5-1 CHAPTER 5. PART 135 OPERATIONS
5.1 Organization of Topics. This chapter is organized to promote a logical sequence of topics for the reader to easily navigate. The chapter is broken down into two distinct parts: part 135 regulations as they pertain to Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 120, Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Training; Operations Requirements;
and the ACs that are impacted by the powered-lift SFAR. The FAA reviewed the regulations contained in the powered-lift SFAR and determined that the majority of the powered-lift SFAR regulations as they pertain to part 135 do not require any further explanation to assist operator compliance with the requirements of the SFAR.
5.1.1 In order to provide operators with additional information, the following part 135 regulations are discussed under paragraph 5.2 below:
• Section 135.93, Minimum Altitudes for Use of Autopilot (refer to § 194.306(c)).
• Section 135.152, Flight Data Recorders (refer to § 194.306(p) through (r)).
• Section 135.154, Terrain Awareness and Warning System, and § 135.605, Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS) (refer to § 194.306(s) and (ooo)).
• Section 135.203, VFR: Minimum Altitudes (refer to § 194.306(mm) through (nn)).
• Section 135.209, VFR: Fuel Supply (refer to § 194.306(rr) through (ss)).
• Section 135.221, IFR: Alternate Airport Weather Minimums (refer to § 194.306(tt)).
• Section 135.223, IFR: Alternate Airport Requirements (refer to § 194.306(uu)).
• Section 135.227, Icing Conditions: Operating Limitations (refer to § 194.306(ww) through (xx)).
5.1.2 Much of the information contained in current ACs that are relevant to part 135 operations can be applied to powered-lift operations without any further explanation. The following ACs, which are addressed in paragraph 5.11 below, contain information the FAA believes would be valuable in assisting operators utilizing powered-lift in applying the requirements of the SFAR:
• AC 120-27, Aircraft Weight and Balance Control.
• AC 120-49, Parts 121 and 135 Certification.
• AC 120-96, Operations Control Center (OCC) for Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) Operations.
• AC 135-14, Helicopter Air Ambulance Operations.
5.2 Applicability of SFAR 120 to Powered-Lift Part 135 Operations.
5.2.1 Section 194.306 contains the provisions under part 135 that are applicable to powered-lift (other than the part 135 “aircraft” provisions that already apply to powered-lift).
Section 194.306 states that no person may operate a powered-lift under part 135 unless
5-2 that person complies with the regulations listed in Table 1 to § 194.306 despite their applicability to airplanes, rotorcraft, or helicopters, and requires a person operating powered-lift to comply with the requirements of those sections. Additionally, the provisions contained in the second column of Table 1 of § 194.306, and any additional requirements specified in the third column of Table 1 of § 194.306 are also applicable.
5.2.2 The FAA also notes that some part 135 regulations refer to airworthiness standards in part 23, 25, 27, or 29. When an airworthiness standard is referenced in a particular operating rule, those specific standards listed may or may not be used in their entirety due to some of the designs unique to each particular aircraft. When a particular airworthiness certification standard is referenced, but it is not practical to use that standard in its entirety, the FAA, as part of the § 21.17(b) process, c ould instead apply such airworthiness criteria as the FAA may find provide an equivalent level of safety in accordance with § 21.17(b).
5.3 S ection 135.93, Minimum A ltitudes for Use of Autopilot. Section 135.93 details minimum altitudes for use of an autopilot. Section 135.93 is applicable to all aircraft but contains many references to an Airplane Flight Manual in multiple paragraphs and, in § 135.93(g), excepts rotorcraft operations. Section 194.306(c) specifies that § 135.93(a) through (f) are applicable to powered-lift. It additionally specifies that the requirements referencing the Airplane Flight Manual in § 135.93(b) are applicable to a Powered-Lift’s Aircraft Flight Manual (PLAFM). Other requirements that reference the Airplane Flight Manual in § 135.93(a) through (f) are also applicable to a PLAFM. Section 135.93(c) stipulates requirements for the use of an autopilot for en route operations, including climbs and descents. Powered-lift that have a published minimum engagement altitude for en route operations contained in their aircraft flight manual may use the autopilot for en route operations at that minimum engagement altitude. If no minimum engagement altitude is specified in the aircraft flight manual, then a powered-lift could not use the autopilot during en route operations below 500 feet or at an altitude that is no lower than twice the altitude loss specified in the aircraft flight manual for an autopilot malfunction in cruise conditions, whichever is greater. The FAA also retained the provision in § 135.93(c)(3) that permits the use of the autopilot en route at an altitude specified by the Administrator, which is applicable to all powered-lift regardless of whether they have an aircraft flight manual minimum engagement altitude or not.
