India Helicopter FOM
India Helicopter FOM
India Helicopter FOM
Preamble
A Majority of helicopters are operated in day VFR only. Many operators operate
with one or two small or medium size helicopters; to/from take off and landing
sites, rarely located on an aerodrome. They generally use occasional helipads or
at best seasonal helipads. These helipads are created under the responsibility of
the operator. An important section of the manual shall be dedicated to creation
and operational requirements applicable on those sites. The Operations Manual
shall be highlighting these facts.
The Manual shall make the difference between Day VFR, Special VFR and IFR.
The Manual shall not address activities which are not performed such as
transport of dangerous goods, operations above 10,000 feet, etc.
June 2006
OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART A – Aircraft Operating Information
Part A GENERAL
0 Administration and control of Operations Manual
0.1 Introduction
(a) A statement that the manual complies with all applicable regulations and
with the terms and conditions of the applicable Air Operator Certificate.
(b) A statement that the manual contains operational instructions that are to
be complied with by the relevant personnel.
(c) A list and brief description of the various parts, their contents, applicability
and use.
(d) Explanations and definitions of terms and words needed for the use of the
manual.
(a) Who is responsible for the issuance and insertion of amendments and
revisions.
(b) A record of amendments and revisions with insertion dates and effective
dates.
(c) A statement that handwritten amendments and revisions are not permitted
except in situations requiring immediate amendment or revision in the
interest of safety. Such temporary amendments must be authenticated by
signature and stamp of a responsible person as per standard revision
procedure.
(d) A description of the system for the annotation of pages and their effective
dates.
(e) A list of effective pages.
(f) Annotation of changes (on text pages and, as far as practicable, on charts
and diagrams).
(g) Temporary revisions.
(h) A description of the distribution system for the manuals, amendments and
revisions.
(i) A type of manual (ring binder) where replacement of sheets is possible.
(j) A handy type of manual possible to study in the cockpit.
June 2006 1
OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART A – Aircraft Operating Information
1.1.4 Accident prevention and flight safety program. A description of the main
aspects of the flight safety program.
1.1.9 Duties and responsibilities of crew members other than the commander.
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART A – Aircraft Operating Information
2. Rules limiting the flight time and flight duty periods and providing for
adequate rest periods for flight crew members and cabin crew
2.1 A description of the flight and duty time limitations and rest requirements
as applicable to the operation.
2.2 Conditions under which flight and duty time may be exceeded or rest
period may be reduced and the procedures used to report these
modifications.
3.1.1 Information about navigation equipment required to be carried for the type
of operation can be found in CAR Series ‘I’ Part II.
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART A – Aircraft Operating Information
6.2 While establishing the heliport operating minima which will apply to any
particular operation, the operator shall take full account of:
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART A – Aircraft Operating Information
7.2 Refuelling with passengers on board is not permitted except for offshore
and EMS operations.
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART A – Aircraft Operating Information
10. The flight crew for each type of operation including the designation
of the succession of command (only applicable with a crew of two or
more members).
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART A – Aircraft Operating Information
(a) Commander;
(b) Pilot relieving the commander;
(c) Co-pilot;
(d) Pilot under supervision;
(e) System panel operator;
(f) Operation on more than one type or variant.
10.4.2 Cabin crew (applicable only for operations with helicopters of 19 seats or
more)
(a) Senior cabin crew member;
(b) Cabin crew member;
(i) Required cabin crew member;
(ii) Additional cabin crew member and cabin crew member during
familiarization flights;
(c) Operation on more than one type or variant.
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART A – Aircraft Operating Information
11. Specific instructions for the computation of the quantities of fuel and
oil to be carried, having regard to all circumstances of the operation
including the possibility of the failure of the power plant for single
engine and one or more power plants for multi engine helicopter
while en route.
11.1 The methods by which the quantities of fuel and oil to be carried are
determined and monitored in flight. This section must also include
instructions on the measurement and distribution of the fluid carried on
board. Such instructions must take account of all circumstances likely to
be encountered on the flight, including the possibility of in-flight re-
planning and of failure of one or more of the power plants for multi engine
helicopter. The system for maintaining fuel and oil records must also be
described.
