching means must be approved as specified in § 133.43.
3. Any government or public entity conducting civil operations must hold a part 133 certificate in order to conduct external-load operations. This obligates them to comply with all sections of part 133.
4-1 CHAPTER 4. AIRWORTHINESS REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Operations Flight Characteristic Demonstration. Title 14 CFR part 133, § 133.41(a) pertains to airworthiness requirements and refers to the flight characteristics as it relates to each rotorcraft-load combination (RLC) for a specific rotorcraft type. Approval of each RLC requires a demonstration flight showing satisfactory flight characteristics for that RLC. For the purposes of this demonstration, the external-load weight, including the external-load attaching means, must be the maximum weight for which authorization is sought.
4.1.1 Documentation of Previous RLC Demonstrations. Documentation of any approved RLC demonstrations that were obtained from manufacturer’s data in the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) or documentation showing satisfactory results issued to another operator by the Administrator for that specific RLC satisfy the requirements of § 133.41(a).
Therefore, operators need not comply with the requirements for a demonstration flight if the manufacturer has already performed this demonstration. The RFM for each rotorcraft contains this information.
4.1.2 Unsatisfactory Documentation. If the RLC flight characteristic check has not been satisfactorily documented as described above, then the applicant must demonstrate the flight characteristic checks to the Administrator to meet this requirement. When the applicant conducts the demonstration, they must use their direct employees or agents.
4.1.3 Demonstration of Quick-Release Device. In addition, the external-load attaching means must be appropriately certificated and a satisfactory demonstration must be performed in accordance with §§ 133.41 and 133.43. The flight characteristics demonstration should evaluate the pilot actuating each quick-release device under simulated emergency conditions. Whenever the quick-release switch location or function is modified, operators should ensure that their pilots re-demonstrate their ability to actuate the switch in normal and simulated emergency operation without inducing unwanted control inputs.
4.2 Rotorcraft Type Certification Requirements. All rotorcraft external-load operations conducted in the United States by any person must comply with the operating and airworthiness rules of part 133. Most operations, with the exception of those listed in § 133.1(c), must also comply with the certification rules of part 133 and hold a Rotorcraft External-Load Operating Certificate. Certificates issued under part 133 are valid for a period of 24 calendar-months per § 133.13.
4.2.1 Airworthiness Certification Rules. Part 133 prescribes airworthiness certification rules for rotorcraft used in rotorcraft external-load operations in the United States. This part further provides that an applicant must have the exclusive use of a rotorcraft type certificated (TC) under 14 CFR part 27, part 29, or part 21, § 21.25.
4.2.2 Background.
1. Under previous regulations, rotorcraft could not be operated with external loads for compensation or hire unless the RLC has been approved under the provision of Civil Air Regulations (CAR) part 6, Rotorcraft Airworthiness:
4-2 Normal Category, and part 7, Rotorcraft Airworthiness: Transport Category, or in not-for-hire operations under § 21.25(b). It was pointed out that the burden and expense of obtaining such approval may be unnecessarily severe and that safety would not be compromised if less restrictive airworthiness requirements were established.
2. Recognizing that the type certification rules prescribed in CAR parts 6 and 7 might be unduly restrictive when applied to rotorcraft with external-load provisions, part 133 was adopted containing airworthiness standards for the approval of rotorcraft external-load operations and appropriate operating limitations for such rotorcraft. Part 133 requires an applicant to demonstrate satisfactory flight characteristics with various external-load combinations that are usually in addition to demonstrations required by parts 27 and 29.
4.2.3 Standard Category Aircraft. Upon successful completion of all applicable requirements of part 133, an applicant is eligible for a Rotorcraft External-Load Operating Certificate.
This certificate becomes a current and valid airworthiness certificate for each standard category rotorcraft listed in that certificate when the rotorcraft is used in operations under part 133.
4.2.4 Restricted Category Aircraft. In accordance with § 21.25, an applicant is entitled to a TC for an aircraft in the restricted category for special purpose operations if he or she shows compliance with the applicable noise requirements of 14 CFR part 36; the applicant shows that no feature or characteristic of the aircraft makes it unsafe when it is operated under the limitations prescribed for its intended use; and the aircraft meets the airworthiness requirements for the special purpose(s) for which the aircraft is to be used or has been manufactured in accordance with the requirements of, and accepted for use by, a branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, and has been later modified for a special purpose.
4.2.4.1 Special Purpose Operations. As authorized under the provisions of § 21.25, special purpose operations for restricted category aircraft include the following:
1. Agricultural use (includes the special purpose operations of crop spraying, dusting, and seeding; livestock and predatory animal control; insect control; dust control; and protection of crops).
2. Forest and wildlife conservation (includes the special purpose operations of aerial dispensing of liquids, heli-logging, fish spotting, wild animal survey, and oil spill response).
3. Aerial surveying (includes the special purpose operations of photography, mapping, oil and mineral exploration, atmospheric survey and research, geophysical and electromagnetic survey, oceanic survey, and airborne measurement of navigation signals).
4. Patrolling (includes patrolling pipelines, power lines, and canals).
5. Weather control (includes cloud seeding).
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6. Aerial advertising (includes the special purpose operations of skywriting, banner towing, airborne signs, and public address systems).
7. Any other operation specified by the FAA. The following purposes are approved under § 21.25(b)(7):
• Rotorcraft external-load operations (part 133).
• Carriage of cargo (incidental).
• Target towing.
• Search and Rescue (SAR) (nontransport).
• Space vehicle (SV) launch.
• Glider towing.
• Alaskan fuel hauling.
• Alaskan Fixed-Wing External Loads (FWEL).
Note: Rotorcraft certificated in the restricted category for the special purpose of external-load operations under § 21.25(b)(7) are issued restricted category airworthiness certificates.
4.3 External-Load Attaching Means.
4.3.1 Definition. External-load attaching means are the structural components used to attach an external load to an aircraft, including external-load containers, the backup structure at the attachment points, and any quick-release device used to jettison the external load.
This includes any structure, mounts, hooks, hoists, and lines used to connect the external load.
4.3.2 Certification. Rotorcraft external-load attaching means must meet the requirements outlined in § 133.43(a). While conducting external-load operations, the aircraft must have on board a facsimile of the approved Rotorcraft External-Load Operating Certificate (FAA Form 8430-21, Operating Certificate). This certificate constitutes a valid airworthiness certificate while the operator conducts external-load operations. It in no way invalidates the airworthiness certificate issued at certification. The facsimile, carried in the aircraft, is only valid while an external load is attached to the aircraft. The standard airworthiness certificate issued at certification must be displayed in accordance with 14 CFR part 91, § 91.203. Each external-load attaching means must have been approved under one of the following:
• CAR part 8 on or before January 17, 1964;
• Part 133, before February 1977;
• Part 27 or 29, as applicable, irrespective of the date of approval;
• Section 21.25;