5.4 Section 135.152, Flight Data Recorders (refer to § 194.306(p) through (r)).
5.4.1 Under § 194.306(p) through (r), § 135.152 applies to powered-lift depending on the passenger seating configuration. Under § 194.306(r), § 135.152(c), (d), (f), and (j) apply to powered-lift with a passenger seating configuration (excluding crewmember seats) of 10 to 30 seats. Under § 194.306(p), § 135.152(a) applies to powered-lift with a passenger seating configuration of 10 to 19 seats. And under § 194.306(q), § 135.152(b) and (b)(3) apply to powered-lift with a passenger seating configuration of 20 to 30 seats.
As mentioned in paragraph 5.2.2 above, the FAA will either apply the airworthiness standards referred to throughout §§ 135.151 and 135.152 or the equivalent standards developed during the § 21.17(b) process.
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5.4.2 To comply with § 135.152(a), and in accordance with § 194.306(p), powered-lift having a passenger seating configuration of 10 to 19 seats must comply with the flight recorder specifications found within § 194.312 or § 194.313 in lieu of part 135 appendix B and part 135 appendix C, which are referenced in § 135.152(a). Under § 194.312 (vertical-lift flight mode) and § 194.313 (wing-borne flight mode), the FAA applied the flight data recorder (FDR) requirements from the airplane and helicopter appendices to powered-lift, dependent on which operational flight mode is in use. The FAA replaced helicopter-specific nomenclature for flight controls to accommodate powered-lift by changing the terminology used for primary controls. Despite the slight nomenclature changes within the tables to accommodate powered-lift, the FAA did not change the other information and parameters listed within the original part 135 appendices B and C.
5.5 Section 135.154, Terrain Awareness and Warning System, and § 135.605, Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS) (refer to § 194.306(s) and (ooo)). Section 135.154 requires a Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) to be installed on airplanes and § 135.605 requires an HTAWS system be installed on helicopters used in air ambulance operations. Section 194.306(s) requires powered-lift configured with six or more passenger seats, excluding any pilot seat, to be equipped with HTAWS that meets the requirements in Technical Standard Order (TSO)-C194, Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS), and RTCA DO-309, Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) for Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS) Airborne Equipment, section 2, or an FAA-approved Class A TAWS (TAWS A)/HTAWS hybrid system. Section 194.306(ooo) requires powered-lift conducting air ambulance operations to be equipped with an HTAWS that meets the requirements in TSO-C194 and RTCA DO-309 section 2 or an FAA-approved TAWS A/HTAWS hybrid system.
5.5.1 H TAWS Requirement. Powered -lift operators may meet the requirement by having either an HTAWS or a hybrid TAWS A/HTAWS that has been approved by the FAA. The aircraft flight manual must contain appropriate procedures for the use of the TAWS and proper flightcrew reaction in response to the TAWS audio and visual warnings.
5.5.2 H TAWS and Hybrid TAWS A/HTAWS Approvals .
5.5.2.1 FAA Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) certification branches (are responsible for assessing HTAWS or a hybrid TAWS A/HTAWS prior to installation and its use on the aircraft. Field approvals are not authorized for these systems. The assessment of these systems may occur at initial certification or when a supplemental or amended type certification is requested.
5.5.2.2 HTAWS that meet the TSO-C194 standard must be approved as part of the type certificate (TC) approval process under § 21.17(b).
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5.5.2.3 HTAWS or hybrid TAWS A/HTAWS equipment that does not meet the TSO-C194 standard must be assessed and approved by the FAA prior to installation and its use under the TC approval process under § 21.17(b).
5.5.2.4 Modifiers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) should submit requests to the responsible AIR certification branch. A list of AIR certification branches can be found at https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/c ertification_branches.
