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This
part prescribes—
(a)
Airworthiness certification rules for rotorcraft
used in; and
(b)
Operating and certification rules governing the
conduct of rotorcraft external-load operations in
the AFRO-CAA member States by any person.
(c)
The certification rules of this part do not apply
to—
(1)
Rotorcraft manufacturers when developing
external-load attaching means;
(2)
Rotorcraft manufacturers demonstrating compliance of
equipment utilized under this part or appropriate
portions of part 27 or 29 of this chapter;
(3)
Operations conducted by a person demonstrating
compliance for the issuance of a certificate or
authorization under this part;
(4)
Training flights conducted in preparation for the
demonstration of compliance with this part; or
(5)
A government conducting operations with public
aircraft.
(d)
For the purpose of this part, a person other than a
crewmember or a person who is essential and directly
connected with the external-load operation may be
carried only in approved Class D rotorcraft-load
combinations.
(a)
No person subject to this part may conduct
rotorcraft external-load operations within the
AFRO-CAA member States without, or in violation of
the terms of, a Rotorcraft External-Load Operator
Certificate issued by the Administrator under
133.17.
(b)
No person holding a Rotorcraft External-Load
Operator Certificate may conduct rotorcraft
external-load operations subject to this part under
a business name that is not on that certificate.
Unless sooner surrendered, suspended, or revoked, a
Rotorcraft External-Load Operator Certificate
expires at the end of the twenty-fourth month after
the month in which it is issued or renewed.
If
the holder of a certificate issued under this part
permits any aircraft owned or leased by that holder
to be engaged in any operation that the certificate
holder knows to be in violation of 91.19(a) of this
chapter, that operation is a basis for suspending or
revoking the certificate.
133.15 Application
for certificate issuance or renewal.
Application for an original certificate or renewal
of a certificate issued under this part is made on a
form, and in a manner, prescribed by the
Administrator. The form may be obtained from an
AFRO-CAA Office. The completed application is sent
to the district office that has jurisdiction over
the area in which the applicant's home base of
operation is located.
If
an applicant shows that he complies with 133.19,
133.21, and 133.23, the Administrator issues a
Rotorcraft External-Load Operator Certificate to him
with an authorization to operate specified
rotorcraft with those classes of rotorcraft-load
combinations for which he complies with the
applicable provisions of subpart D of this part.
(a)
The applicant must have the exclusive use of at
least one rotorcraft that—
(1)
Was type certificated under, and meets the
requirements of, part 27 or 29 of this chapter (but
not necessarily with external-load-carrying
attaching means installed) or of 21.25 of this
chapter for the special purpose of rotorcraft
external-load operations;
(2)
Complies with the certification provisions in
subpart D of this part that apply to the
rotorcraft-load combinations for which authorization
is requested; and
(3)
Has a valid standard or restricted category
airworthiness certificate.
(b)
For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, a
person has exclusive use of a rotorcraft if he has
the sole possession, control, and use of it for
flight, as owner, or has a written agreement
(including arrangements for the performance of
required maintenance) giving him that possession,
control, and use for at least six consecutive
months.
(a)
The applicant must hold, or have available the
services of at least one person who holds, a current
commercial or airline transport pilot certificate,
with a rating appropriate for the rotorcraft
prescribed in 133.19, issued by the Administrator.
(b)
The applicant must designate one pilot, who may be
the applicant, as chief pilot for rotorcraft
external-load operations. The applicant also may
designate qualified pilots as assistant chief pilots
to perform the functions of the chief pilot when the
chief pilot is not readily available. The chief
pilot and assistant chief pilots must be acceptable
to the Administrator and each must hold a current
Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate,
with a rating appropriate for the rotorcraft
prescribed in 133.19.
(c)
The holder of a Rotorcraft External-Load Operator
Certificate shall report any change in designation
of chief pilot or assistant chief pilot immediately
to the AFRO-CAA certificate-holding office. The new
chief pilot must be designated and must comply with
133.23 within 30 days or the operator may not
conduct further operations under the Rotorcraft
External-Load Operator Certificate unless otherwise
authorized by the AFRO-CAA certificate-holding
office.
(a)
Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section,
the applicant, or the chief pilot designated in
accordance with 133.21(b), must demonstrate to the
Administrator satisfactory knowledge and skill
regarding rotorcraft external-load operations as set
forth in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
(b)
The test of knowledge (which may be oral or written,
at the option of the applicant) covers the following
subjects:
(1)
Steps to be taken before starting operations,
including a survey of the flight area.
(2)
Proper method of loading, rigging, or attaching the
external load.
