Ronald F. Livingston Aviation Business Consulting, LLC

Transcription

1 Ronald F. Livingston Aviation Business Consulting, LLC Baldwin Ave NE Albuquerque, NM office cell

2 Presentation Subjects Helicopter External Loads FAA Certification Requirements Long-Line Operations Safety

3 Helicopter External-Loads What is an external-load?

4 Helicopter External-Loads Federal Aviation Regulations Part 1 defines an external load. External load means a load that is carried, or extends, outside of the aircraft fuselage. Rotorcraft-load combination means the combination of a rotorcraft and an external load, including the external-load attaching means. Rotorcraft-load combinations are designated as Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D.

5 Helicopter External-Loads Federal Aviation Regulations 14 CFR Part 133 Rotorcraft External Load Operations Applicability This part covers the airworthiness certification rules for rotorcraft used in; and Operating and certification rules governing the conduct of rotorcraft external-load operations in the United States by any person.

6 Helicopter External-Loads Rotorcraft-Load Combinations Class A rotorcraft-load combination means one in which the external load cannot move freely, cannot be jettisoned, and does not extend below the landing gear.

7 Helicopter External-Loads Class A Rotorcraft-Load Combination

8 Helicopter External-Loads Class A Rotorcraft-Load Combination

9 Helicopter External-Loads IS THIS A CLASS A ROTORCRAFT-LOAD COMBINATION?

10 Helicopter External Loads Must be installed with FAA Approved Data Field Approval STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) STC Certificate Applicability List Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement Instructions for Continued Airworthiness FAA Form 337

11 Helicopter External-Loads Class B Rotorcraft-Load Combination Class B rotorcraft-load combination means one in which the external load is jettisonable and is lifted free of land or water during the rotorcraft operations.

12 Helicopter External-Loads Class B Rotorcraft-Load Combination

13 Helicopter External-Loads Class B Rotorcraft-Load Combination

14 Helicopter External-Loads Class C Rotorcraft-Load Combination Class C rotorcraft-load combination means one in which the external load is jettisonable and remains in contact with land or water during the rotorcraft operation.

15 Helicopter External Loads Class C Rotorcraft-Load Combination

16 Helicopter External-Loads Class C Rotorcraft-Load Combination

17 Helicopter External-Loads Class C Rotorcraft-Load Combination

18 Helicopter External-Loads Class D Rotorcraft-Load Combination Class D rotorcraft-load combination means one in which the external-load is other than Class A, B, or C and has been specifically approved by the Administrator for that operation. Multi-engine rotorcraft type certificated under Transport Category A for the operating weight and provide hover capability with one engine inoperative at that operating weight and altitude.

19 Helicopter External-Loads Class D Rotorcraft-Load Combination

20 Helicopter External-Loads Class D Rotorcraft-Load Combination

21 FAA Certification Requirements Operating Certificate and Operations Specifications - Aircraft Authorization. FAA Approved Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual. Marking and Placards. Crewmember Training, Currency, and Testing Requirements Documentation.

22 FAA Certification Requirements Ensure the helicopter company name and address you are contracting with are exactly the same as the name and address on the Operating Certificate.

23 FAA Certification Requirements Review the operations specifications to verify the specific helicopter is listed. Ensure the certificate authorizes the proper Rotorcraft-Load Combination Class. Verify date is valid

24 FAA Certification Requirements FAA Issued Operations Specifications No Class A

25 FAA Certification Requirements Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual The operator is required by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 133, section to develop a Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual. The objective of this RLCFM is to ensure that an operator meets regulatory requirements and provides adequate procedures and guidance for safely conducting external-load operations.

26 FAA Certification Requirements Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual 14 CFR Part 133, Section says that The applicant must prepare a Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual and submit it for approval by the Administrator. The key words to remember here are must prepare and approval. The operator must have the manual and the FAA must approve not accept.

27 FAA Certification Requirements Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual Typical Approval Stamp

28 FAA Certification Requirements Markings and Placards Per 14 CFR Part 133, Section A placard in the cockpit stating the class of rotorcraft-load combination for which the rotorcraft has been approved and the occupancy limitation per Section (a). A placard next to the external-load attaching means stating the maximum external load prescribed as an operating limitation per Section (c).

29 FAA Certification Requirements Markings and Placards in the cockpit.

30 FAA Certification Requirements Markings and Placards adjacent to the cargo hook

31 FAA Certification Requirements Crewmember Training, Currency, and Testing Requirements Documentation 14 CFR Part 133, Section No certificate holder may use, nor may any person serve, as a pilot in operations conducted under this part unless that person Has successfully demonstrated knowledge and skill with respect to the rotorcraft-load combination in accordance with Section

32 FAA Certification Requirements Crewmember Training, Currency, and Testing Requirements Documentation Has in his or her personal possession a letter of competency or an appropriate logbook entry indicating compliance with Section (a)(1). Personnel in Class D operations must have successfully completed either and approved initial or recurrent training program within the preceding 12 months.