12. The conditions under which oxygen shall be used and the amount of
oxygen determined. The operator shall specify and describe the type
of equipment used such as bottles, mask, etc., as well as the
applicable limitations and the approval obtained.
(a) Definitions;
(b) Methods, procedures and responsibilities for preparation and
acceptance of mass and centre of gravity calculations;
(c) The policy for using either standard and/or actual masses;
(d) The method for determining the applicable passenger, baggage
and cargo mass;
(e) The applicable passenger and baggage masses for various types
of operations and helicopter type;
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART A – Aircraft Operating Information
14.1 A description of the de-icing and anti-icing policy and procedures for
helicopters on the ground. These shall include descriptions of the types
and effects of icing and other contaminants on helicopters whilst
stationary, during ground movements and during take-off. In addition, a
description of the fluid types used must be given including:
15.1 Procedures and responsibilities for the preparation and acceptance of the
operational flight plan. The use of the operational flight plan must be
described including samples of the operational flight plan formats in use.
(Differentiate between VFR, Special VFR and IFR procedures)
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART A – Aircraft Operating Information
16.1.4 En-route Operating Minima for VFR Flights or VFR portions of a flight
and, where single engined helicopters are used, instructions for route
selection with respect to the availability of surfaces which permit a safe
forced landing.
16.1.9 ATS Flight Plan. Procedures and responsibilities for the preparation and
submission of the air traffic services flight plan. Factors to be considered
include the means of submission for both individual and repetitive flight
plans.
16.1.11 Operator's Helicopter Technical Log. The responsibilities and the use of
the operator's Helicopter Technical Log must be described, including
samples of the format used.
16.3.1 VFR/IFR Policy. A description of the policy for allowing flights to be made
under VFR, or of requiring flights to be made under IFR, or of changing
from one to the other. (Information can be found in ICAO Annex 2, chapter
3).
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART A – Aircraft Operating Information
16.3.7 Wake Turbulence and Rotor Downwash. Wake turbulence and rotor
downwash separation, taking into account helicopter types, wind
conditions and FATO size and location, special attention shall be given to
the proximity of high building in congested areas.
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART A – Aircraft Operating Information
Note: The procedures should include the kind of persons who may be
carried on such non revenue flights.
17. Instructions on the use of normal checklists and the timing of their
use
19.1 A description to ensure that operations are only conducted along such
routes or within such areas for which:
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART A – Aircraft Operating Information
25.1 A description of the procedures for night and IMC instrument approaches
and landing operations taking in consideration all safety precautions.
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART A – Aircraft Operating Information
27.1 A description of the main aspects of the flight safety programme including;
Note: Most small operators do not transport dangerous goods and if this is
the case they shall specify it.
28.2 The conditions under which weapons, munitions of war and sporting
weapons may be carried.
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART A – Aircraft Operating Information
June 2006 15
OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART B – Aircraft Operating Information
2.1 The normal procedures and duties assigned to the crew, the appropriate
check-lists, the system for use of the check-lists and a statement covering
the necessary coordination procedures between flight and cabin crew. The
following normal procedures and duties must be included:
(a) Pre-flight;
(b) Pre-departure;
c) Altimeter setting and checking;
d) Taxi, Take-Off and Climb;
(e) Noise abattement;
(f) Cruise and descent;
(g) Approach, Landing preparation and briefing;
(h) VFR Approach;
(i) IFR approach;
(j) Visual Approach and circling;
(k) Missed Approach;
(l) Normal Landing;
(m) Post Landing.
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART B – Aircraft Operating Information
2.2 The emergency procedures and duties assigned to the crew, the
appropriate check-lists, the system for use of the check-lists and a
statement covering the necessary coordination procedures between flight
and cabin crew. The following emergency procedures and duties must be
included:
(a) Crew Incapacitation;
(b) Fire and Smoke Drills;
(c) Lightning Strikes;
(d) Distress Communications and alerting ATC to Emergencies;
(e) Engine failure;
(f) System failures;
(g) Guidance for Diversion in case of Serious Technical Failure;
(h) AVAD warning;
(i) Windshear;
(j) Emergency Landing/Ditching;
(k) Main and tail rotor failure.
