§ 136.13 - Performance plan.

§ 136.13 Helicopter performance Performance plan and operations.

Cross Reference

Link to an amendment published at 88 FR 48091, July 26, 2023.

(a) Each operator that uses a rotorcraft must complete a performance plan before each helicopter commercial air tour , or flight operated under 14 CFR § 91.146 or § 91.147 of this chapter. The pilot in command must review for accuracy and comply with the performance plan on the day the flight is flownoccurs. The performance plan must be based on the information in the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) approved aircraft flight manual for that helicopter, aircraft taking into consideration the maximum density altitude for which the operation is planned, in order to determine:

(1) Maximum gross weight and center of gravity (CG) limitations for hovering in ground effect;

(2) Maximum gross weight and CG limitations for hovering out of ground effect; and

(3) Maximum combination of weight, altitude, and temperature for which height/velocity information in the RFM approved aircraft flight manual is valid.

(b) Except for the approach to and transition from a hover for the purpose of takeoff and landing, or during takeoff and landing, the pilot in command must make a reasonable plan to operate the helicopter rotorcraft outside of the caution/warning/avoid area of the limiting height/velocity diagram.

(c) Except for the approach to and transition from a hover for the purpose of takeoff and landing, during takeoff and landing, or when necessary for safety of flight, the pilot in command must operate the helicopter rotorcraft in compliance with the plan described in paragraph (b) of this section.

[Docket No. FAA–2022–1563; Amdt. No. 136–2, 88 FR 48091, July 26, 2023]