Category A/B Helicopters

[deadringer86]

Questions for the helo guys. I know that FAR Part 29 certifies rotorcraft as Category A and Category B rotorcraft depending on various performance characteristics, number of engines, etc. My question is, if you're flying a Category B helicopter, how are you limited operationally? What types of operations are restricted to Category A helicopters? I know Europe and a lot of the rest of the world refer to helicopter performance classes (PC1, PC2, PC3), where helicopters that aren't able to operate in the more restrictive class (PC1) are prohibited from operating in congested hostile environments (hospital rooftop helipads, etc.). Does the US have anything similar to this, or are helicopters here bound to just the no hazard to persons/property clause of Part 91? Thanks for any light you can shed on this for me!

 

[MikeD]

14 CFR 29 Category A, when talking transport category rotorcraft, refers to a multiengine rotorcraft designed with engine and system isolation features as designated in Part 29 and also being certified for takeoff and landing operations using a critical engine failure concept, assuring adequate designated surface area and adequate performance ability in the event of an engine failure. Also, performace data must be able to be calculated so that OEI obstacle clearance data from takeoff to climb to cruise to land, can be known. Included in this data must be standard takeoff/landing data, distance and climb gradient data, heliport and helipad size limitations, and OEI climb graphs. When single engine, the engine must be able to be isolated. Additionally, there are flight instrument requirements too.

Cat B are single or multiengine helos which do not meet the provisions of Cat A, as they don't have guaranteed ability to stay aloft in certain OEI flight regimes.

For FAA, these are basically certification criteria. As of current, they aren't restrictive in the same way that they are in Europe, as we don't have the PC1/2/3 categories for performance criteria and operations that the EU has. At least not that I've seen yet.