5.6 Section 135.203, VFR: Minimum Altitudes.
5.6.1 Section 135.203 provides the visual flight rules (VFR) minimum altitude requirements for airplanes and helicopters. The FAA has determined that powered-lift that are able to autorotate or conduct an approved equivalent maneuver should be allowed to use the same VFR minimum altitudes as provided to helicopters. The two scenarios where this would be applicable to powered-lift operations are when a powered-lift is being operated in the vertical-lift flight mode or, when operating in the wing-borne flight mode, the powered-lift is able to transition from wing-borne flight to the vertical-lift flight mode and then conduct a safe autorotation or approved equivalent maneuver that permits a controlled descent to a landing.
5.6.2 Section 135.203(b) applies when a powered-lift is operating in the vertical-lift flight mode, however; the powered-lift must be certificated and be able to conduct an autorotation or an approved equivalent maneuver to a landing. If a powered-lift is not certificated or able to conduct an autorotation or an approved equivalent maneuver to a landing, then the minimums specified in § 135.203(a) would apply.
5.6.3 To utilize a lower VFR minimum altitude than specified in § 135.203(a) when operating in the wing-borne flight mode, an operator must be authorized to use a lower altitude by operations specifications (OpSpecs). The OpSpecs will specify the VFR minimum altitude for each type of powered-lift. To receive this authorization, the PLAFM must have a minimum altitude specified that enables a transition from wing-borne flight mode to the vertical-lift flight mode, and then conduct a safe autorotation or approved equivalent maneuver that permits a controlled descent to a landing. This authorization will be granted to each specific type of powered-lift since each type could have a different minimum altitude specified in the respective aircraft flight manual. If the aircraft flight manual limitation is greater than 300 feet, that altitude becomes the required minimum altitude. However, when operating in the wing-borne flight mode a powered-lift in no case would be allowed to go below 300 feet above the surface.
Powered-lift that do not have a minimum altitude specified in the aircraft flight manual that enables a transition from wing-borne flight mode to the vertical-lift flight mode as discussed above must use the airplane criteria found in § 135.203(a) for day and night operations when they are operating in the wing-borne flight mode.
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5.7 Section 135.209, VFR: Fuel Supply.
5.7.1 Section 135.209(a) requires airplanes to have enough fuel supply under VFR, considering wind and forecast weather conditions, to reach the first point of intended landing at normal cruise fuel consumption and then fly after that point for 30 minutes. At night, this requirement increases to 45 minutes past the first point of intended landing.
Section 135.209(b) states that helicopters must have enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing, considering wind and forecast weather conditions, and to fly after that for at least 20 minutes regardless of day or nighttime.
5.7.2 Section 194.306(ss) allows a powered-lift to use the VFR helicopter fuel minimums when they are able to conduct a landing in the vertical-lift flight mode. This provision would not prevent a powered-lift from operating in the wing-borne flight mode but will require the powered-lift to have the performance capability, as detailed in the aircraft flight manual, to conduct a landing in the vertical-lift flight mode along the entire route of flight. When using this provision, a person must consider any landing performance data that enables a landing in the vertical-lift flight mode, including taking into consideration the energy requirements to successfully complete a descent and landing in the vertical-lift flight mode from the altitude they plan to use. There may be performance requirements or limitations contained in the aircraft flight manual that could prevent a powered-lift from conducting a landing in the vertical-lift flight mode, such as a landing weight limitation, thereby requiring the use of the airplane fuel supply requirements of § 135.209(a).
5.7.3 Section 194.306(rr) and (ss) contain the flexibility to apply for a deviation for a fuel supply other than the airplane or helicopter VFR fuel supply requirements prescribed in § 135.209(a) and (b). This deviation will be available only to those powered-lift operating over specific routes that have predetermined suitable landing areas available. A suitable landing area under § 194.306(rr) and (ss) is an area that provides the operator reasonable capability to land without causing undue hazard to persons or property. These suitable landing areas must be site-specific, designated by the operator, and accepted by the FAA.
This will ensure that any operation conducted with less than the prescriptive VFR fuel supply requirements will be conducted under a controlled environment. The controlled environment will incorporate predetermined suitable landing areas that are known by the pilot in advance and be based upon the specific route being flown. The FAA will evaluate each certificate holder’s (CH) deviation request to determine if the proposed operation will maintain an equivalent level of safety as currently provided in the prescriptive rule.
The authorization to use this deviation would be granted to the CH via OpSpecs.
