Addresses Approach/Departure IFR Transitions

The FAA issued a clarification on Tuesday regarding one section of the Helicopter Air Ambulance, Commercial Helicopter, and Part 91 Helicopter Operations Rule, more commonly known as the HEMS Rule. The clarification addresses some confusion regarding 14 CFR 135.613, Approach/Departure IFR Transitions.

Addressing concerns raised in a joint submission from HAI, the Association of Air Ambulance Services (AAMS) and the Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA), the clarification discusses the differences between “proceed visually” and “proceed VFR” and the visual minimums require to proceed beyond the missed approach point.

According to the rul published Tuesday in the Federal Register, Copter Point-in-Space approaches provide an instrument descent along a predetermined course to safely allow IFR helicopter traffic to descend to a minimum descent altitude (MDA) prior to or upon arriving at MAP. At the MAP, the pilot must assess whether or not the flight can safely and legally proceed to the destination in the meteorological conditions present. Continuation of the flight beyond the MAP must be accomplished via a visual transition segment in accordance with the design of the Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP).

If a departing flight obtains an IFR clearance valid from lift off and weather meets or exceeds the published ODP takeoff minimums, the pilot can “proceed visually” under the IFR clearance to the Initial Departure Fix (IDF). In this case, there is no VFR segment, the published takeoff weather requirements are in effect, and § 135.613(b) does not apply.

FMI: Updated Rule