Chap 4 Page 4-1 CHAPTER 4. HELICOPTER EN ROUTE DESCENT AREAS
4-1. HEDA SYSTEM COMPONENT REQUIREMENTS. The system component requirements stated in paragraph 2-1 of this AC apply.
4-2. AIRWORTHINESS. Airworthiness as stated in paragraph 2-2 of this AC applies.
4-3. MAINTENANCE. Maintenance as stated in paragraph 2-3 of this AC applies.
4-4. INSPECTION AND TEST PROCEDURES. Inspection and test procedures as stated in paragraph 2-4 of this AC apply.
4-5. WEATHER REPORTING AND PREFLIGHT ACTION REQUIREMENTS. FAA Order 8400.10, Volume 4. Aircraft Equipment and Operational Authorizations, Chapter 7. Air Navigation and Communications, and Title 14 CFR Part 91, Subpart B-Flight Rules/General, provides guidance for weather reporting requirements and preflight action.
4-6. TRAINING PROGRAM. See appendix 4.
4-7. PROCEDURE DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA.
a. Procedure Construction:
(1) Criteria: A sample HEDA chart is in appendix 5, figure 5-5. A separate chart for each HEDA is not required. A certificated air carrier submits a written request with the proposed chart through the CHDO POI to the FSDO having jurisdiction over the area of intended operation. All other operators submit requests directly to the FSDO having jurisdiction over the area of intended operation. The FSDO having jurisdiction forwards the procedure to the regional AWO program manager for approval of the procedure and coordination with air traffic elements. (See appendix 1. Request For Approval of OSAP, ARA, or HEDA Procedures.)
(a) Apply paragraph 2-7a of this AC for en route criteria.
(b) The plan view of the intermediate segment and HEDA descent areas are shown in figure 4-1. The IF is the last fix prior to the HEDA. The intermediate area is the same width dimensions as the en route segment at the IF. The outside edges of the intermediate segment at the IF is drawn tangent to the HEDA area. The HEDA area is a circle that has a radius of 4 NM. The HEDA must be free of all obstacles and must be located over the water. The ROC for the intermediate segment is 500 ft with a descent charted to no lower than 900 ft MSL or no lower than the barometric MDA adjusted for the RASS.
The HEDA procedure requires special authorization and equipment. Chart the following note in the plan view of chart:
“ SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED.
WX RADAR IN MAPPING MODE, AND GPS OR LORAN C REQUIRED.”
(c) The IF is established at not more than 20 NM from the HEDA coordinates.
(d) The FAP is established on the HEDA circle. A descent is made at the FAP to the MDA.
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Chap 4 Page 4-3
(2) Altitude Minimums.
(a) Equipment Requirements. All required flight and navigation equipment must be installed and operative to descend to the 400 ft RA minimums.
(b) Chart the following notes: (See appendix 5, figure 5-5)
1. “The MDA is 700 ft MSL with radio altimeter or airborne radar mapping mode inoperative.”
2. “The MDA is 700 ft MSL with obstruction in HEDA.”
3. “Altimeter source more than 5 NM but less than 75 NM, increase MDA 5 ft for each NM over 5 NM from HEDA coordinates.”
4. “Descent below 700 ft is not authorized unless HEDA is clear of all obstructions.”
5. “Descent from MEA to 900 ft MSL is not authorized until within 20 NM of the HEDA coordinates.”
(3) Visibility Minimums. Chart the following note on the published procedure: “PROCEED VFR TO THE LANDING SITE.”
(4) Missed Approach Procedure.
(a) A missed approach procedure is made when VFR conditions cannot be established and maintained at the HEDA coordinates.
(b) Chart the following missed approach procedure instructions: “Climb to 900, then climbing turn to the MEA, direct to the HEDA coordinates. Remain within 10 NM and hold or as directed by ATC.”
(c) Chart the following missed approach holding instructions: “Hold over the HEDA coordinates on the inbound course, 3 NM legs, maintain the MEA or as directed by ATC.”
