Take Off Minima Flashcards
What is the take-off minima for multi-engine IFR helicopters?
Clear of cloud until:
1. Operating in PC1 until attaining the greater of Vy or Vmin
2. Operating in PC2 until attaining the greater of Vy or Vmin and passing the defined point after take-off
Visibility of:
1. 800m, or
2. 550m, but only if the relevant runway or HLS has:
a. Illuminated edge lighting at spacing intervals not exceeding 60M; and
b. Centreline lighting: and
c. The aerodrome has secondary power supply for runway lighting with a switchover capability of one second or less for runway centreline lights and runway edge lights: and
d. If the aerodrome is a non-controlled aerodrome or a controlled aerodrome where ATC is not in operation – the take-off is conducted by day and the aerodrome is one which the carriage of radio is mandatory.
Rule of thumb: If you can count 9 lights on the runway you will always be covered:
9 x 60m = 540 m → OK
9 x 90 m = 810 m → OK
REF: Part 91 15.07 – Take Off Minima for Qualifying Multi Engine Rotorcraft
What is the company requirement for multi-engine IFR helicopters, entering IMC conditions, after take-off?
It is a company requirement that for all multi-engine operations, the Commander shall ensure that after entering IMC conditions the performance of the aircraft will allow for the take-off to be conducted in an OEI configuration until reaching LSALT or departure aerodrome MSA and safe flight can be made to a suitable destination or alternate, or a return to land can be made.
This may be achieved:
Either:
1. In accordance with published IFR departure procedures; or
2. If there are no published procedures – using a contingency procedure such that terrain clearance is assured; AND
3. In the event of an engine failure:
a. After encountering non-visual conditions, terrain clearance is assured until reaching either the en route LSALT or departure aerodrome MSA; and
b. If a return to land at the departure aerodrome is required - the meteorological conditions must be at, or above, instrument approach and landing minima for the aerodrome or such as to allow a visual approach; or
c. If a return to the departure aerodrome is not possible - the helicopter’s performance and fuel availability must each be adequate to enable the helicopter to proceed to a suitable aerodrome, having regard to terrain, obstacles and route distance limitations.
REF: OMA - 8.1.6.1.1 & 8.1.6.2 - Flight Preparation Instructions
IPC Quiz
Knowledge Requirement:
Take-off minima
What is the take-off minima for “other IFR helicopters”?
Q: What is the take-off minima for “other IFR helicopters”?
- Ceiling of 500ft, and
- Visibility of 800m
REF: Part 91 15.08 – Take Off Minima for Other Rotorcraft
For “all helicopters”, if a return to land at the departure aerodrome is necessary following an engine failure what meteorological conditions must be met?
If a return to land at the departure aerodrome is required - the meteorological conditions must be at, or above, instrument approach and landing minima for the aerodrome or such as to allow a visual approach.
REF: OMA - 8.1.6.1.1 - Flight Preparation Instructions
The IFR take-off minima for a Helicopter departing an offshore platform / helideck required by BOSA is?
- Visibility – 800 m
- Cloud base – The aircraft must be maintained clear of cloud until obtaining Vy or Vmin IMC (whichever comes later) and passing DPATO.
NOTE: The departure must not allow a decrease in altitude to maintain clear of cloud.
REF: OMA – 8.1.6.1 – Flight Preparation Instructions, OMB - 4.7.1.2.1 - Defined Point After Take-off and Defined Point Before Landing
What is Performance Class 1 (PC1)?
Q: What is Performance Class 1 (PC1)?
Is the class of performance such that in the event of the failure of the critical power-unit the helicopter is able either to land within the rejected take off distance available, or to safely continue the flight to an appropriate landing area, depending on when the failure occurs.
REF: AIP GEN 2.2, 1.0. – Definitions
What is Performance Class 2 (PC2)?
Q: What is Performance Class 2 (PC2)?
Is the class of performance such that in the event of critical power-unit failure performance is available to enable the helicopter to safely continue the flight except when the failure occurs early during the take-off manoeuvre or late in the landing manoeuvre, in which case a forced landing may be required.
