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4.10.2 Visual Conditions. A descent continues to 400 ft RA. Upon reaching visual conditions, the pilot proceeds to the landing site. If the pilot cannot proceed under visual conditions to the landing site, a missed approach is executed.
4.11 Limitations. D escent below 700 ft MSL is not authorized whenever any of the following conditions exist:
1. Any obstruction is detected in the HEDA.
2. Radio altimeter is inoperative.
3. Airborne radar is inoperative.
Note: Lowest altitude used for IFR flight in any HEDA must not be lower than 400 ft RA. The descent area must be entirely over water.
4.12 Missed Approach.
4.12.1 Climbing Turn. T he missed approach is a climb to 900 ft in the HEDA then a climbing turn to 2,000 ft directly to the HEDA fix coordinates, remain within 10 NM of the HEDA, or as directed by air traffic control (ATC).
4.12.2 Holding. The missed holding procedure is established over the HEDA fix coordinates on the inbound course, with 3 NM legs, maintaining the MIA or as directed by ATC.
4.12.3 Conditions for Missed Approach Point (MAP). The missed approach must be executed when any of the following occurs:
1. Failure to establish and maintain visual conditions at the HEDA coordinates,
2.
Failure of airborne radar or appearance of a radar target in the HEDA below 700 ft MSL, and/or
3. Failure of the radio altimeter below 700 ft MSL.
4.12.4 Lost Communication Procedure After the Missed Approach. Execute the published missed approach and then proceed directly to the alternate at the 2,000 ft.
4.13 Alternate Requirements.
4.13.1 Alternate Destination. When the IFR flight plan destination is a HEDA, an alternate destination must be filed. If the alternate is to an established onshore airport, a standard or special instrument operation other than GPS-based is required unless the aircraft is equipped with approved TSO-C145( ) or TSO-C146( ) avionics and STC for instrument approach procedures (IAP), then the onshore airport can have a GPS-based operation.
4.14 Training.
4.14.1 Experience. Before conducting HEDA operations in IMC, each flightcrew member should have:
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1. Ten hours of flightcrew experience operating IFR (at either crew station) in the offshore route structure.
2. A minimum of ten HEDAs and at least four from each crewmember position. This may be reduced by the POI for the operator based on the flightcrew experience and proficiency.
4.14.2 T raining .
4.14.2.1 All training must be a matter of record.
4.14.2.2 After completing HEDA training, each flightcrew member must pass a HEDA flight proficiency check. They may then be authorized to use the HEDAs to 100 ft above the lowest established ceiling minimums and ½ sm above the lowest established visibility minimums. Each crewmember must then fly and record ten additional HEDAs before receiving authorization to conduct operations to the lowest established ceiling and visibility minimums required by the operator. The POI may reduce these requirements based on total crew experience provided the pilot in command (PIC) meets all the conditions of this paragraph.
4.14.2.3 The flight proficiency check is an annual requirement.
4.14.2.4 Helicopter flight simulators specifically approved for HEDA training by the National Simulator Program (NSP) and the POI assigned to the operator may be used for any amount of required training.
4.14.2.5 In accordance with Order 8900.1, operators requesting authority to use HEDAs are required to satisfactorily train their flightcrew members under an FAA-approved training program before beginning HEDA operations.
Operators should submit a proposed training program to the responsible Flight Standards office, as applicable, for approval. (See Appendix A for a sample training program.)
5-1 CHAPTER 5. REQUESTS FOR OPERATIONAL APPROVAL OF OSAP, ARA, OR
HEDA OPERATIONS
5.1 Submission of Application for Operations Approval.
5.1.1 Wr itten Request . The certificated air carrier or operator submits the operation request including the proposed chart to the principal inspector (PI) of the responsible Flight Standards office. The PI should notify the FPAG for operational coordination within their specified area of operation. For operations outside of the responsible Flight Standards office’s operational area, the FPAG should coordinate with the controlling air traffic facility and Flight Standards office (if required) for the intended operational area. When the operator meets all of the requirements, the responsible Flight Standards office approves the operation and issues operations specifications (OpSpecs) or a Letter of Authorization (LOA). The responsible Flight Standards office may request support from another Flight Standards office or the FOG.
5.1.2 Evaluation. The FAA will evaluate the requests to ensure that particular radar and Global Positioning System (GPS) or other navigation requirement combination meets minimum requirements, flightcrew training requirements are met, and helicopter and avionics maintenance requirements are adequate. FAA engineering flight test and evaluation are required if a radar is installed that has not previously been approved for obstruction avoidance with ground mapping mode. The application should include the following items:
5.1.2.1 O SAPs, ARAs, or HEDAs:
1. A list of helicopters, the type of navigation equipment installed, and evidence of FAA approval of the airborne radar system for obstacle avoidance with ground mapping mode in accordance with the requirement of this AC.
