VFR Flight Guide HELICOPTER
FLIGHT REVIEWS - HELICOPTERPrivate (helicopter) pilot: regular flight reviews required (CAR 5.91)
1. On and after 1 December 1994, a private (helicopter) pilot must not fly a
helicopter as pilot in command unless the pilot has, within the period of 2 years
immediately before the day of the proposed flight, satisfactorily completed a
helicopter flight review.
2. A helicopter flight review must be conducted only by an appropriate person and,
unless the person otherwise approves having regard to the circumstances of the
case, must be conducted in:
A. a helicopter:
(i) of the type in which the pilot flew the greatest amount of flight time
during the 10 flights the pilot undertook as pilot in command immediately
before the flight review; and
(ii) unless the type of helicopter mentioned in subparagraph (i) is a single
place helicopter¡ªthat is fitted with fully functioning dual controls; and
(iii) unless the type of helicopter mentioned in subparagraph (i) is a single
place helicopter or is not fitted with wheel brakes¡ªthat is fitted with
dual control brakes; or
B. an approved synthetic flight trainer appropriate to the type of helicopter
mentioned in subparagraph (a) (i).
Note: For appropriate person see sub regulation (8).
3. If:
A. a private (helicopter) pilot undertakes a helicopter flight review; and
B. the requirements of sub regulation (2) are not satisfied in relation to the
review; the pilot is taken not to have satisfactorily completed the review.
4. If a private (helicopter) pilot satisfactorily completes a helicopter flight review, the
person conducting the review must make an entry in the pilot¡¯s personal log book
to the effect that the pilot has satisfactorily completed the helicopter flight review.
5. A private (helicopter) pilot who has, within the period of 2 years immediately before
the day of the proposed flight:
A. passed a flight test conducted for the purpose of:
(i) the issue of a helicopter pilot licence; or
(ii) the issue, or renewal, of a helicopter pilot rating; or
B. satisfactorily completed a helicopter proficiency check; or
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FLIGHT REVIEWS
C. satisfactorily completed helicopter conversion training given by the holder
of a grade of flight instructor (helicopter) rating that authorises him or
her to conduct helicopter flight reviews;
is taken to have satisfactorily completed a helicopter flight review.
6. For the purposes of paragraph (5) (b), a private (helicopter) pilot is not taken to have
satisfactorily completed a helicopter proficiency check unless the organisation that
conducted the check has made an entry in the pilot¡¯s personal log book to that
effect.
7. CASA may approve a synthetic flight trainer for the purposes of
paragraph (2) (b).
Note: Operational standards for synthetic flight trainers are set out in the documents
titled "FSD1¡ªOperational Standards and Requirements¡ªApproved Flight
Simulators" and FSD2¡ªOperational Standards and Requirements¡ªApproved
Synthetic Trainers" that are published by CASA.
8. In this regulation:
appropriate person means:
A. an authorised flight instructor who holds a grade of flight instructor (helicopter)
rating that authorises him or her to conduct flight reviews in helicopters; or
B. an approved testing officer; or
C. a CASA flying operations inspector.
CAR 5.92 PRIVATE (HELICOPTER) PILOT: RECENT EXPERIENCE
REQUIREMENTS
1. A private (helicopter) pilot must not fly a helicopter as pilot in command if the
helicopter is carrying any other person unless:
A. if the flight is undertaken in daylight¡ªthe pilot has, within the period of
90 days immediately before the day of the proposed flight, carried out at
least 3 circuits while flying a helicopter as pilot in command or as pilot
acting in command under supervision or in dual flying; and
B. if the flight is undertaken at night¡ªthe pilot has, within the period of 90
days immediately before the day of the proposed flight, carried out at
least 3 circuits at night while flying a helicopter as pilot in command or
as pilot acting in command under supervision or in dual flying.
Note: Under regulation 5.40, a person must not fly as pilot acting in command under
supervision unless he or she holds a commercial pilot licence or an air transport
pilot licence.
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RECENT EXPERIENCE
2. For the purposes of this regulation, a person carries out a circuit while flying a
helicopter if the person:
A. takes-off in the helicopter from an aerodrome; and
B. flies the helicopter around the aerodrome in accordance with the traffic
pattern for the aerodrome; and
C. lands the helicopter at the aerodrome.
3. In this regulation:
aerodrome means a place that aircraft may land at, or take off from, in accordance
with regulation 92.
