**Executive Summary**
This document, Civil Aviation Requirement Series H Part III Issue I, dated December 15, 2015, outlines the flight crew training and qualification requirements for general aviation operations of helicopters. It covers aspects like crew composition, hill/mountain flying, Special VFR (Visual Flight Rules) training, recurrent training, recent experience, and operation on multiple types. It also includes additional requirements for pilots operating helicopters owned by central/state governments/PSUs.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **General Applicability & Definitions:**
* The CAR applies to helicopter pilots in the General Aviation category.
* Defines key terms like "General Aviation Operation," "Year," and "Month."
* **Flight Crew Composition:**
* The Pilot-in-Command (PIC) must ensure the crew composition and number of flight crew members comply with DGCA regulations and the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM).
* All flight crew members must hold valid licenses, be suitably qualified, and properly rated.
* Night flight passenger requirements include five take-offs and landings at night as PIC within the preceding six months.
* **Hill/Mountain Flying Operations:**
* Pilots must undergo specific ground and flying training before undertaking hill/mountain operations.
* Ground training must be a minimum of 8 hours.
* Flying training requirements vary based on previous experience in hill/mountain operations.
* An annual Hill Ops Check is required.
* **Special VFR Training and Qualifications:**
* Pilots must undergo specific ground and flying training before undertaking Special VFR flights.
* Minimum experience requirements: 500 hours on helicopters, with 100 as PIC.
* A ground test with a minimum passing score of 80% is required.
* Minimum flying training duration is 2:15 hours, which can be reduced with approved simulators.
* Special VFR authorization is valid until the next yearly ground/flying recurrent training.
* Exceptions exist for pilots holding current Instrument Ratings or TRE/TRI ratings.
* **Recurrent Training Requirements:**
* Annual ground training must be at least 16 hours, covering technical aspects, performance, CRM, DGR, and safety/emergency procedures.
* Bi-annual flight training must be specified in the approved syllabus at an approved ATO and not less than 2 hours.
* **Recent Experience Requirements:**
* Crew members must have three take-offs and landings on the same type of helicopter or approved simulator within the preceding 90 days.
* Additional training is required if pilots have a longer break in flying, depending on the length of the break.
* **Operation on More Than One Type:**
* Pilots can operate more than one helicopter type under specific conditions, including minimum flight hours and recurrent training.
* Additional requirements apply for multi-engine turbine helicopters.
* Restrictions apply to the number of helicopter types a flight crew can operate.
* Specific requirements for combining helicopter and aeroplane operations.
* **Additional Requirements for Government/PSU Helicopters:**
* Initial Crew Resource Management (CRM) training is required.
* Specific requirements apply to Single Pilot Operations (SPO), including minimum flight hours and a release check.
* Requirements for operating VIP flights, including minimum flight hours and experience.
**Impact Analysis**
**Pilot-in-Command (PIC)**
* **Impact:** The PIC must ensure compliance with all the requirements stipulated in this document concerning flight crew training, qualifications, and recent experience. They are responsible for ensuring the safety and competency of the crew.
* **Action Required:** The PIC must review the document to understand their responsibilities and ensure all crew members meet the specified requirements before undertaking any flight operations.
**Helicopter Pilots in General Aviation**
* **Impact:** These pilots are directly affected by the training and qualification requirements. They need to meet specific criteria for different types of operations (e.g., hill/mountain flying, Special VFR flights).
* **Action Required:** Pilots need to assess their current qualifications and training against the document's requirements and undertake any necessary training or checks to maintain compliance.
**Training Organizations (GTO/ATO)**
* **Impact:** These organizations need to ensure their training programs align with the CAR's requirements to provide adequate training and qualification to helicopter pilots.
* **Action Required:** Review and update training syllabi to reflect the specific requirements of this document, including ground and flying training for hill/mountain operations, Special VFR, and recurrent training.
**TRE/TRI/Check Pilots**
* **Impact:** These instructors and evaluators are responsible for conducting training and checks to ensure pilots meet the required standards.
* **Action Required:** Ensure they are familiar with the CAR's requirements and use them as the basis for conducting training, release checks, and proficiency checks.
**Operators of Helicopters**
* **Impact:** These operators are responsible for ensuring that their flight crews are adequately trained and qualified, and that flight operations meet the document requirements.
* **Action Required:** Review operations manuals and procedures to ensure they are compliant with the document's requirements and that adequate resources are allocated for crew training and qualification.