2. A description of the equipment installation, helicopter flight manual supplements and changes, and proposed minimum equipment lists (MEL), if appropriate.
3. The training program.
4. The maintenance program.
5. Location of nearest weather and altimeter setting source.
6. Charted operations. The operator or the FAA may chart the operation on a reimbursable basis. The operator will submit the original charted operation to the responsible Flight Standards office.
7. Platform lighting.
8. Recommendation as to night operations.
9. Communication frequencies.
10. Platform markings.
5-2
5.1.2.2 ARA (only). The request should contain evidence of an FAA approval of any required ground-based transponder beacon and a description of any ground-based transponder beacon installation. The following are required for submission:
1. Navigation systems to be used (shore to platform).
2. Elevation and location of all landing platforms, rigs, or drilling ships, and any other obstacles within the intermediate and final operation areas.
3. Availability and requirement for use of a platform-based radar transponder beacon.
5.1.2.3 HEDA (only):
1. A representative pictorial and written description of the proposed HEDA.
2. HEDA location (latitude and longitude to within the nearest tenth of a second).
3. Operations and training manual revisions to incorporate HEDAs, if it is an initial application.
4. The date of first intended use and the proposed length of service that authorization is sought.
5.1.3 In strument Operations .
1. Helicopter OSAP, ARA, and HEDA operations to offshore platforms/helidecks are classified as instrument operations.
2. The OpSpecs or LOAs usually contain conditional authorizations that apply to individual operators. The responsible Flight Standards office approves operations for their operators. All other operators submit requests directly to the Flight Standards office having jurisdiction over the area of intended operation for approval.
5.2 Specific Operator Requirements and Operations.
5.2.1 N avigation and Facility Requirements . Any operator that wishes to be approved for instrument flight rule (IFR) offshore operations must ensure that the following navigation and facility requirements are met:
5.2.1.1 R oute Requirements. Operators may develop these proposed and specified routes by onshore station reference navigation where adequate signal coverage is available. Outside of the area where signal coverage is available, the operator must provide a suitable means of navigation. By means of validation tests in visual conditions, Principal Operations Inspectors (POI) must ensure that the operator is able to demonstrate adequate navigational performance for these routes before being granted approval to use them. All fix coordinates will be submitted to the responsible Flight Standards office by the operator.
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5.2.1.2 Terminal Operations. Appropriate OSAP, ARA, or HEDA charts and operations must be approved by the POI before being published in the operator’s manual. The POI grants the authorization by means of an LOA or OpSpec.
5.2.1.3 Air Traffic LOA for Area of Operation. The operator should request support from the responsible Flight Standards office or the FPAG representative.
5.2.2 I ssuance of an LOA or OpSpecs. An LOA or OpSpec authorizing the use of OSAP, ARA, or HEDA operations is issued to the operator by their responsible Flight Standards office and/or POI. An LOA or OpSpecs authorizing the use of HEDA procedures is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. Any operator wishing to obtain HEDA revalidation must submit written confirmation to the POI ensuring that the HEDA is clear of obstructions and that positive course guidance is available. The operator must provide the means for any onsite inspection by the POI (if required).
Appendix A A-1 APPENDIX A. SAMPLE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR OSAP, ARA, OR HEDA A.1 Sample Training Program.
A.1.1 General. Operator s are required to establish and maintain an approved training program appropriate to their operations before final approval of the special instrument operation.
Anyone requesting authorization to use an Offshore Standard Approach Procedure (OSAP), Airborne Radar Approach (ARA), or Helicopter En Route Descent Area (HEDA) in instrument flight rule (IFR) flight operations must train each flightcrew member on the following subjects. (The abbreviations of operations enclosed in brackets [ ] indicate application only to that type of operation.)
A.1.2 Basic Airborne Radar Principles and Operation. (Ground school 5 hours , Equipment operation 1 hour.)
A.1.3 Theory of Operation.
1. Terminology.
2. Block diagrams (P-40/50, BDX 1300/1400, etc.).
A.1.4 Interpretation of Radar Returns.
1. Primary.
2. Secondary.
3. False return, clutter, anomalies.
4. Enhancement devices: beacons/reflectors.
5. [ARA] Correlation of ground photos/maps with radar scope pictures, and identification of clusters/targets. (Ground school 8 hours.)
A.1.5 Equipment Limitations.
1. Effects of precipitation.
2. Effects of sea state and wave height.
A.1.6 Detecting and Reporting Equipment Malfunctions.
A.1.7 Emergency Procedures.
A.1.8 [OSAP and HEDA] Global Positioning System (GPS) Principles and Operation. (Ground school 2 hours, Equipment operation 3 hours.)