33 FAA Certification Requirements Crewmember Training, Currency, and Testing Requirements Documentation

34 Long-Line Operations This is not a long-line operation

35 Long-Line Operations This is a long-line operation

36 Long-Line Operations Long-Line Operations were developed out of necessity. Companies working in rough steep terrain and/or in areas with tall obstacles or trees, that needed equipment or materials to be delivered to the work site, necessitated the need to develop a way to use helicopters to place sling loads safely in these areas by using a long-line. Hover-hookup and release was not an option. Hover hook-up is still used by the Military and the U.S. Forest Service for certain applications.

37 Long-Line Operations Long-lines have evolved from steel cable to synthetic materials. Along with the development of the long-line, a way to release the load without having personnel on the ground was also needed. So remote hooks were created. There are singleremote hooks and multi-hook carousels used today in seismic operations.

38 Long-Line Operations Synthetic Long-line with serial number, diameter and length. Protective sheath and electric line.

39 Long-Line Operations Inspections (Reference ASME B30-9) Daily - A visual inspection for damage shall be performed each day or shift the sling is used. Periodic Inspection - A complete inspection of the sling shall be performed. Inspection shall be conducted on the entire length including splices and fittings. Slings found with conditions such as those listed ASME B30-9 shall be removed from service. Slings shall not be returned to service until approved by a qualified person. Periodic Inspection Frequency - Periodic inspection intervals shall not exceed 1 yr. The frequency of periodic inspections should be based on criteria listed in ASME B30-9.

40 Long-Line Operations Preferred hook Single remote hook with keeperless hook

41 Long-Line Operations If possible do not use this type of hook on single or carousel hooks. This hook has a keeper and D-rings may be able to turn and go through the spring loaded keeper allowing the load to be free.

42 Long-Line Operations Very early version of a carousel found in a hanger in Alaska.

43 Long-Line Operations

44 Long-Line Operations

45 Long-Line Operations

46 Long-Line Operations

47 Long-Line Operations

48 Long-Line Operations Bag Runner

49 Long-Line Operations Do not use this quick-release safety hook when operating in timbered areas where the loads are lowered through the tree branches. This hook will open allowing the load to come off of the hook.

50 Long-Line Operations Use a separate long-line for each piece of equipment to eliminate using the quick release safety hook.

51 Long-Line Operations Use a shackle to attach the long-line to the lifting shackle or lifting eye and ensure the shackle bolt has a safety wire to prevent the bolt from backing out.

52 Safety Helicopter Procedures Helicopter Landing zone and Bag Pick-up Area Safety Briefings by helicopter pilot Lifting Equipment Inspections

53 Safety Helicopter Procedures Minimum safe working distances from obstacles Overdue helicopter Adverse weather Blowing dust Fire-fighting Long-line tag out Refueling normal and hot refueling Passenger guidelines Flight time documentation Helicopter crew attendance at safety meetings Emergency Response Plan

54 Safety Helicopter Landing zone and Bag Pick-up Area Keep landing zone and bag pick-up area totally separate from vehicle and foot traffic. Place signage around the landing area and bag pick-up area warning personnel to be aware of low flying aircraft. Brief all personnel that only authorized personnel and vehicles are allowed in the landing zone of bag pick-up area. Rope off area as necessary to keep unauthorized personnel out.

55 Safety Safety Briefings by Helicopter Pilot Brief ground personnel concerning the safety procedures while working around and under the helicopter during long-line operations. All personnel working directly with the helicopter operations must be able to speak and understand the English language. Brief personnel on procedures for approaching and departing the helicopter. Brief the ground personnel that will be hooking up the loads to the carousel, how to release and close carousel hooks, hand signals to location to place the carousel or load, hand signals for picking up the load and hand signals to put the load down. Brief personnel on where to stand so the pilot will be able to see you.

56 Safety Lifting Equipment Inspections: Before commencing Class B external-load operations the helicopter crew must: Check the cargo-hook release both manual and electrical to ensure proper operation. Inspect the long-line for general condition and damage. Inspect the carousel long-line attachment for security and damage.

57 Safety Lifting Equipment Inspections (continued): Check the operation of the carousel to ensure all hooks are releasing properly. Inspect the carousel for damage in the welds, check cargo hook attachment, check the lifting ring and long-line attaching clevis. Ensure the clevis pin has been safety wired. All inspections must be documented with the name of the person performing the inspection, their signature and if applicable, their certificate number.

58 Questions