Key Entities Referenced
Civil Aviation Requirement Section 8 – Aircraft Operations Series H Part III: The main subject of the document, outlining specific regulations for flight crew training and qualification requirements for general aviation operations involving helicopters.
Aircraft Rules 1937: Referenced legislation under which the CAR is issued, defining the legal framework for the regulations.
Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): The primary regulatory authority responsible for overseeing and approving aviation-related activities, including training programs and certifications referenced in the document.
ICAO Annex 6: Sets international standards and recommended practices (SARPs) for general aviation helicopters, specifically flight crew requirements.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF CIVIL AVIATION
TECHNICAL CENTRE, OPP. SAFDARJUNG AIRPORT, NEW DELHI – 110003
CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENT
SECTION 8 – AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS
SERIES H PART III
ISSUE I, 15TH DECEMBER 2015 EFFECTIVE: ___________2015
File No. 22024/19/CAR(H)/ 2015(FSD)
SUB: FLIGHT CREW TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
FOR GENERAL AVIATION OPERATIONS : HELICOPTERS
1. INTRODUCTION
ICAO Annex 6 – Operation of Aircraft Part III, Section III contains standard and
recommended practices (SARPs) which covers flight crew requirements for International
general aviation helicopters. The Annex requires it to be ensured that all flight crew
members are adequately trained and maintained competence to perform their assigned
duties. Applicable sections specified in Schedule II also require all pilots to maintain
proficiency in respect of the licence before exercising privileges of their licence.
2. APPLICABILITY
2.1. This CAR is applicable to helicopter pilots flying in General Aviation category.
2.2. This CAR lays down responsibilities of Pilot-in-Command towards training and
qualification requirements to carry out operations and is issued under the
provisions of Rule 29 C and Rule 133 A of the Aircraft Rules 1937.
3. DEFINITIONS/ TERMINOLOGY
3.1. General Aviation Operation. An aircraft operation other than a commercial air
transport operation or an aerial work operation.
3.2. Year. One year consists of 12 consecutive months, e.g. 03 Feb 2015 to 02 Feb
2016 or 01 Jan 2016 to 31 Dec 2016.
3.3. Month. One month is considered as the period compassing consecutive days in
the month of the Gregorian calendar e.g., 03 Feb to 02 Mar or 30 Dec to 29 Jan or
15 May to 14 Jun. Example of 6 months is 04 Jan to 03 Jul
4. COMPOSITION OF FLIGHT CREW
1CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 8
SERIES H PART III 15TH DECEMBER 2015
The PIC shall ensure that:
4.1. the composition of the flight crew and the number of flight crew members at
designated crew stations are both in compliance with DGCA regulations, and no
less than the minimum specified in the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) and
Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A); and
4.2. all flight crew members hold an applicable and valid license acceptable to DGCA
and are suitably qualified and competent to conduct the duties assigned to them;
and
4.3. all crew members are properly rated; and
4.4. ensure that when passengers are to be carried at night, he shall have carried out
within a period of six months immediately preceding the date of the intended flight
not less than five take-offs and five landings by night as PIC as applicable and
prescribed in Schedule II of Indian Aircraft Rules 1937.
5. HILL/MOUNTAIN FLYING OPERATIONS
The PIC will ensure that before undertaking hill/ mountain operations all pilots have
undergone the following training:
5.1. Ground Training. The ground training specific to hill/ mountain shall be conducted
for a duration of minimum 8 hours at a DGCA approved GTO/ ATO or by a TRE/
TRI as follows:
5.1.1. Density altitude and performance consideration.
5.1.2. Effects of decreased air density on engine and airframe.
5.1.3. Type performance - Manufacturer's Flight Manual.
5.1.4. Physiological Effects - lack of oxygen and external horizon.
5.1.5. Mountain winds-convection and air mass stability, wind pattern across
prominent features of rounded shape and sharp contours, standing waves,
rotor streaming turbulence, ridges, conical hills and valleys.
5.1.6. Transit flying-Pre-flight planning, blade stall, engine failure, wind
assessment en-route.
5.1.7. Actions when caught in a down draught, ridge crossing and valley flying.
5.1.8. Wind assessment.
5.1.9. Meteorological peculiarities of the area of operations and its effect on
helicopter operations.