A.1.9 Introduction and Basic Principles.
Appendix A A-2 A.1.10 Controls, Indicators, and Display Functions.
1. Display unit and functions.
2. Data selector switch, controls, and indicators.
3. Course deviation indicator.
4. Receiver computer unit.
A.1.11 Operating Procedures.
1. General.
2. Preflight and operational checks.
3. Self-test.
4. Initial present position entry.
5. Magnetic variation entry.
6. Area Navigation (RNAV) using waypoints.
7. Leg change entry.
8. Offset track—entry and steering.
9. User-defined waypoints.
10. Identifying and correcting operational problems.
A.1.12 OSAP, ARA, or HEDA Operations. ( Ground school 2 hours.)
1. Definitions.
2. Limitations.
3. Minimums.
4. Weather requirements.
5. Equipment requirements.
6. [OSAP or ARA] Approach target identification.
7. [OSAP] Final Approach Point (FAP) identification and verification.
8. Verification and placement of the missed approach point (MAP).
9. Final approach course.
10. [OSAP] Course adjustment to 0.5 NM offset.
11. [OSAP] Decision Point Altitude (DPA).
12. Verification of equipment accuracy at DPA.
13. Verification of minimum horizontal obstacle clearance.
14. Using the lowest appropriate radar scale.
Appendix A A-3
15. Missed approach.
16. Crew coordination, duties, and responsibilities.
17. Before Final Approach Segment (FAS).
18. During FAS.
19. [OSAP or ARA] After visual reference is established with the operation target.
20. [OSAP or ARA] When visual reference is lost while maneuvering to the landing site.
21. [OSAP or ARA] Upon reaching the MAP without visual reference with the operation target.
22. [HEDA] Upon reaching the HEDA coordinates without establishing visual conditions.
23. [HEDA] When visual conditions cannot be maintained while maneuvering to the landing site.
A.2 Flight Training. (Visual conditions 3 hours.) All assigned pilots and radar operators must complete as many trips over a route terminating in an OSAP, ARA, or HEDA under the supervision of an instructor or check airmen, as may be necessary to:
1. Ensure their competency in the use of the equipment; and
2. Enable certification of their proficiency in the system.
A.2.1 Recurrent Training. Recur rent training for pilots and radar operators is required annually.
A.2.2 Currency Requirements. A flight proficiency check is required annually.
A.3 Records.
1. A method of maintaining flightcrew member training records must be approved by the Principal Operations Inspector (POI) prior to authorizing OSAP, ARA, or HEDA operations.
2. Appropriate training and certification records will be maintained by each operator and shall be presented for inspection on request of the FAA.
Note 1: The ground school and flight hours are for illustrative purposes only.
POIs must determine, with their operators, an appropriate number of hours based on the operator’s environment, experience, procedures, and equipment. POIs are directed by policy, which prohibits approving any initial training program with less than a specific number of ground and flight training hours.
Note 2: Flight training requirements may be expressed in numbers of operations rather than in numbers of flight-hours.
Appendix B B-1 APPENDIX B. SAMPLE OFFSHORE INSTRUMENT CHARTS B.1 Sample Offshore Instrument Charts:
• Figure B-1, Sample Delta 30° OSAP.
• Figure B-2, Sample Parallel Offset OSAP.
• Figure B-3, Sample ARA Chart for Single Platform.
• Figure B-4, Sample ARA Chart for Platform Cluster.
• Figure B-5, Sample HEDA Chart.
Appendix B Figure B-1. Sample Delta 30° OSAP COPTER DELTA 30° OSAP SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION ommunicatio REQUIRED. WX RADAR IN MAPPING 10 NM equency 118.
MODE, AND OPS REQUIRED.
Maintain MEA Until Departing the En Route Fix. Select 1 NM CDI Sensitivity when Departing the En Route Fix.
5 NM (Approach Target) * En Route Landing Site 430° Heading at MAP(0.6 NM)®, ° MAP(0.6 NM) 500 ft MSL or No Lowe
1.1 NM from Than Barometric MDA Landing Site Adjusted for RASS Maximum Ground Speed DPA (Not Less Than 70 Knots between 2 NM from Landing 5 NM FAP and MAP Site) 900 ft- 7 NM Arc from the 7 NM Arc from the Approach Target Approach Target 7 NM Fix for Optional Clear All Obstructions by at Least Direct Route 0.5 NM Laterally by Radar after FAP Inbound. Teardrop PT or Standard Course Reversal. Type and NOT FOR NAVIGATION 10 NM Direction Optional.