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HELICOPTER
RECENT EXPERIENCE
MEANING OF ¡®HOT REFUELLING¡¯ (CAO 20.10)
In this section, ¡®hot refuelling¡¯ means the refuelling of a helicopter with its engine or
engines running.
Hot refuelling of a helicopter may take place with its rotor or rotors rotating.
Hot refuelling of a helicopter must not be carried out unless authorised by its operator.
The operator of a helicopter who authorises hot refuelling of that helicopter must
include in the operations manual:
• the operational circumstances in which hot refuelling may
take place; and
• the procedures to be followed during hot refuelling; and
• the requirements and instructions, if any, set out in the helicopter's flight manual
that relate to hot refuelling; and
• if applicable, the instructions to ensure fuel quality as required for the purposes of
CAO 20.10 subparagraph 7.2 (b).
As hot refuelling requires the compliance with an operations manual, this is generally
a commercial operation and therefore will not be covered in this document.
INSTRUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISUAL FLIGHT RULES
OPERATIONS (CAO 20.18)
1. The flight and navigation instruments required are:
• an airspeed indicating system;
• a pressure altimeter with a readily adjustable pressure datum setting scale graduated
in millibars;
• (i) a direct reading magnetic compass; or
(ii) a remote indicating magnetic compass and a standby direct reading magnetic
compass; and
• an accurate timepiece indicating hours, minutes and seconds. This may be carried
on the person of the pilot or navigator.
2. In addition to the instruments required under paragraph 1, helicopters engaged in
regular public transport, charter or aerial work operations and operating under the
Visual Flight Rules, shall be equipped with:
• a slip indicator; and
• an outside air temperature indicator when operating from or to a location at
which ambient air temperature is not available from ground-based instruments.
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HELICOPTER
HOT REFUELLING
SPECIAL VFR
By day, when VMC does not exist, the ATC unit responsible for a CTR may authorise,
at pilot request, a Special VFR flight in the CTR, or in a CTA next to the CTR for the
purpose of entering or leaving the CTR, provided
A. the Special VFR flight will not unduly delay an IFR flight;
B. the flight can be conducted clear of cloud;
C. the visibility is not less than 800M for helicopters or 3,000M for aeroplanes; or for
balloons, not less than 100M below 500FT AGL and 3,000M at and above 500FT
AGL.
D. A helicopter will be operated at such a speed that the pilot has adequate
opportunity to observe any obstructions or other traffic in sufficient time to avoid
collisions; and
E. the flight can be conducted in accordance with the requirements of CAR 157 with
regard to low flying.
ALTERNATE REQUIREMENTS (Helicopters)
When operating a helicopter under the VFR, and the use of the helicopter VMC is
permissible at the destination, the pilot in command must provide for a suitable
alternate aerodrome when either of the following conditions is forecast at the
destination:
A. cloud- more than 4/8ths of below a ceiling of 1,000FT; or
B. visibility-less than 3,000M
For flight by aeroplanes under the VFR (day or night) and helicopters operating under
the VFR at night, the alternate minima are a ceiling of 1,500 FT and a visibility of 8KM.
For VFR helicopter operations by day, the alternate minima are the same as for night
unless the additional conditions specified in the above paragraphs are met.
When these additional conditions are met, the alternate requirements are as shown
in the above paragraphs.
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HELICOPTER
SPECIAL VFR
10 000' (AMSL)
Visibility
800 metres
reduced
speed
Aerodrome with instrument approach procedure
SAME VMC IN CONTROLLED
AIRSPACE BUT ATC MAY DIRECT
HIGHER CONDITIONS, OR PERMIT
VFR FLIGHT IN LOWER CONDITIONS
AIRCRAFT MAY TAKE OFF OR LAND
IF FLIGHT AT THE MINIMUM ALTITUDE
PERMISSABLE ON THE PROPOSED
FLIGHT PATH CAN BE MADE IN VMC
000FT (AMSL)
NON-CONTROLLED AIRSPACE - HELICOPTER
Visibility 8000M
1500
metres
700FT
1000FT
1000FT
10 miles
3 000FT (AMSL)
1 000FT (AGL)
Visibility 5000M
Clear of cloud
Visibility 5000M
Clear of cloud
5KM VIS
1500
metres
1000FT
1000FT
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HELICOPTER
VMC - OUTSIDE CONTROLLED AIRSPACE
USE OF AERODROMES (CAR 92)
1. An aircraft shall not land at, or take-off from, any place unless:
A. the place is an aerodrome established under the Air Navigation
Regulations; or
B. the use of the place as an aerodrome is authorised by a licence granted
under regulation 89C; or
C. the place is an aerodrome for which an arrangement under section 20
of the Act is in force and the use of the aerodrome by aircraft engaged
in civil air navigation is authorised by CASA under that section; or
D. the place (not being a place referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c)) is
suitable for use as an aerodrome for the purposes of the landing and
taking-off of aircraft; and, having regard to all the circumstances of the
proposed landing or take-off (including the prevailing weather conditions),
the aircraft can land at, or take-off from, the place in safety.