(5) Filing a HEDA as an alternate in an IFR flight plan is not authorized. Chart the following note: “Filing HEDA as an alternate not authorized.”
4-8. OPERATIONAL APPLICATIONS.
a. En route. Offshore en route navigational guidance may be based upon any approved system appropriate to the route flown. The last en route fix is based on en route facilities. In the Gulf of Mexico the last en route waypoint prior to destination is the last en route waypoint prior to the HEDA. The radar operator obtains all relevant data for the landing area, identifies the destination area and landing site, and determines the FAP and missed approach clear zone. The radar operator then briefs the approach procedure to the other pilot before arrival at the IF.
b. Intermediate Segment.
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(1) A descent below the MEA is not authorized at any point in the HEDA until the helicopter has departed the last en route fix and is offshore. The en route fix is established prior to the intermediate segment at no more than 20 NM from the HEDA coordinates. A descent to an altitude no lower than 900 ft MSL is made on this segment (See figure 3-3).
(2) The FAP altitude is no lower than 900 ft MSL or the barometric MDA adjusted for the RASS. The FAP is established at 4 NM from the HEDA coordinates.
(3) Upon arrival at the IF, the radar operator will enter the GPS or LORAN C published coordinates.
(4) Within 20 NM or at the established IF, a descent is made to 900 ft MSL.
(5) Confirmation is made by airborne radar that the HEDA is clear of obstacles.
(6) The radar operator will assure that the airborne radar and radio altimeter are operating correctly prior to descending below 900 ft MSL or the minimum intermediate altitude adjusted for RASS.
The lowest barometric MDA is 700 ft MSL.
(7) The heading from the HEDA coordinates to the landing site should be confirmed in the intermediate segment.
c. Final Descent.
(1) Before descending below 700 ft MSL, the radar operator selects the lowest appropriate scale on the airborne radar, confirms the descent area is still clear, and the radio altimeter is still operative.
(2) A descent continues to 400 ft RA. Upon reaching VFR conditions, the pilot proceeds to the landing site. If the pilot cannot proceed under VFR conditions to the landing site, a missed approach procedure is executed.
d. Special Limitations.
(1) The descent area must be entirely over water.
(2) Descent below 700 ft MSL is not authorized whenever any of the following conditions exist:
(a) Any obstruction is detected in the HEDA.
(b) Radio altimeter is inoperative.
(c) Airborne radar is inoperative.
(3) Lowest altitude used for IFR flight in any HEDA shall not be lower than 400 ft RA.
Chap 4 Page 4-5
e. Missed Approach Procedure.
(1) The missed approach procedure is a climb to 900 ft in the HEDA then a climbing turn to the MEA direct to the HEDA fix coordinates, remain within 10 NM of the HEDA, or as directed by ATC.
(2) The missed approach holding procedure is established over the HEDA fix coordinates on the inbound course, with 3 NM legs, maintaining the MEA or as directed by ATC.
(3) The missed procedure must be executed when any of the following occurs:
(a) Failure to establish and maintain VFR conditions at the HEDA coordinates.
(b) Failure of airborne radar or appearance of a radar target in the HEDA below 700 ft MSL.
(c) Failure of the radio altimeter below 700 ft MSL.
(4) Lost communication procedure after the missed approach. Execute the published missed approach procedure and then proceed direct to the alternate at the MEA.
f. Alternate Requirements. When the IFR flight plan destination is a HEDA, an alternate destination shall be filed. If the alternate is to an established onshore airport, a standard or special instrument approach procedure other than GPS or LORAN C is required.
Appendix 1 APPENDIX 1. REQUESTS FOR APPROVAL OF OSAP, ARA,
OR HEDA PROCEDURES
1. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION FOR PROCEDURES APPROVAL. A certificated air carrier submits a written request with the proposed chart through the CHDO POI to the FSDO having jurisdiction over the area of intended operation. All other operators submit requests directly to the FSDO having jurisdiction over the area of intended operation. The FSDO having jurisdiction forwards the procedure to the regional All Weather Operations (AWO) program manager for approval and coordination with air traffic elements. The FAA will evaluate the requests to ensure that a particular radar and GPS or LORAN C or other navigation requirement combination meets minimum requirements, that flight crew 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. The application should include the following items:
a. OSAP, ARA, or HEDA.