5.8 Section 135.221, IFR: Alternate Airport Weather Minimums.
5.8.1 Section 135.221 provides the requirements for alternate airport weather minimums. Per § 135.221(a), no person operating an aircraft other than rotorcraft may designate an alternate airport unless the weather reports or forecasts indicate the weather conditions will be at or above authorized alternate airport landing minimums for that airport at the estimated time of arrival (ETA).
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5.8.2 Section 135.221(b) provides alternate airport weather minimums for rotorcraft.
Powered-lift that are authorized to conduct Copter Procedures and can land in the vertical-lift flight mode, as provided in the aircraft flight manual, can use the provisions stipulated in § 135.221(b).
5.9 Section 135.223, IFR: Alternate Airport Requirements.
5.9.1 Section 135.223(a) requires aircraft other than helicopters to carry a 45-minute fuel reserve. Section 135.223(a)(3) limits the fuel reserve for helicopters to 30 minutes.
5.9.2 Powered-lift that are authorized to conduct Copter Procedures and can land in the vertical-lift flight mode as provided in the aircraft flight manual will have the option to use the helicopter fuel requirements specified in § 135.223(a)(3).
5.9.3 A powered-lift will only be authorized to utilize Copter Procedures if they are able to fly at the slower airspeeds necessary to conduct those procedures. Powered-lift that are unable to meet the requirements for Copter Procedures will be required to use standard approach procedures, and therefore use the fuel requirement specified for aircraft in § 135.223(a)(3). During aircraft certification, the FAA will assess the aircraft’s stability, system, and equipage for instrument flight rules (IFR) operations. A powered-lift that does not possess these characteristics may still be certificated for IFR but will be prohibited from performing Copter Procedures and have a limitation in the aircraft flight manual to that effect. Those powered-lift with a limitation in the aircraft flight manual prohibiting Copter Procedures would not be authorized to use the 30-minute fuel reserve option and would be required to use the 45-minute fuel reserves specified for aircraft.
5.9.4 When taking into consideration the performance capability to conduct a landing in the vertical-lift flight mode, a person must consider the energy required to successfully complete a descent from the altitude they plan to use, any required instrument or visual procedure, and land in the vertical-lift flight mode. There may be performance requirements or limitations contained in the aircraft flight manual, or in any approved minimum equipment list (MEL) that would prevent a powered-lift from conducting a landing in the vertical-lift flight mode, such as a landing weight limitation or a deferred maintenance item, thereby requiring a person to use the 45 minutes of reserve fuel.
5.10 Section 135.227, Icing Conditions: Operating Limitations (refer to § 194.306(ww) and (xx)).
5.10.1 Section 135.227(b) specifies airplanes, and allows an operator to take off in conditions where frost, ice, or snow may reasonably be expected to adhere to the airplane provided the pilot has completed all the applicable training required by § 135.341 and one of the conditions in § 135.227(b)(1) through (3) is met. Section 194.306(ww) allows powered-lift to utilize the same provisions extended to airplanes as provided in § 135.227(b). However, § 194.306(ww) has some different requirements than those contained in § 135.227(b) for airplanes, and are explained below.
5.10.2 In addition to wings and control surfaces, powered-lift may have other surfaces that are negatively impacted by frost, ice, or snow adhering to those surfaces, such as rotor
5-7 blades. These other surfaces are considered “critical surfaces,” which the manufacturer will identify during certification and will be outlined in the aircraft flight manual for that aircraft. Any frost, ice, or snow adhering to a critical surface could have an adverse impact on the aircraft’s ability to operate safely.
5.10.3 Section 194.306(ww)(1) requires that the powered-lift critical surfaces, as outlined in the aircraft flight manual for that aircraft, must be determined to be free of frost, ice, or snow.
Additionally, § 194.306(ww)(2) stipulates that powered-lift critical surfaces are determined by the manufacturer.
5.10.4 Further discussion of ground deicing/anti-icing programs can be found in the current editions of AC 120-60, Ground Deicing and Anti-Icing Program, and AC 120-107, Use of Remote On-Ground Ice Detection System.
5.10.5 S ection 135.227(c) includes the regulatory requirements for flight into icing conditions, and it specifies that no pilot may fly under IFR into known or forecast light or moderate icing conditions or under VFR into known light or moderate icing conditions unless certain conditions are met. Section 135.227(c)(1) requires the “aircraft” to have functioning deicing or anti-icing equipment protecting each rotor blade, propeller, windshield, wing, stabilizing or control surface, and each airspeed, altimeter, rate of climb, or flight attitude instrument system. The requirement applies to all aircraft;
accordingly, any powered-lift that intends to fly into the icing conditions specified must have functioning deicing or anti-icing equipment.