Remain Within MISSED OPERATION: 10 NM Climb to 900 viathe д 30* Heading, DPA (Not Less FAP Remain within 10 NM and Hold, then Climbing Tum to the 2000 Direct to the Approach Target Landing Site Than 2 NM from Landing Site) • DPA 7900 KMSL Or As Directed by ATC. - • MAP 500 ft MSL or No Lower than Barometric MDA HOLDING AFTER MISSED APPROACH: Adjusted for RASS Hold Overthe Approach Target on the 1000 or As Dreced by ATe. Maintain the 0.6 INM Sea Level Avoid Radar Targets by 0.5 NM Laterally 4 Not Less than 5.0 NM from the Appr | Target -• Until Reaching 900 ft MSL when Making IFR Departures.
MDA VISIBILITY RADIO ALTIMETER STATUS RA200 3/4 OPERATIVE AN ALTERNATE FOR FILING AS *250 3/4 INOPERATIVE *Altimeter Source More Than 5 NM but Less Than 75 NM, Use 800-2 Nonprecision Alternate Increase MDA 5 ft for Each NM Over 5 NM from Landing Site. Minimums or As Approved by OpsSpecs.
PROCEED VISUALLY TO THE LANDING SITE B-2
Appendix B Figure B-2. Sample Parallel Offset OSAP SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED. Communications WX RADAR IN MAPPING MODE, AND GPS _ 10 NM Frequency 118.15 REQUIRED.
Maintain MEA Until Departing the En Route Fix. Select 1 NM CDI Sensitivity when Departing the En Route Fix.
(Approach Target) * En Route Fix Landing Site
(0.7 NM) ° @ o MAP MAP Maximum Ground
(0.7 NM) - Speed 70 Knots
0.5 NM Offset between FAP and MAP DPA (Not Less Than 500 ft MSL or No Lower 2 NM from Landing Than Barometric MDA Site) Adjusted for RASS 5 NM 900 ft- 7 NM Arc from the 7 NM Arc from the Approach Target Approach Target 7 NM Fix for Optional Clear All Obstructions by at Least Direct Route 0.5 NM Laterally by Radar after FAP Inbound. Teardrop PT or Standard Course Reversal. Type and Direction Optional.
NOT FOR NAVIGATION 10 NM Remain Within MISSED APPROACH: 10 NM Remain within 10 NM and Hold, Climb to 900 via the Offset Course, then Climbing Tum to the 2000, Direct to the Approach Target Landing Site Than 2 NM from DPA (Not Less Landing Site) • DPA FAP + 900 m MSL or As Directed by ATC.
MAP 500 ft MSL or No Lower than Barometric MDA HOLDING AFTER MISSED APPROACH: Adjusted for RASS Hold Overthe Approach Target on the 1000 or As Directed by ARS 3 NM Legs, Maintain ti 0.7 NM Sea Level Avoid Radar Targets by 0.5 NM Laterally -I Not Lese than 5.0 NM from the Operation Target Until Reaching 900 ft MSL when Making IFR Departures.
MDA VISIBILITY RADIO ALTIMETER STATUS RA200 *250 3/4 3/4 INOPERATIVE OPERATIVE FOR FILING AS AN ALTERNATE Increase MDA 5 ft for Each NM Over 5 NM from Landing Site. *Altimeter Source More Than 5 NM but Less Than 75 NM, Use 800-2 Nonprecision Alternate Minimums or As Approved by OpsSpecs.
PROCEED VISUALLY TO THE LANDING SITE B-3
Appendix B Figure B-3. Sample ARA Chart for Single Platform COPTER ARA VEAZY 63 Wx Radar in Mapping Mode Required. NOT FOR NAVIGATION Special Authorization Required. Frequency 16015 1 Platform Coordinates and Identificatio on Reverse Side 4 NM 1 {120 k) Landing Site (Approach Target) 600 ft MSL or No Lower Than Barometric MDA Adjusted for RASS 4 NM Intermediate Fix (IF) En Route Fix MEAS MISSED APPROACH: HOLDING AFTER MISSED APPROACH:
Climbing turn into the clear zone then climbing to 2000, direct to Hold over the IF on the Inbound course, 1 minute IF and hold or as directed by ATG. lege, maintain 2000 or as directed by ATC Landing Site Elevation 50 ft 1500 fLAIF Approach Target
FAP MAP MAP FAP 600 ft MSL or No Lower than Barometric MDA Adjusted for RASS Sea Level Landing RA Site
• 10 NM 4 NM - 3 NM MDA VISIBILITY RADIO ALTIMETER STATUS *Altimeter Source More Than 5 NM but Lege RA200 3/4 OPERATIVE Than 75 NM, Increage MDA 5 ft. for NM *380 1/2 INOPERATIVE Over 5 NM from Approach Target.
OVERHEAD OPERATION (Operation Target to Inbound Turn)(4NM) KNOTS 70 90 120 TIME 3:26 2:40 2:00