(1) Include in this application a list of helicopters, the type of navigation equipment installed, and evidence of FAA approval of the airborne radar system for obstacle avoidance.
(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 procedure. The procedure may be charted by the operator or the FAA on a reimbursable basis. The operator will submit the original charted procedure to the CHDO with sufficient copies for the CHDO to send to the regional AWO program manager and, if appropriate, the FSDO having jurisdiction.
(7) Platform lighting.
(8) Recommendation as to night operations.
(9) Communication frequencies.
(10) Platform markings.
b. 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).
Appendix 1
(2) Elevation and location of all landing platforms, rigs or drilling ships, and any other obstacles within the intermediate and final approach areas.
(3) Availability and requirement for use of a platform-based radar transponder beacon.
(4) A letter from the applicant indicating willingness to enter into an agreement to pay expenses associated with procedure development and flight inspection costs incurred when accomplished by the FAA. The letter should include the name, address, and phone number of a person authorized to execute agreements on behalf of the company requesting the procedure.
c. 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 HEDA’s, if it is an initial application.
(4) The date of first intended use and the proposed length of service that authorization is sought.
2. HELICOPTER OSAP, ARA, AND HEDA PROCEDURES TO OFFSHORE PLATFORMS ARE CLASSIFIED AS SPECIAL PROCEDURES. The procedures will be developed for individual operators through various sources and issued to the users through OpsSpecs or LOA’s. The OpsSpecs or LOA’s usually contain conditional authorizations that apply to individual operators. The Manager of the Flight Standards Division in the region having jurisdiction for the operation is the approving authority for these special instrument approach procedures. Flight Standards Division Managers may delegate this authority to other FAA personnel. Coordination and distribution of FAA Form 8260-7, Special Instrument Approach Procedures, is accomplished by the regional AWO program manager.
3. COORDINATION. The request will be submitted to the CHDO. After reviewing the request, the CHDO will arrange a coordination meeting with air traffic elements that will be involved (center, approach control, flight service station, etc.). The POI’s, in conjunction with the AWO program manager, must determine that the proposed procedure meets criteria of this AC and that positive course guidance is available for the entire route. When operations are to be conducted in a different region, the CHDO is responsible for coordinating, through its regional headquarters, with the FSDO having jurisdiction over the geographic area in which operations are to be conducted. The office having geographic responsibility will normally perform route checks and other required inspections, and forward reports of these inspections to the POI. When all requirements have been met, the POI will authorize the operator to conduct operations by means of a nonstandard OpsSpecs paragraph or an LOA.
4. SPECIFIC OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES. Any operator that wishes to be approved for IFR offshore operations must ensure that the following navigation and facility requirements are met:
a. Route Requirements. Operators may develop these proposed and specified routes by Class I station reference navigation where adequate signal coverage is available. Outside of the area where signal
Appendix 1 coverage is available, the operator must provide a suitable means of Class II navigation. By means of validation tests in VFR conditions, POI’s shall 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 by the FSDO having jurisdiction to the regional AWO program manager for coordination and providing alphanumeric names when required.
b. Terminal Procedures. Appropriate OSAP, ARA, or HEDA charts and operating procedures must be approved by the AWO program manager before being published in the operator's manual. The POI grants the authorization by means of a nonstandard OpsSpecs or an LOA.
c. Weather Reporting Requirements for OSAP, ARA, or HEDA. Refer to FAA Order 8400.10, Volume 4, Aircraft Equipment and Operational Authorizations, Chapter 7. Rotorcraft Authorizations and Limitations, Section 1. IFR Offshore Operations.