(3)
Performance capabilities, under approved operating
procedures and limitations, of the rotorcraft to be
used.
(4)
Proper instructions of flight crew and ground
workers.
(5)
Appropriate rotorcraft-load combination flight
manual.
(c)
The test of skill requires appropriate maneuvers for
each class requested. The appropriate maneuvers for
each load class must be demonstrated in the
rotorcraft prescribed in 133.19.
(1)
Takeoffs and landings.
(2)
Demonstration of directional control while hovering.
(3)
Acceleration from a hover.
(4)
Flight at operational airspeeds.
(5)
Approaches to landing or working area.
(6)
Maneuvering the external load into the release
position.
(7)
Demonstration of winch operation, if a winch is
installed to hoist the external load.
(d)
Compliance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this
section need not be shown if the Administrator
finds, on the basis of the applicant's (or his
designated chief pilot's) previous experience and
safety record in rotorcraft external-load
operations, that his knowledge and skill are
adequate.
(a)
The holder of a Rotorcraft External-Load Certificate
may apply to the AFRO-CAA Office having jurisdiction
over the area in which the applicant's home base of
operation is located, or to the Office nearest the
area in which operations are to be conducted, for an
amendment of the applicant's certificate, to add or
delete a rotorcraft-load combination authorization,
by executing the appropriate portion of the form
used in applying for a Rotorcraft External-Load
Operator Certificate. If the applicant for the
amendment shows compliance with 133.19, and 133.49,
the Office issues an amended Rotorcraft
External-Load Operator Certificate to the applicant
with authorization to operate with those classes of
rotorcraft-load combinations for which the applicant
complies with the applicable provisions of subpart D
of this part.
(b)
The holder of a rotorcraft external-load certificate
may apply for an amendment to add or delete a
rotorcraft authorization by submitting to the
certificate-holding AFRO-CAA Office a new list of
rotorcraft, by registration number, with the classes
of rotorcraft-load combinations for which
authorization is requested.
(a)
Each holder of a rotorcraft external-load operator
certificate shall keep that certificate and a list
of authorized rotorcraft at the home base of
operations and shall make it available for
inspection by the Administrator upon request.
(b)
Each person conducting a rotorcraft external-load
operation shall carry a facsimile of the Rotorcraft
External-Load Operator Certificate in each
rotorcraft used in the operation.
(c)
If the Administrator suspends or revokes a
Rotorcraft External-Load Operator Certificate, the
holder of that certificate shall return it to the
Administrator. If the certificate holder, for any
other reason, discontinues operations under his
certificate, and does not resume operations within
two years, he shall return the certificate to the
AFRO-CAA Office having jurisdiction over the area in
which his home base of operations is located.
(a)
In an emergency involving the safety of persons or
property, the certificate holder may deviate from
the rules of this part to the extent required to
meet that emergency.
(b)
Each person who, under the authority of this
section, deviates from a rule of this part shall
notify the Administrator within 10 days after the
deviation. Upon the request of the Administrator,
that person shall provide the certificate-holding
AFRO-CAA Office a complete report of the aircraft
operation involved, including a description of the
deviation and reasons for it.
(a)
No person may conduct a rotorcraft external-load
operation without, or contrary to, the
Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual prescribed
in 133.47.
(b)
No person may conduct a rotorcraft external-load
operation unless—
(1)
The rotorcraft complies with 133.19; and
(2)
The rotorcraft and rotorcraft-load combination is
authorized under the Rotorcraft External-Load
Operator Certificate.
(c)
Before a person may operate a rotorcraft with an
external-load configuration that differs
substantially from any that person has previously
carried with that type of rotorcraft (whether or not
the rotorcraft-load combination is of the same
class), that person must conduct, in a manner that
will not endanger persons or property on the
surface, such of the following flight-operational
checks as the Administrator determines are
appropriate to the rotorcraft-load combination:
(1)
A determination that the weight of the
rotorcraft-load combination and the location of its
center of gravity are within approved limits, that
the external load is securely fastened, and that the
external load does not interfere with devices
provided for its emergency release.
(2)
Make an initial lift-off and verify that
controllability is satisfactory.
(3)
While hovering, verify that directional control is
adequate.
(4)
Accelerate into forward flight to verify that no
attitude (whether of the rotorcraft or of the
external load) is encountered in which the
rotorcraft is uncontrollable or which is otherwise
hazardous.
(5)
In forward flight, check for hazardous oscillations
of the external load, but if the external load is
not visible to the pilot, other crewmembers or
ground personnel may make this check and signal the
pilot.