CIRCUIT HEIGHT
By convention, the following circuit heights are flown;
• jets, 1500AFT AGL
• piston/turbo prop, 1000FT AGL; and
• helicopters, 800FT AGL
Circuit heights for aerodromes which have specific requirements are published in ERSA.
HELICOPTER OPERATIONS - AT AERODROMES AND IN
HELICOPTER ACCESS CORRIDORS AND LANES
General
The procedure in this section apply to all helicopters operating in the vicinity of
aerodromes and in helicopter access corridors and lanes, in accordance with the
provisions of CAR¡¯s 92,157,163 and 166.
Taxiing
For all helicopters, maximum use of the "air transit" procedure should be made to
expedite traffic movement and flow about an aerodrome.
All helicopters may use "air taxiing" procedures as required. However, wheeled
helicopters, where practicable, are encouraged to "ground taxi" on prepared surfaced
to minimise rotor wash and its effects.
At night a helicopter should not taxi via routes which do not meet the physical
dimensions and lighting requirements specified in CAAP 92-2(0).
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HELICOPTER
AERODROMES
Take-off/ Departure
At controlled aerodromes, helicopters may be granted a take-off clearance or
instructed to report airborne, as appropriate, from any area nominated by ATC or the
pilot, and assessed by the pilot as being suitable as a HLS.
Helicopters taking off/ departing must proceed in accordance with ATC instructions.
Subject to clearance, a turn after take-off maybe commenced when the pilot considers
that the helicopter is at a safe height to do so.
Unless requested by the pilot take-off clearance will not be issued for a helicopter if
the tailwind component exceeds 5KT.
Prescribed exit "gates" and associated standard routes and/or altitudes may be
provided to facilitate the flow of helicopter traffic. Procedures for their use will be
promulgated in ERSA. Use of these "gates" is not mandatory. Helicopters may, subject
to an ATC clearance, revert to the standard traffic procedure applicable to aeroplanes.
This option may be more appropriate when operating larger helicopters.
At night a helicopter should not take-off other than from a site which conforms with
the requirements specified in CAAP 92-2(0). Any illuminated runway or illuminated
taxiway of dimensions commensurate with the size of the helicopter landing site
applicable to the helicopter, in accordance with CAAP 92-2(0), is considered to meet
the requirements of CAAP 92-2(0).
At a controlled aerodrome a pilot may take-off from any area which is assessed as
being suitable as a HLS.
When the pilot elects to conduct the take-off from outside the flight strip of the
runway in use by aeroplanes, the helicopter take-off path must be outside that flight
strip.
Before take-off, the helicopter is to be positioned to the appropriate side of the
runway in use so that the turn after take-off does not cross the extended centre line
of that runway. The pre take-off position of the helicopter will be by air transit or by
taxiing as appropriate.
The turn after take-off onto the desired departure track may be commenced when the
pilot considers that the helicopter is at a safe height to do so. If the resultant
departure track conflicts with the aeroplane traffic pattern, the helicopter should
remain at 500FT above the surface until clear of that circuit pattern. Where this
procedure is not practicable on environmental grounds, the helicopter is to adopt the
standard departure procedure applicable to aeroplanes.
Pilots of radio equipped helicopters must broadcast intentions on the appropriate
frequency before take-off.