5.10.6 Section 135.227(c)(2) and (c)(3) are airplane-specific. The FAA will not apply this section to powered-lift because they are applying the provisions provided by § 135.227(d) through the issuance of § 194.306(xx) as described in paragraph 5.10.7 below.
5.10.7 Section 135.227(d) addresses in-flight icing conditions and prohibits any pilot from flying a helicopter under IFR into known or forecast icing conditions or under VFR into known icing conditions unless it has been type certificated and appropriately equipped for operations in icing conditions. Section 194.306(xx) prohibits any pilot from flying a powered-lift under IFR into known or forecast icing conditions or under VFR into known icing conditions unless it has been type certificated and appropriately equipped for operations in icing conditions.
5.11 ACs Requiring Further Explanation for the Integration of Powered-Lift. To comply with § 194.306, as well as other regulations not contained in the powered-lift SFAR but relevant to powered-lift operations, some information from existing ACs was extracted to provide additional information to assist an operator in applying the requirements of the powered-lift SFAR. This additional information is listed below.
5.11.1 A C 120-27, Aircraft Weight and Balance Control . AC 120-27 was written for both airplanes and helicopters, and the majority of its content applies to powered-lift without the need for additional explanation. However, the information regarding standard average
5-8 weights warrants additional explanation because it will also apply to powered-lift authorized to conduct air ambulance operations.
5.11.1.1 Standard Average Weights. Use of standard average weights is limited to operators of multiengine turbine-powered aircraft that have a passenger seat configuration of five or more passenger seats who hold OpSpecs, management specifications (MSpecs), or Letters of Authorization (LOA), as applicable, and the following:
1. For aircraft other than powered-lift certificated under part 23 (normal category), part 25, or part 29;
2. A large powered-lift certificated under § 21.17(b); or
3. The operator and manufacturer are able to prove that the aircraft can meet the performance requirements prescribed by part 23 normal category aircraft.
Note: Piston-powered powered-lift authorized to conduct air ambulance operations may not use standard average weights.
5.11.2 A C 120-96, Operations Control Center (OCC) for Helicopter Air Ambulance Operations (HAA), and AC 135-14, Helicopter Air Ambulance Operations. AC 120-96 and AC 135-14 are helicopter-specific and are not slated to be revised to incorporate powered-lift until the SFAR expires and a permanent rule is adopted. Although most of the information contained in AC 120-96 and AC 135-14 can be applied to powered-lift without any further explanation, the information below will aid the part 135 CH conducting air ambulance operations in complying with the powered-lift SFAR.
5.11.3 AC 120-96, Operations Control Center (OCC) for Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) Operations.
5.11.3.1 OCC Requirement. Part 135 subpart L will be applicable to any operator conducting air ambulance operations with a powered-lift as required by § 194.306. AC 120-96 provides information on OCC requirements for HAA operations and was written to specifically address helicopters. The information contained in AC 120-96 also applies to powered-lift conducting air ambulance operations because all powered-lift air ambulance operations are required under the SFAR to comply with part 135 subpart L. The information in AC 120-96 read in conjunction with this AC will assist part 135 CHs conducting air ambulance operations in powered-lift in complying with the SFAR. Section 135.619 requires operators conducting HAA operations with 10 or more helicopters to establish an OCC that is staffed with appropriately trained Operations Control Specialists (OCS) that provide the services required by § 135.619. Under § 194.306(www), powered-lift operators conducting air ambulance operations utilizing 10 or more air ambulance aircraft must establish an OCC, whether the air ambulance aircraft are helicopters, powered-lift, or any combination thereof.
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5.11.3.2 Terms and Requirements. AC 120-96 contains the terms “helicopter” and “HAA,” as well as a 10-helicopter requirement for an operator to establish an OCC. These helicopter-specific terms and requirements are noted below.
5.11.3.2.1 When the term “helicopter” is used, the topic being addressed in AC 120-96 will be applicable to powered-lift unless otherwise noted.
5.11.3.2.2 When the term “HAA” is used, it will also apply to operators using powered-lift for air ambulance operations under § 194.306(mmm).