(6)
Increase the forward airspeed and determine an
operational airspeed at which no hazardous
oscillation or hazardous aerodynamic turbulence is
encountered.
(d)
Notwithstanding the provisions of part 91 of this
chapter, the holder of a Rotorcraft External-Load
Operator Certificate may conduct (in rotorcraft type
certificated under and meeting the requirements of
part 27 or 29 of this chapter, including the
external-load attaching means) rotorcraft
external-load operations over congested areas if
those operations are conducted without hazard to
persons or property on the surface and comply with
the following:
(1)
The operator must develop a plan for each complete
operation, coordinate this plan with the AFRO-CAA
Office having jurisdiction over the area in which
the operation will be conducted, and obtain approval
for the operation from that district office. The
plan must include an agreement with the appropriate
political subdivision that local officials will
exclude unauthorized persons from the area in which
the operation will be conducted, coordination with
air traffic control, if necessary, and a detailed
chart depicting the flight routes and altitudes.
(2)
Each flight must be conducted at an altitude, and on
a route, that will allow a jettisonable external
load to be released, and the rotorcraft landed, in
an emergency without hazard to persons or property
on the surface.
(e)
Notwithstanding the provisions of part 91 of this
chapter, and except as provided in 133.45(d), the
holder of a Rotorcraft External-Load Operator
Certificate may conduct external-load operations,
including approaches, departures, and load
positioning maneuvers necessary for the operation,
below 500 feet above the surface and closer than 500
feet to persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures,
if the operations are conducted without creating a
hazard to persons or property on the surface.
(f)
No person may conduct rotorcraft external-load
operations under IFR unless specifically approved by
the Administrator. However, under no circumstances
may a person be carried as part of the external-load
under IFR.
(a)
No certificate holder may allow a person to be
carried during rotorcraft external-load operations
unless that person—
(1)
Is a flight crew member;
(2)
Is a flight crewmember trainee;
(3)
Performs an essential function in connection with
the external-load operation; or
(4)
Is necessary to accomplish the work activity
directly associated with that operation.
(b)
The pilot in command shall ensure that all persons
are briefed before takeoff on all pertinent
procedures to be followed (including normal,
abnormal, and emergency procedures) and equipment to
be used during the external-load operation.
(a)
No certificate holder may use, nor may any person
serve, as a pilot in operations conducted under this
part unless that person—
(1)
Has successfully demonstrated, to the Administrator
knowledge and skill with respect to the
rotorcraft-load combination in accordance with
133.23 (in the case of a pilot other than the chief
pilot or an assistant chief pilot who has been
designated in accordance with 133.21(b), this
demonstration may be made to the chief pilot or
assistant chief pilot); and
(2)
Has in his or her personal possession a letter of
competency or an appropriate logbook entry
indicating compliance with paragraph (a)(1) of this
section.
(b)
No certificate holder may use, nor may any person
serve as, a crewmember or other operations personnel
in Class D operations conducted under this part
unless, within the preceding 12 calendar months,
that person has successfully completed either an
approved initial or a recurrent training program.
(c)
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b) of
this section, a person who has performed a
rotorcraft external-load operation of the same class
and in an aircraft of the same type within the past
12 calendar months need not undergo recurrent
training.
Each
person conducting an operation under this part shall
allow the Administrator to make any inspections or
tests that he considers necessary to determine
compliance with the AFRO-CAA Regulation and the
Rotorcraft External-Load Operator Certificate.
(a)
The applicant must demonstrate to the Administrator,
by performing the operational flight checks
prescribed in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this
section, as applicable, that the rotorcraft-load
combination has satisfactory flight characteristics,
unless these operational flight checks have been
demonstrated previously and the rotorcraft-load
combination flight characteristics were
satisfactory. For the purposes of this
demonstration, the external-load weight (including
the external-load attaching means) is the maximum
weight for which authorization is requested.
(b)
Class A rotorcraft-load combinations: The
operational flight check must consist of at least
the following maneuvers:
(1)
Take off and landing.
(2)
Demonstration of adequate directional control while
hovering.
(3)
Acceleration from a hover.
(4)
Horizontal flight at airspeeds up to the maximum
airspeed for which authorization is requested.
(c)
Class B and D rotorcraft-load combinations:
The operational flight check must consist of at
least the following maneuvers:
(1)
Pickup of the external load.
(2)
Demonstration of adequate directional control while
hovering.
(3)
Acceleration from a hover.
(4)
Horizontal flight at airspeeds up to the maximum
airspeed for which authorization is requested.