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AERODROMES
Helicopter Access Corridors and Lanes
The following procedures for operations within promulgated helicopter access corridors
and lanes apply:
A. maximum IAS of 120KT;
B. helicopters must operate under VFR, usually not below 500FT above the surface by
day subject to flight over populous areas. Restrictions are the limitations published in
ERSA for authorised corridors by night;
C. "see and avoid" procedures must be used;
D. formation flights are restricted to line astern with the lead aircraft responsible for
maintaining separation from other traffic in accordance with sub paragraph c;
E. a traffic advisory service is available in access corridors;
F. a radar advisory service may be given at designated aerodromes;
G. a continuous listening watch on the appropriate ATS frequency in access corridors
or broadcast frequency in lanes is mandatory;
H. two-way operations are conducted with all traffic keeping to the right of the central
geographical/topographical feature(s) as detailed in ERSA;
I. the pilot-in-command has the responsibility to ensure that operations are confirmed
within the boundaries of the corridor or lane;
J. the limits of corridors and lanes must be adhered to, with any transitional altitude
requirements maintained within an accuracy of ¡À 100FT;
K. a helicopter not confirming its operations to an access corridor will require ATC
clearance and while outside the corridor, will be subject to separation standards as
applied by ATC.
Note: Subject to environmental noise considerations, the imposition of limitations on
those types of helicopters which exceed the noise limits specified in ICAO Annex 16
Vol 1 may be necessary.
ARRIVALS
At a controlled aerodrome, prescribed entry "gates" and associated standard routed
and/or altitudes may be provided to facilitate the flow of helicopter traffic. Procedures
for their use will be promulgated in ERSA. Use of these "gates" is not mandatory.
Subject to the receipt of an ATC clearance, helicopters ,may, if required, conform to
the standard traffic procedures applicable to aeroplanes.
This option may be more appropriate when operating larger helicopters.
Unless requested by the pilot, a landing clearance will be issued for a helicopter if the
tailwind component exceeds 5KT.
At night a helicopter should not land at a site other than one which conforms with the
requirements specified in the latest issue of CAAP 92.2. Any illuminated runway or
illuminated taxiway of dimensions commensurate with the size of the helicopter
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landing site applicable to the helicopter, in accordance with CAAP 92.2,
is considered to meet the requirements of CAAP 9.2.
Circuit Procedures
At controlled aerodromes and specific operating procedures applicable to the
helicopter traffic pattern will be detailed in ERSA. The following generally applies:
A. where possible, helicopter circuit traffic will be separated from the aeroplane traffic
pattern by the use of contra- direction circuits, outside of and parallel to the flight
strip of the runway in use, and at a lower altitude than other traffic, but not below
500FT above the aerodrome elevation; or
B. when separated circuit patterns are not practicable, helicopters may utilise the
same traffic pattern direction as other traffic, and will normally operate inside and
at a lower altitude than the traffic, but not below 500FT above the aerodrome
elevation.
At non-controlled aerodromes the following circuit operating procedures apply;
A. helicopters may be operated on contra-direction circuits and parallel to the
aeroplane traffic pattern at a lower altitude than that traffic; but not below 500FT
above the aerodrome elevation. The landing site associated with the helicopter
circuit is to be positioned outside the flight strip of the runway in use so the
helicopter circuit traffic does not cross the extended centre line of that runway;
B. if the procedure outlined in sub paragraph A, is not practicable the helicopter circuit
patterns should be flown inside and parallel to the aeroplane traffic and at lower
altitudes, but not below 500FT above aerodrome elevation. The landing site
associated with the helicopter circuit must be positioned outside the flight strip of
the runway in use so that the helicopter circuit traffic does not cross the extended
centre line of that runway; or
C. the helicopter must follow the standard aeroplane traffic pattern and, in this case,
may use the fight strip area of the runway in use;
D. the pilots or radio equipped helicopters must broadcast their intentions and listen
out for other traffic on the appropriate frequency.
LOW FLYING (CAR 157)
1. An aircraft must not fly over:
A. any city, town or populous area, at a height lower than 1000 feet; or
B. any other area at a height lower than 500 feet.
2. A height specified in sub regulation (1) is the height above the highest point of the
terrain, and any object on it, within a radius of:
A. in the case of an aircraft other than a helicopter¡ª600 metres; or
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B. in the case of a helicopter¡ª300 metres; from a point on the terrain vertically below
the aircraft.
3A. Paragraph 1 (a) does not apply in respect of a helicopter flying at a designated
altitude within an access lane details of which have been published in the AIP or
NOTAMS for use by helicopters arriving at or departing from a specified place.