5. CHDO APPLICATION FOR A PROCEDURE. When the CHDO receives an application for a procedure that involves a FSDO outside of its region, the CHDO should immediately contact the other FSDO through the regional Flight Standards Division (RFSD) to ensure a timely implementation of the request. This should include, but not be limited to, the appropriate air traffic division/facility, the RFSD, and operations branch where the operations are proposed. When operations are proposed outside the certificate holding region, coordination among all concerned parties should be completed before the CHDO issues OpsSpecs or an LOA.
a. Navigational Equipment. The POI must coordinate with the principal avionics inspector (PAI) to ensure that the navigational equipment required, including radio altimeter and weather radar with a mapping mode, is appropriately installed and approved for the proposed type of operation.
b. Extended Over Water or IFR Operations Equipment. POI’s must determine that all navigation equipment to be used in these operations complies with the requirements of 14 CFR Part 135.165(b).
c. Issuance of an LOA or OpsSpecs. All operators prior to conducting IFR offshore operations are required to obtain either an LOA or OpsSpecs. When POI’s are satisfied that all requirements are met and that appropriate coordination with the FAA airworthiness, avionics, and flight procedures office has been accomplished:
(1) The 14 CFR Part 91 operators will be issued an LOA. A sample LOA is provided in appendix 2.
(2) The 14 CFR Part 135 operators will be issued OpsSpecs. A sample OpsSpecs is provided in appendix 3.
d. Authorization Limit. An LOA or OpsSpecs authorizing the use of HEDA procedures is valid for one year from the date of issue. 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 on-site inspection by the POI.
Appendix 2 APPENDIX 2. SAMPLE LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION FOR OSAP, ARA, OR HEDA August 15, 1988 Teague Resources, Inc.
1234 Fifth Avenue Wellhead, LA 98765 Gentlemen:
Teague Resources, Inc. is authorized to conduct the helicopter Offshore Standard Approach Procedure (OSAP), the Airborne Radar Approach (ARA), or the Helicopter En route Descent Area (HEDA) within the areas listed in this letter. Teague Resources, Inc., shall conduct all operations in compliance with the conditions, limitations, and procedures in this paragraph and shall conduct no other operations.
1. (description of OSAP, ARA, or HEDA)
2. (etc.)
a. Landing Minimums and Authorized Helicopters. Teague Resources, Inc., is authorized to use the following minimum descent altitude and visibility minimums for the helicopters listed in the following table providing the conditions and limitations in paragraphs b and e are met.
HELICOPTER TYPE MDA LOWEST VISIBILITY
MAKE/MODEL AUTHORIZED
b. Required Airborne Equipment. The flight instruments, radio navigation, and other airborne systems required by the applicable Code of Federal Regulations must be installed and operational. The airborne radar, GPS or LORAN C, and radio altimeter equipment listed in the following table are also required and, except for the radio altimeter, must be operational:
HELICOPER (MAKE/MODEL/SERIES) ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
c. Weather Reporting Capabilities. Teague Resources, Inc., is authorized to conduct (OSAP or ARA) operations when an approved source of weather observations (including wave height) is located within 10 nautical miles (NM) of the destination. Teague Resources, Inc., is authorized to conduct HEDA operations when the appropriate area forecast or weather observations from weather reporting stations
Appendix 2 approved by the National Weather Service or FAA are at or above the MDA. (See appendix 1, paragraph 4c.)
d. Flightcrew Member Qualifications. No pilot or airborne radar operator shall conduct any (OSAP, ARA, or HEDA) operations unless that person has successfully completed the Teague Resources, Inc., approved (OSAP, ARA, or HEDA) training program and has been certified as qualified for (OSAP, ARA, or HEDA) operations by the principal operations inspector.
e. Operating Limitations. No pilot-in-command shall begin or continue the final approach segment of an (OSAP, ARA, or HEDA) unless all of the following conditions and limitations are met:
(1) The operational requirements specified in chapter 2, paragraph 2-8, of this AC are stated as a minimum for the OSAP.
(2) The operational requirements specified in chapter 3, paragraph 3-8, of this AC are stated as a minimum for the ARA.