5.2. Flying Training. All pilots will undergo flying training on type with a TRE/ TRI
based on their previous experience as per the following table: -
Total Flying Previously Experienced in No previous experience in Hill/
Hours Hill/ Mountain Ops Mountain Ops
Less than 2 hrs Dual training with TRE/ Ground Training + 15 hrs Dual
2000 hrs total TRI + Area familiarisation as training with TRE/ TRI + Area
2CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 8
SERIES H PART III 15TH DECEMBER 2015
Total Flying Previously Experienced in No previous experience in Hill/
Hours Hill/ Mountain Ops Mountain Ops
flying required with a hill cleared familiarisation as required with a hill
experience on experienced pilot + Hill Ops cleared experienced pilot + Hill Ops
helicopters Check Check with TRE
2000 hrs and Area familiarisation as required Ground Training + 10 hrs Dual
above total with a hill cleared experienced training with TRE/ TRI + Area
flying pilot + Hill Ops Check. familiarisation as required with a hill
experience on cleared experienced pilot + Hill Ops
helicopters Check with TRE
5.3. Hill Ops Check. This will be flown once in a year with a TRE/ TRI/ Check Pilot
involving landings at minimum three different helipads having a minimum elevation
of 4000 feet.
6. SPECIAL VFR TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
The PIC will ensure that before undertaking Special VFR flights all pilots have undergone
the following training:
6.1. Experience. The pilot authorised to operate Special VFR flight shall have a
minimum of 500 hours on helicopters out of which minimum 100 hours should be
as PIC. When operating with two pilots under Special VFR, only the PIC need to
be Special VFR qualified.
6.2. Ground Training. Ground Training covering the under mentioned topics shall be
undertaken prior to undergoing the flying training/check. This ground training is
required to be undertaken only once, prior to initial Special VFR clearance.
6.2.1. Use of nav aids.
6.2.2. Use of landing aids.
6.2.3. Spatial disorientation.
6.2.4. CFIT, Situational awareness.
6.2.5. Effects of monsoons.
6.2.6. ATS in controlled airspace.
6.3. Ground Test. The ground training shall be followed by a written test; minimum
pass percentage marks for the written test shall be 80%.
6.4. Flying Training. The flying training will cover the following: -
6.4.1. Basic Instrument procedures.
6.4.2. Navigation with airborne equipment and available radio aids.
6.4.3. Departure and Arrival procedures in controlled airspace.
3CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 8
SERIES H PART III 15TH DECEMBER 2015
6.5. Special VFR Release Check. The Special VFR Release Check shall be
conducted only on a helicopter and in a control zone to cover all aspects of flying
training.
6.6. Minimum Duration of Flying Training and Release Check. The duration of the
flying training shall not be less than 2:15 hours. The flying training on the helicopter
may be accordingly reduced to 1:00 hr, if 1:15 hrs is conducted on a DGCA
approved FNPT/ FTD/ FFS. This shall be followed by a one-time Special VFR
Release Check of not less than 0:45 hours duration on the helicopter.
6.7. Authorisation for Training. Ground training and written test shall be conducted
by a DGCA approved GTO/ ATO. The Special VFR Release Check shall be
conducted by a DGCA approved TRI/ TRE. On successful completion of Ground
Training, Flying Training and Release Check, TRI/ TRE shall certify in the pilot's
logbook that he is fit to operate Special VFR flights.
6.8. Validity. The one-time authorisation to operate Special VFR flights shall be valid
from the date of the release check conducted by the TRI/TRE, thereafter no yearly
ground/flying recurrent training is required.
6.9. Privileges. Pilots authorised to operate Special VFR flights shall remain clear of
clouds and in sight of the surface.
6.10. Exceptions. Pilots holding current Instrument Rating or TRE/TRI or Flight
Instructor Rating/ Assistant Flight Instructor Rating are not required to undergo the
training and release check to operate Special VFR flights as long as they continue
to hold such qualifications as mentioned, and the same remain valid.
7. RECURRENT TRAINING REQUIREMENT
The PIC shall ensure that:
7.1. Each flight crew member has completed recurrent flight and ground training
relevant to the type or variant of helicopter on which the flight crew member
operates, including training on the location and use of all emergency and safety
equipment carried.
7.1.1. Ground Training. The duration of annual ground training will not be less
than 16 hours training consisting of technical, performance, CRM, DGR and
safety and emergency procedures training. The validity of the annual
ground recurrent training shall be for a period of 12 months and shall
commence from the date following the date of expiry of the previous validity
subject to the condition that the recurrent training has been conducted
within three months preceding the date of expiry.