REF: AIP GEN 2.2, 1.0. – Definitions
What are the PC1 requirements for Take-off?
- The weight limit of the procedure
- 100 fpm ROC-OEI climb to 200ft above the aerodrome at VTOSS, then 150 fpm ROC-OEI at 1000ft above the aerodrome
- RTODR does not exceed RTODA. If not, the aircraft must be able to clear any relevant obstacle by 35ft OEI (15ft edge clearance for an elevated aerodrome)
- If the engine fails before the TDP, a rejected take off can be carried out safely within the take off distance available
REF: AIP Gen 2.2, 1.0 – Definitions & OMA Section 8.1.5 General Performance Requirements
What are the PC1 requirements for En route?
- 50 fpm ROC-OEI at LSALT / MSA
- Drift down manoeuvre may be applied
REF: AIP Gen 2.2, 1.0 – Definitions & OMA Section 8.1.5 General Performance Requirements
What are the PC1 requirements for Landing?
- The weight limit of the procedure
- 100 fpm ROC-OEI climb to 200ft above the aerodrome at VTOSS
- 150 fpm ROC-OEI at 1000ft above the aerodrome
- Allow the aircraft to safely stop OEI within the landing distance available
- In the event of an engine failure at or before LDP:. Land and stop or conduct a baulked landing. For IFR – Clear any relevant obstacle by the sum of 35ft plus 0.01 times the horizontal distance travelled
REF: AIP Gen 2.2, 1.0 – Definitions & OMA Section 8.1.5 General Performance Requirements
What are the PC2 requirements for Take-off?
Q: What are the PC2 requirements for Take-off?
- The weight limit of the procedure
- 150 fpm ROC-OEI at 1000ft above the field
- If the engine fails before the defined point during take off, the aircraft can continue climbing safely or conduct a safe forced landing. If after the DPATO and IFR – must clear any relevant obstacle by the sum of 35ft plus 0.01 times the horizontal distance travelled
REF: AIP Gen 2.2, 1.0 – Definitions & OMA Section 8.1.5 General Performance Requirements
What are the PC2 requirements for En route?
- 50 fpm ROC-OEI at LSALT / MSA
- Drift down manoeuvre may be applied
REF: AIP Gen 2.2, 1.0 – Definitions & OMA Section 8.1.5 General Performance Requirements
What are the PC2 requirements for Landing?
- The weight limitation for the procedure
- 150 fpm ROC-OEI at 1000ft above the aerodrome
- Allow the aircraft to safely stop OEI within the landing distance available
- In the event of an engine failure at or before the defined point during landing, land and stop or conduct a baulked landing and if IFR – must clear any relevant obstacle by the sum of 35ft plus 0.01 times the horizontal distance travelled
REF: AIP Gen 2.2, 1.0 – Definitions & OMA Section 8.1.5 General Performance Requirements
Performance requirements for multi engine OSA aircraft
- Offshore operations – PC1, PC2, or PC2DLE if detailed in OMB. The OMC will clarify depending on contract requirements.
- Onshore operations in support of oil and gas- PC1 or PC2. The OMC will clarify depending on contract requirements.
- Other operations when only essential personnel are carried or SAR/EMS/Law enforcement operations are performance class 3. An aircraft operated in PC3 over populous areas must have access to suitable forced landing areas.
- If an aircraft has a maximum operational passenger seat configuration of more than 19, it must be operated in PC1.
- If an aircraft has a maximum operational passenger seat configuration of more than 9, but not more than 19 and is a medical transport operation, or a passenger transport operation conducted under the IFR or at night, it may be operated in PC1, PC2, PC2WE during take off, climb and approach and landing stages, then PC1 for the remainder of the flight.
REF: OMA Section 8.1.5 - General Performance Requirements
What is the BOSA S92 crosswind/tailwind limit for onshore operations?
Q: What is the BOSA S92 crosswind/tailwind limit for onshore/offshore operations?
- PC1 or 2 RWY take-offs and all helideck take-offs = 35 knots
- PC1 helipad take-off = 22 knots.
REF: OMB 4.7.1.1 - Performance Class 2 Operations Without an Exposure Time During Take-off and Landing