(3) The operational requirements specified in chapter 4, paragraph 4-8, of this AC are stated as a minimum for the HEDA.
f. Missed Approach Requirements . A missed approach shall be executed for an OSAP, ARA, or HEDA when any of the following conditions exist:
(1) The operational requirements specified in chapter 2, paragraph 2-8, of this AC are stated as a minimum for the OSAP.
(2) The operational requirements specified in chapter 3, paragraph 3-8, of this AC are stated as a minimum for the ARA.
(3) The operational requirements specified in chapter 4, paragraph 4-8, of this AC are stated as a minimum for the HEDA.
Sincerely, /s/ Alan R. Brown Manager, AEA-FSDO-62
Appendix 3 APPENDIX 3. SAMPLE OPERATIONS SPECIFICATIONS
FOR OSAP, ARA, OR HEDA HXXX. Helicopter Offshore Standard Approach Procedures (MMDDYY). The certificate holder is authorized to conduct helicopter (OSAP, ARA, or HEDA) operations within the areas listed in this paragraph. The certificate holder shall conduct all (OSAP, ARA, or HEDA) operations in compliance with the conditions, limitations, and procedures in this paragraph and shall conduct no other (OSAP, ARA, or HEDA) operations.
a. OSAP, ARA, or HEDA Landing Minimums and Authorized Helicopters. The certificate holder is authorized to use the following (OSAP, ARA, or HEDA) MDA and visibility minimums for the helicopters listed in the following table providing the conditions and limitations in paragraphs HXXXb and e are met.
HELICOPTER TYPE MDA LOWEST VISIBILITY
MAKE/MODEL AUTHORIZED
b. Required Airborne Equipment. The flight instruments, radio navigation, and other airborne systems required by the applicable Code of Federal Regulations must be installed and operational for (OSAP, ARA, or HEDA) operations. The airborne radar, radio altimeter, and GPS or LORAN C listed or referenced in the following table are also required and, except for the radio altimeter, must be operational for (OSAP, ARA, or HEDA) operations.
HELICOPER (MAKE/MODEL/SERIES) ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
c. Weather Reporting Capabilities. The certificate holder is authorized to conduct (OSAP or ARA) operations when an approved source of weather observations (including wave height) is located within 10 NM of the destination. The certificate holder is authorized to conduct HEDA operations when the appropriate area forecast or weather observations from weather reporting stations approved by the National Weather Service or FAA are at or above the minimum descent altitude. (See appendix 1, paragraph 4c.)
d. Flightcrew Member Qualifications. No pilot or airborne radar operator shall conduct any (OSAP, ARA, or HEDA) operations in any helicopter unless that person has successfully completed the certificate holder's approved (OSAP, ARA, or HEDA) training program and has been certified as qualified
Appendix 3 for (OSAP, ARA, or HEDA) operations by one of the certificate holder's check airmen who is properly qualified for (OSAP, ARA, or HEDA) operations or by an FAA inspector.
e. Operating Limitations. The certificate holder shall not begin or continue the final approach segment of an (OSAP, ARA, or HEDA) operation unless all of the following conditions and limitations are met:
(1) The operational requirements specified in chapter 2, paragraph 2-8, of this AC are stated as a minimum for the OSAP.
(2) The operational requirements specified in chapter 3, paragraph 3-8, of this AC are stated as a minimum for the ARA.
(3) The operational requirements specified in chapter 4, paragraph 4-8, of this AC are stated as a minimum for the HEDA.
f. Missed Approach Requirements for OSAP, ARA, and HEDA. A missed approach shall be executed for an (OSAP, ARA or HEDA) when any of the following conditions exist:
(1) The operational requirements specified in chapter 2, paragraph 2-8, of this AC are stated as a minimum for the OSAP.
(2) The operational requirements specified in chapter 3, paragraph 3-8, of this AC are stated as a minimum for the ARA.
(3) The operational requirements specified in chapter 4, paragraph 4-8, of this AC are stated as a minimum for the HEDA.