3. Flight planning data for pre-flight and in-flight planning with different
thrust/power and speed settings.
3.1 Data and instructions necessary for preflight and in-flight planning. Where
applicable, procedures for engine(s) out operations and flights to isolated
heliports must be included.
3.2 The method for calculating fuel needed for the various stages of flight.
4.1 Instructions and data for the calculation of the mass and balance
including:
(a) Calculation system (e.g. Index system);
(b) Information and instructions for completion of mass and balance
documentation, including manual and computer generated types;
(c) Limiting masses and centre of gravity for the types, variants or
individual helicopters used by the operator; and
(d) Dry Operating mass and corresponding centre of gravity or index.
5.1 Procedures and provisions for loading and securing the load in the
helicopter.
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART B – Aircraft Operating Information
7. The minimum equipment list for the helicopter types operated and
specific operations authorized.
7.1 The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) taking account of the helicopter types
and variants operated and the type(s)/area(s) of operation. The MEL must
include the navigational equipment and take into account the required
navigation performance for the route and area of operation.
10.1 Instructions of procedures for the coordination between flight and cabin
crew under all conditions.
11. Survival and emergency equipment for different routes and the
necessary procedures to verify its normal functioning before take-
off, including procedures to determine the required amount of
oxygen and quantity available, for continuous flight above 10000
feet and for mountains operations.
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART B – Aircraft Operating Information
11.1 A list of the survival equipment to be carried for the routes to be flown and
the procedures for checking the serviceability of this equipment prior to take-
off. Instructions regarding the location, accessibility and use of survival and
emergency equipment and its associated check list(s) must also be included.
11.2 The procedure for determining the amount of oxygen required and the
quantity that is available. The flight profile and number of occupants.
June 2006 19
OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART C – Routes and Aerodromes
1. A route guide to ensure that the flight crew will have, for each flight,
information relating to communication facilities, navigation aids,
aerodromes/heliports helidecks, instrument approaches, instrument
arrivals and instrument departures as applicable for the operation,
and such other information as the operator may deem necessary for
the proper conduct of flight operations.
June 2006 20
OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART D – Training
Part D Training
2.1 Training syllabi and checking programmes for cabin crew including:
(a) Initial training;
(b) Conversion and difference training;
(c) Recurrent training; and
(d) Refresher training.
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OPERATIONS MANUAL HELICOPTER
PART D – Training
3.1 Training syllabi and checking programmes for all relevant items pertaining
to their duties.
**
June 2006 22
GUIDANCE MATERIAL HELICOPTER
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Preamble
In order to help the operators to draft a SOP we provide the guidelines. The main
purpose of SOP is to show how the operator complies with the Operations
Manual for a type of operation in a specific geographical area, mainly on
demand operations. The operating sites are created under the responsibility of
the operator, the operator must provide to the crew members the information
which are otherwise in the AIP. The document should be presented in the form of
instructions to be followed by all the personnel involved. Whenever possible
information should be in the tabular form.
An important aspect of helicopter operations which are mostly taking place in
remote areas is to provide a contingency plan covering any possible mishap.
June 2006
GUIDANCE MATERIAL HELICOPTER
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
a) Offshore;
b) Inland;
- Mountain;
- Desert.
a) Scheduled;
b) On demand;
- VIP, Heli Ski, EMS, shrine activities, others;
c) If Aerial work type of the activity such as filming, sling, survey,
etc.
a) Year round;
b) Seasonal;
c) Occasional.
a) VFR day;
b) VFR night;
c) IFR.
June 2006 1
GUIDANCE MATERIAL HELICOPTER
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Part G Helicopter
Part H Performance
June 2006 2
GUIDANCE MATERIAL HELICOPTER
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
a) Reduced mobility;
b) Children.
a) Horizontal visibility;
b) Ceiling;
c) Performance;
d) Others criteria such as restriction due to absence of radio
communication, specific noise abatement procedures, use of
oxygen;
e) Latest take off time in an hostile environment due to search and
rescue possibilities.
a) Passengers scrutiny;
b) Helicopter inspection.
June 2006 3
GUIDANCE MATERIAL HELICOPTER
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Part O Maintenance
--END--
June 2006 4