Question for anyone knowledgable of Rotorcraft type ratings. Now, I understand that under 14 CFR 61.31 that a type rating is required for Large Aircraft (except LTA), turbojet powered airplanes, and other aircraft specified by the Administrator. Question I have is why there is one listing of helicopter type designations for the pilot certificate, then there is a separate listing categorized as "The following applies to helicopters weighing 12,500 pounds or less on which type ratings are issued to holder of airline transport pilot certificates only." These helos in the second list are, in some cases, far under 12,500 and not all are even turbine (though 61.31 implies that that only applies to airplanes). So why the separate listing, and why do they even exist as a type rating in the sense of appearing on an ATP certificate? We wouldn't do the same for a fixed-wing under 12,500 and non-turbine (airplane). There's nothing applicable in 14 CFR 61.151-167 either that I found.
Here is an excerpt of helicopter type designations; these helos obviously exceeding 12,500 as heavy helos:
Now here is a partial listing of the aforementioned helicopter type designations that are under 12,500, but these type ratings are issed to ATP holders only. Why is that? Why do they exist as type ratings?
Here is an excerpt of helicopter type designations; these helos obviously exceeding 12,500 as heavy helos:
Now here is a partial listing of the aforementioned helicopter type designations that are under 12,500, but these type ratings are issed to ATP holders only. Why is that? Why do they exist as type ratings?
