Aircraft Operations

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 In order to capitalize on the capabilities of helicopters, helicopter-only procedures may be designed and
authorized for airspeeds lower than those established for Category A aeroplanes. Those procedures which have been
designed under the special criteria for helicopter-use only are identified by the letter H and refer to the category of
aircraft as Category H.
1.2 For flight operations using Category A procedures, the primary requirement is to manoeuvre the helicopter
within the Category A airspeed tolerances as prescribed in Table I-8-3-1 and Table I-4-1-1 or Table I-4-1-2. Failure to
maintain the minimum speed could lead to an excursion of the protected airspace provided because of high drift angles
or errors in turning point determinations. Similarly, high vertical speeds could hazard the helicopter when over a
stepdown fix (see PANS-OPS, Volume II, Part I, Section 2, Chapter 2, 2.7.4), or could result in the helicopter on
departure initiating a turn at a height of 120 m (394 ft), but prior to reaching the departure area.
1.3 It should also be remembered that circling procedures are not applicable to helicopters. Rather than executing
a circling procedure, it is considered that a helicopter manoeuvres visually to a suitable landing area. Helicopter pilots
using a Category A procedure which authorizes both straight-in and circling minima may manoeuvre at the straight-in
minimum descent height (MDH) if visibility permits. However, the pilot must be alert to operational notes regarding
ATS requirements while manoeuvring to land.
___________________
I-8-1-1 23/11/06