5.11.3.2.3 The FAA reiterates that the requirement for an OCC under the SFAR is based on whether the operator has 10 or more aircraft conducting air ambulance operations, whether they are helicopters, powered-lift, or any combination thereof.
5.11.3.3 Definitions and Abbreviations. AC 120-96 contains a list of definitions and abbreviations. Selected definitions from AC 120-96 are discussed below to provide greater clarity for those areas where the SFAR contains differences that relate to powered-lift.
5.11.3.3.1 O verwater Flight. AC 120-96 refers to overwater flight for rotorcraft.
Overwater flight for powered-lift is the operation of a powered-lift beyond the autorotational or gliding distance from the shoreline. Determining whether the powered-lift is conducting overwater flight depends on the powered-lift’s ability to autorotate or glide to reach the shoreline. If the powered-lift is operating overwater beyond either the gliding, or autorotational distance of the shoreline, then it meets the definition of overwater flight.
5.11.3.3.2 Sui table Offshore Heliport Structure. A suitable offshore heliport structure is defined as a heliport structure that can support the size and weight of the rotorcraft being operated where a safe landing can be made. Powered-lift that are able to conduct vertical takeoff and landings can use any suitable heliport or vertiport, and this includes suitable offshore heliport structures.
Additionally, in order to use a heliport, a powered-lift must be capable of meeting the performance requirements for that specific heliport, and the powered-lift cannot exceed the size and weight limitations established for that heliport.
Note: T o determine if a powered -lift can use a vertiport, refer to Engineering Brief No. 105, Vertiport Design, at the Airport Engineering Briefs web page at https://www.faa.gov/airports/engineeri ng/engineering_briefs.
5.11.4 AC 135-14, Helicopter Air Ambulance Operations.
5.11.4.1 Air Ambulance Operations. AC 135-14 provides information on HAA operations and was written to specifically address helicopters. Some of the information contained in AC 135-14 also applies to powered-lift conducting
5-10 air ambulance operations because all powered-lift air ambulance operations are required by § 194.306(mmm) to comply with part 135 subpart L. The information in AC 135-14 reads in conjunction with the information contained within this AC to assist part 135 CHs conducting air ambulance operations in powered-lift in complying with the SFAR.
5.11.4.2 Terms and Requirements. AC 135-14 contains the terms “helicopter” and “HAA,” as well as a 10-helicopter requirement for an operator to establish an OCC. These helicopter-specific terms and requirements are noted below:
5.11.4.2.1 When the term “helicopter” is used, the topic being addressed in AC 135-14 will be applicable to powered-lift unless otherwise noted.
5.11.4.2.2 When the term “HAA” is used, it will also apply to operators using powered-lift for air ambulance operations under § 194.306(mmm).
5.11.4.2.3 The FAA notes that the requirement for an OCC under the SFAR is based on whether the operator has 10 or more aircraft conducting air ambulance operations, whether they are helicopters, powered-lift, or any combination thereof.
5.11.4.3 Definitions and Abbreviations.
5.11.4.3.1 Autorotational Distance. Autorotational distance is the distance a powered-lift or rotorcraft can travel in autorotation as described by its manufacturer in the approved aircraft flight manual. (Refer to §§ 135.168 and 194.306(z).)
5.11.4.3.2 Overwater Flight. AC 135-14 refers to overwater flight for rotorcraft.
Overwater flight for powered-lift is the operation of a powered-lift beyond the autorotational or gliding distance from the shoreline. Determining whether the powered-lift is conducting overwater flight depends on the powered-lift’s ability to autorotate or glide to reach the shoreline. If the powered-lift is operating over water beyond either the gliding or autorotational distance of the shoreline, then it meets the definition of overwater flight.
5.11.4.3.3 S horeline. Shoreline is land adjacent to the water of an ocean, sea, lake, pond, river, or tidal basin that is above the high-water mark where a powered-lift could be landed safely. This does not include land areas unsuitable for landing, such as vertical cliffs or land intermittently under water. (Refer to §§ 135.168 and 194.306(z).)
5.11.4.3.4 S uitable Offshore Heliport Structure. Suitable offshore heliport structure is a heliport structure that can support the size and weight of the rotorcraft being operated where a safe landing can be made. Powered-lift that are able to conduct vertical takeoff and landings can use any suitable heliport or vertiport, and this includes suitable offshore heliport structures. Additionally, in order to use a heliport, a powered-lift must be capable of meeting the performance
5-11 requirements for that specific heliport, and the powered-lift cannot exceed the size and weight limitations established for that heliport.
