Helicopter Air Ambulance Operations (VFR)

Question 1

What mission profile is cover by FAR 135.600?

Answer 1

SubpartL - Helicopter Air Ambulance Operations, Equipment and training requirement

Question 2

What factors are included the definition of an Air Ambulance Operation?

Answer 2

Flight conducted to position the helicopter at the site which the patient or donor will be picked up

Flights conducted to reposition the helicopter after completing the patient or donor transport

Flight initiated for transport of patient or donor that are terminated due to weather

Medical personnel

Meaning of mountainous and nonmountainous areas under part 95

Question 3

What are the qualifications requirements for a PIC performing HAAO in VFR conditions IAW FAR 135.603?

Answer 3

After April 24, 2017, no certificate holder may serve as PIC of a air ambulances unless they hold has an instrument rating or ATP in category or class helicopter

Question 4

What are the VFR weather minimums when operating in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace for non-mountainous flights in the LOCAL area during the Day? Night?

Answer 4

Day: 800’ ceilings / 2 SM visibility

Night: 1000’ ceilings / 3 SM visibility

NVG: 800’ ceilings / 3 SM visibility

Question 5

What are the VFR weather minimums when operating in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace for non-mountainous flights OUTSIDE LOCAL area during the Day? Night?

Answer 5

Day: 800’ ceilings / 3 SM visibility

Night: 1000’ ceilings / 5 SM visibility

NVG: 1000’ ceilings / 3 SM visibility

Question 6

What are the VFR weather minimums when operating in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace for Mountainous flights in the LOCAL area during the Day? Night?

Answer 6

Day: 800’ ceilings / 3 SM visibility

Night: 1500’ ceilings / 3 SM visibility

NVG: 1000’ ceilings / 3 SM visibility

Question 7

What are the VFR weather minimums when operating in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace for Mountainous flights OUTSIDE the LOCAL area during the Day? Night?

Answer 7

Day; 1000’ ceilings / 3 SM visibility

Night; 1500’ ceilings / 5 SM visibility

NVG; 1000’ ceilings / 3 SM visibility

Question 8

When must cross-country weather minimum’s be utilized?

Answer 8

When outside local area or PIC isn’t qualified or current in local areas

Question 9

Regularly speaking, the pilot must ensure that all terrain and obstacles along the route of flight, except for takeoff and landings, are cleared vertically by no less than _____ ft during the day and _____ft at night?

Answer 9

300’ during the day / 500’ at night

Question 10

What is the purpose for determining and documenting the highest obstacles and minimum cruising altitude IAW FAR 135.615?

Answer 10

It is used to determine the minimum safe cruise altitude along the route

Question 11

How is the certificate holder required to identify risks associated with Helicopter Air Ambulance operations?

Answer 11

By completing a preflight risk analysis the includes

Flight considerations - obstacles/ terrain, fuel requirements & LZ conditions

Human factors - crew fatigue, life events, other stressors

Weather - departure, en route, destination and forecasted

Question 12

How does Air Methods comply with FAR 135.617 with respect to identifying risks associated with HAA operations?

Answer 12

iPad PFRA (Pre-Flight Risk Analysis) & Communications with OCC

Question 13

Prior to the first leg of each HAA operation, what are the PIC preflight requirements with respect to the Air Methods approval Pre-Flight Risk Analysis (PFRA)

Answer 13

Must complete the analysis and have OCC approval