4. Sub regulation (1) does not apply if:
A. through stress of weather or any other unavoidable cause it is essential that a lower
height be maintained; or
B. the aircraft is engaged in private operations or aerial work operations, being
operations that require low flying, and the owner or operator of the aircraft has
received from CASA either a general permit for all flights or a specific permit for the
particular flight to be made at a lower height while engaged in such operations; or
C. the pilot of the aircraft is engaged in flying training and flies over a part of a flying
training area in respect of which low flying is authorised by CASA under sub
regulation 141 (1); or
D. the pilot of the aircraft is engaged in a baulked approach procedure, or the practice
of such procedure under the supervision of a flight instructor or a check pilot; or
E. the aircraft is flying in the course of actually taking-off or landing at an aerodrome;
or
F. the pilot of the aircraft is engaged in:
(i) a search; or
(ii) a rescue; or
(iii) dropping supplies;
in a search and rescue operation; or
G. the aircraft is a helicopter:
(i) by, or for the purposes of, the Australian Federal Police or the police force
of a State or Territory; and
(ii) engaged in law enforcement operations; or
H. the pilot of the aircraft is engaged in an operation which requires the dropping of
packages or other articles or substances in accordance with directions issued by
CASA.
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HELICOPTER
LOW FLYING
HELICOPTER FLIGHTS OVER WATER
Each occupant of a helicopter operating to or from an off-shore landing site located
on a fixed platform or vessel shall wear a life jacket during the entire flight over water
regardless of the class of operation or the one-engine-inoperative performance
capability of the helicopter.
Helicopter Flotation Systems (Commercial Operations)
• A single engine helicopter engaged in passenger carrying charter operations shall
be equipped with an approved flotation system whenever the helicopter is operated
beyond autorotative gliding distance from land. However, when following a
helicopter access lane prescribed in AIP-ERSA, or when departing from or landing
at a helicopter landing site in accordance with a normal navigation procedure for
departing from or landing at that site, an approved flotation system is not required.
• A single engine helicopter engaged in regular public transport operations shall be
equipped with an approved flotation system whenever the helicopter is operated
beyond autorotative gliding distance from land.
• A multi-engine helicopter engaged in passenger carrying charter or regular public
transport operations over water and which is not operated in accordance with oneengine-inoperative accountability procedures shall be equipped with an approved
flotation system.
FLIGHTS OVER THE WATER
Aircraft engaged in PVT, AWK or CHTR operations, and which are normally prohibited
by CAR 258 from over-the water flights because of their inability to reach land in the
event of engine failure, may fly over water subject to compliance with the conditions
in this section. These conditions are additional to the requirements for flight over land.
IN the case of passenger-carrying CHTR operations, the distance between successive
land areas suitable for an emergency landing must not exceed 50NM. In the case of
helicopters, a fixed platform or a vessel suitable for an emergency landing and located
adjacent to land may be considered acceptable for this requirement.
There is no limitation for PVT, AWK or freight-only CHTR operations.
Each occupant of the aircraft must wear a life jacket during the flight over the water
unless exempted from doing so under the terms of CAO 20.11.
A meteorological forecast must be obtained.
VFR flights are required to submit a SARTIME flight notification to ATS or leave a Flight
Note with a responsible person.
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HELICOPTER
OVER WATER FLIGHTS
SAR ALERTING
A. VFR flights may choose to operate on reporting schedules for the over-water stages
of a flight. Schedules may be arranged before commencing the over-water stage
and terminate on completion of the crossing.
B. VFR aircraft not equipped with radio which will enable continuous communication,
or not radio equipped, must carry a survival beacon as prescribed in CAO 20.11,
for the over-water stages of the flight.
Helicopters must be fitted with an approved flotation system unless exempted under
the terms of CAO 20.11.
Helicopters operating in accordance with the approval given must comply with the
VFR, except that in the case of helicopters operating below 700FT above water by day,
the flight visibility must not be less than 5,000M and the helicopter must be flown at a
distance equal to or greater than 60M horizontally and 500FT vertically from cloud,
unless track guidance is provided by an approved operating radio navigation aid and
the helicopter is equipped with a complimentary system.
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OVER WATER FLIGHTS
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NOTES
Ò³:
[1]