7.1.2. Flight Training. The duration of the bi-annual recurrent flight training will
be as specified in the recurrent training syllabus at an approved ATO and
not be less than two hours. The validity of the recurrent flight training shall
be for a period of 24 months and shall commence from the date following
the date of expiry of the previous validity subject to the condition that the
recurrent training has been conducted within one months preceding the
date of expiry.
4CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 8
SERIES H PART III 15TH DECEMBER 2015
7.2. Each flight crew member has been periodically checked to demonstrate
competence in carrying out normal, abnormal and emergency procedures, as
stipulated in the subsequent paragraphs.
7.2.1. Each pilot authorised to fly a single engine helicopter has undergone a
‘flight review” in the preceding 12 months. The ‘flight review” may be flown
in a flight simulator or flight training device that is approved by DGCA.
7.2.2. Each flight crew member authorised to fly a multi-engine helicopter has
undergone a Proficiency Check to demonstrate his/ her competence in
carrying out normal, abnormal and emergency procedures on each type (
and not variant of a type) of multi-engine helicopter. When a flight crew
exercises the privileges of his licence on several variants of the same type
of multi-engine helicopter, the PPC for each variant can be combined.
However, when the flight crew exercises the privileges of his licence on
different types of helicopters the PPC for each type shall be carried out
separately.
7.2.3. The check shall be conducted without external visual reference when the
flight crew member is required to operate under IFR.
7.2.4. The period of validity of a PPC for multi-engine helicopters shall be 12
months. The validity of the PPC shall commence from the date following
the date of expiry of the previous validity subject to the condition that the
PPC has been conducted within one month preceding the date of expiry. A
PPC may be carried out in a helicopter or a Level C/ D FFS.
7.3. All flight crew requiring to operate a helicopter flight under IFR, shall have a valid
and current Instrument Rating as stipulated in Section P of Schedule II of Indian
Aircraft Rules 1937.
7.4. All pilots intending to undertake Special VFR operations shall have undergone
Special VFR Training as explained In CAR Section 8, Series H, Part 1.
8. RECENT EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
8.1. The PIC will ensure that all crew members have the recent flying experience
of 03 (three) take-offs and landings on same type of helicopter or approved
Level Full Flight Simulator (FFS) in the preceding 90 days.
8.2. In case of a longer break, the pilots are to undergo the following training
before continuing to exercise the priviliges of their licence: -
Before flying SPO
Ground Flying training on
or multicrew PIC
Break in Flying Refresh Helicopter with TRE/ TRI OR
PIC with As
er at an ATO on FFS
copilot copilot
Day Flying – Single Engine Helicopters
3 TOL as PIC with an
90 to 179 days 1:00 experienced copilot or - -
1 session of 1:00 hr
180 days to less 2:00 One dual sortie 1:00 h or 1:00 -
than 01 year 2 sim sessions Total 2:00
5CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 8
SERIES H PART III 15TH DECEMBER 2015
Before flying SPO
Ground Flying training on
or multicrew PIC
Break in Flying Refresh Helicopter with TRE/ TRI OR
PIC with As
er at an ATO on FFS
copilot copilot
1 year to less than 3:00 One Skill Test of 1:00 h or 3 2:00 -
2 years sim sessions Total 3:00
2 years and more 5:00 One dual and one Skill Test of 4:00 -
1:00 each or 4 sim sessions
Total 4:00
Day Flying – Multi Engine Helicopters
90 to 179 days 1:00 3 TOL as PIC with an - -
experienced copilot or
1 session of 1:00 hr
180 days to less 2:00 One dual sortie 1:00 h or - -
than One year 2 sim sessions Total 2:00
1 year to less than 3:00 One Skill Test of 1:00 h or 3 - -
2 years sim sessions Total 3:00
2 years and more 5:00 One dual and one Skill Test of - -
1:00 each or 4 sim sessions
Total 4:00
Night Flying – All Helicopters
180 days to less - One dual sortie 1:00 h or - -
than 1 year 2 sim sessions Total 2:00 h
1 year to less than 1:00 One Skill Test of 1:00 h or 3 - 1:00
2 years sim sessions Total 3:00
2 years and more 2:00 One dual and one Skill Test of - 2:00
1:00 each or 4 sim sessions
Total 4:00
Notes.