(5)
Demonstrating appropriate lifting device operation.
(6)
Maneuvering of the external load into release
position and its release, under probable flight
operation conditions, by means of each of the
quick-release controls installed on the rotorcraft.
(d)
Class C rotorcraft-load combinations: For Class C
rotorcraft-load combinations used in wire-stringing,
cable-laying, or similar operations, the operational
flight check must consist of the maneuvers, as
applicable, prescribed in paragraph (c) of this
section.
(a)
External-load attaching means. Each
external-load attaching means must have been
approved under—
(1)
Part 8 of the Civil Air Regulations
(2)
Part 133
(3)
Part 27 or 29 of this chapter, as applicable,
irrespective of the date of approval; or
(4)
Section 21.25 of this chapter.
(b)
Quick release devices. Each quick release
device must have been approved under—
(1)
Part 27 or 29 of this chapter, as applicable;
(2)
Part 133
(3)
Section 21.25 of this chapter, except the device
must comply with 27.865(b) and 29.865(b), as
applicable, of this chapter.
(c)
Weight and center of gravity—
(1)
Weight. The total weight of the
rotorcraft-load combination must not exceed the
total weight approved for the rotorcraft during its
type certification.
(2)
Center of gravity. The location of the center
of gravity must, for all loading conditions, be
within the range established for the rotorcraft
during its type certification. For Class C
rotorcraft-load combinations, the magnitude and
direction of the loading force must be established
at those values for which the effective location of
the center of gravity remains within its established
range.
In
addition to the operating limitations set forth in
the approved Rotorcraft Flight Manual, and to any
other limitations the Administrator may prescribe,
the operator shall establish at least the following
limitations and set them forth in the
Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual for
rotorcraft-load combination operations:
(a)
The rotorcraft-load combination may be operated only
within the weight and center of gravity limitations
established in accordance with 133.43(c).
(b)
The rotorcraft-load combination may not be operated
with an external load weight exceeding that used in
showing compliance with 133.41 and 133.43.
(c)
The rotorcraft-load combination may not be operated
at airspeeds greater than those established in
accordance with 133.41 (b), (c), and (d).
(d)
No person may conduct an external-load operation
under this part with a rotorcraft type certificated
in the restricted category under 21.25 of this
chapter over a densely populated area, in a
congested airway, or near a busy airport where
passenger transport operations are conducted.
(e)
The rotorcraft-load combination of Class D may be
conducted only in accordance with the following:
(1)
The rotorcraft to be used must have been type
certificated under transport Category A for the
operating weight and provide hover capability with
one engine inoperative at that operating weight and
altitude.
(2)
The rotorcraft must be equipped to allow direct
radio intercommunication among required crewmembers.
(3)
The personnel lifting device must be AFRO-CAA
approved.
(4)
The lifting device must have an emergency release
requiring two distinct actions.
The
applicant must prepare a Rotorcraft-Load Combination
Flight Manual and submit it for approval by the
Administrator. The manual must be prepared in
accordance with the rotorcraft flight manual
provisions of subpart G of part 27 or 29 of this
chapter, whichever is applicable. The limiting
height-speed envelope data need not be listed as
operating limitations. The manual must set forth—
(a)
Operating limitations, procedures (normal and
emergency), performance, and other information
established under this subpart;
(b)
The class of rotorcraft-load combinations for which
the airworthiness of the rotorcraft has been
demonstrated in accordance with 133.41 and 133.43;
and
(c)
In the information section of the Rotorcraft-Load
Combination Flight Manual—
(1)
Information on any peculiarities discovered when
operating particular rotorcraft-load combinations;
(2)
Precautionary advice regarding static electricity
discharges for Class B, Class C, and Class D
rotorcraft-load combinations; and
(3)
Any other information essential for safe operation
with external loads.
The
following markings and placards must be displayed
conspicuously and must be such that they cannot be
easily erased, disfigured, or obscured:
(a)
A placard (displayed in the cockpit or cabin)
stating the class of rotorcraft-load combination for
which the rotorcraft has been approved and the
occupancy limitation prescribed in 133.45(a).
(b)
A placard, marking, or instruction (displayed next
to the external-load attaching means) stating the
maximum external load prescribed as an operating
limitation in 133.45(c).
A
Rotorcraft External-Load Operator Certificate is a
current and valid airworthiness certificate for each
rotorcraft type certificated under part 27 or 29 of
this chapter (or their predecessor parts) and listed
by registration number on a list attached to the
certificate, when the rotorcraft is being used in
operations conducted under this part.
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