Note: To determine if a powered-lift can use a vertiport, refer to Engineering Brief No. 105, Vertiport Design, at the Airport Engineering Briefs web page at https://www.faa.gov/airports/engineeri ng/engineering_briefs.
5.11.5 Certification and HAA-Specific Considerations. HAA operations are authorized through the issuance of OpSpec A021, Helicopter and/or Powered-Lift Air Ambulance Operations. Powered-lift conducting air ambulance operations will experience the same organizational and operational challenges that current HAA operators face. Therefore, the FAA will authorize powered-lift operators wanting to conduct air ambulance operations by issuing OpSpecs. In addition, powered-lift air ambulance operators are required by § 194.306(mmm) to comply with part 135 subpart L.
5.11.6 Regulatory Operational Considerations. HAA operators and persons utilizing powered-lift for air ambulance operations are subject to regulatory operational requirements contained in part 135, including part 135 subpart L, and part 194.
Section 194.306(a) and (mmm) require powered-lift air ambulance operators to comply with part 135 subpart L.
5.11.7 Pilot Qualifications. Ref er to AC 194-2, Pilot Training and Certification for Powered-Lift Operations, for detailed information on pilot training and certification and guidance for pilots, examiners, and instructors on the pilot training and certification process in a powered-lift.
5.11.8 V FR Ceiling and Visibility Requirements for Class G Airspace . Section 135.609 specifies the minimum ceiling and visibility requirements for conducting VFR HAA operations in Class G Airspace. Operators conducting air ambulance operations with powered-lift must comply with § 135.609 as well as the powered-lift specific ceiling and visibility contained in § 194.306(qqq). Those requirements are broken down into day or night, vertical-lift or wing-borne flight mode, mountainous or non-mountainous, and local or non-local flying areas. The provisions in § 194.306(qqq) specify VFR weather minimums specific to powered-lift conducting air ambulance operations in Class G Airspace. Those minimums are detailed in Table 5-1 below:
5-12 Table 5-1. Revised VFR Air Ambulance Minimums in Class G Airspace Location Day Vertical-Lift Wing-Borne Flight Mode Night Vertical-Lift Flight Mode Night Wing-Borne Flight Mode Ceiling Visibility Ceiling Visibility Ceiling Visibility Non-Mountainous Local Flying Areas 800 ft 2 sm 800 ft 3 sm 1,500 ft 3 sm Non-Mountainous Non-Local Flying Areas 800 ft 3 sm 1,000 ft 3 sm 1,500 ft 3 sm Mountainous Local Flying Areas 800 ft 3 sm 1,000 ft 3 sm 2,500 ft 3 sm Mountainous Non-Local Flying Areas 1,000 ft 3 sm 1,000 ft 5 sm 2,500 ft 5 sm
5.11.9 VFR Flight Planning Documentation.
5.11.9.1 Operators conducting air ambulance operations with powered-lift must comply with § 135.615, including the powered-lift specific requirements contained in § 194.306(uuu). Section 135.615 requires VFR flight planning and includes the evaluation and documentation requirements for part 135 CHs conducting HAA operations. Section 194.306(uuu) contains different altitude clearance requirements for powered-lift that will be operated en route in the wing-borne flight mode than those currently listed for helicopters. Therefore, § 194.306(uuu) requires the pilot in command (PIC) of a powered-lift that will be operating in the wing-borne flight mode to use the higher minimum altitudes specified for airplanes in § 135.203(a)(1) and (a)(2) while conducting VFR operations en route. Therefore, to comply with the requirements of § 194.306(uuu), the PIC of a powered-lift being operated in the wing-borne flight mode must ensure that all terrain and obstacles along the route of flight are cleared vertically and horizontally by no less than 500 feet during the day.
At night, that requirement is no less than 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance (HD) of 5 miles from the course intended to be flown, while the requirement in designated mountainous terrain is no less than 2,000 feet above the highest obstacle within an HD of 5 miles from the course intended to be flown.
5.11.9.2 When a powered-lift will be operated en route in the vertical-lift flight mode the altitude clearance requirements of § 135.615(b), those stipulated for helicopters, can be used. The PIC must ensure that all terrain and obstacles