“TOL” means ‘Takeoffs & Landings’.
Dual sorties, PPC, IR Check may be carried out by TRE/ TRI.
Route Check may be carried out by TRE/ TRI/ Check Pilot
Skill Tests shall be carried out by TRE only.
Ground Refresher may be carried out by TRE/ TRI/ Check Pilot/ Chief Pilot.
Recency by Day shall be carried out before commencing Recency by Night.
The pilot should hold current IR on type before undertaking night flying in IFR.
9. OPERATION ON MORE THAN ONE TYPE
9.1. Conditions for all Helicopters. A pilot may operate more than one helicopter
type, subject to the following conditions:
6CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 8
SERIES H PART III 15TH DECEMBER 2015
9.1.1. the pilot has a valid license for the type(s) of helicopter(s); and
9.1.2. the pilot has a minimum of 2,000 hours of flying experience of which not
less than 1,000 hours as PIC on helicopters; and
9.1.3. 50 hours on each type, including minimum three take-offs and landings in
the last 90 days on type; and
9.1.4. The applicable proficiency check has been conducted on each type and is
valid; and
9.1.5. meets the recurrent training requirements on type.
9.2. For Multi-Engine Turbine Helicopters the following additional requirements
apply:
9.2.1. Not more than two helicopter types within the last twenty four hours; and
9.2.2. On the additional type he has not less than 50 hours flying before he can
fly on another type.
9.3. Restrictions. No operator shall permit its flight crew to operate and no flight crew
shall operate more than three types of helicopters, of which not more than one
types shall be with an AUW above 5700 Kgs.
9.4. Combination of Helicopter and Aeroplane. No operator shall permit and no flight
crew shall operate more than one type of helicopter and one type of aeroplane
(irrespective of their AUWs). Further provided that on the additional type he has
not less than 50 hours flying before he can resume flying on both types.
10. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PILOTS OPERATING HELICOPTERS OWNED
BY CENTRAL/ STATE GOVERNMENTS/ PSUs
10.1. Initial Crew Resource Management (CRM) Training. The training shall be
completed at an approved GTO/ATO before commencing flying, unless the crew
member has previously completed an initial CRM course.
10.2. Single Pilot Operations
10.2.1. Minimum Requirements. Single Pilot operations may be undertaken on
helicopters certificated for single pilot operations provided the pilot has
minimum 100 hours PIC on type for pilots having less than 2000 hrs PIC
experience on helicopters or minimum 50 hours PIC on type for pilots
having more than 2000 hrs PIC experience on helicopters.
10.2.2. SPO Release Check. A pilot shall undertake SPO only after successful
completion of a Release Check of minimum 0:45 hours duration to be
carried out by a TRE/TRI.
10.2.3. In case a pilot is previously qualified for SPO on any type, PIC requirements
to qualify SPO on another type shall be half of those mentioned at Para
10.3.1 above. However, the pilot will need to undergo a Release Check as
mentioned at Para 10.3.2 above.
7CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 8
SERIES H PART III 15TH DECEMBER 2015
10.2.4. SPO shall not be undertaken on flights where two-pilot operation has been
specified by the DGCA, such as VVIP/VIP flights etc.
10.2.5. SPO qualification on one variant of helicopter shall be considered to meet
the requirements on all variants of that type of helicopter, provided the
specified Differences Training has been successfully completed and
entered in the Pilot’s Log Book.
10.2.6. Policy on undertaking SPO shall be specified in the Operations Manual of
the operator.
10.3. VIP Flights.
10.3.1. When operating VIP flights with helicopters, the pilot-in-command shall
possess a CPL (H) or ATPL (H) with at least 2000 hrs. including 500 hours
of PIC experience, 75 hours as PIC on type of aircraft, and at least 10 hours
of night flying experience.
10.3.2. In addition, the pilot should have a minimum of 30 hours as PIC experience
in the last 6 months including five hours on type in the last thirty days of the
intended flight. In case 30 hrs. recency during the last 6 months is not met
with, then in last 30 days, a satisfactory skill test (as required for licence
renewal) shall be carried out followed by 5 hrs. of PIC experience.
10.3.3. VIP flights shall always be operated with a multiple crew composition and
the PIC shall meet the requirements of 10.4.1 or 10.4.2, as the case may
be.
(M Sathiyavathy)
Director General Civil Aviation
8