SPA.HEMS.120 HEMS operating minima
Regulation (EU) 2023/1020
(a) HEMS flights operated in performance class 1 and 2 shall comply with the weather minima in Table 1 for dispatch and en-route phase of the HEMS flight. In the event that during the en-route phase the weather conditions fall below the cloud base or visibility minima shown, helicopters certified for flights only under VMC shall abandon the flight or return to base. Helicopters equipped and certified for instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) operations may abandon the flight, return to base or convert in all respects to a flight conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR), provided the flight crew are suitably qualified.
Table 1
|
HEMS operating minima |
|||
|
2 PILOTS |
1 PILOT |
||
|
DAY |
|||
|
Ceiling |
Visibility |
Ceiling |
Visibility |
|
500 ft and above |
As defined by the applicable airspace VFR minima |
500 ft and above |
As defined by the applicable airspace VFR minima |
|
499 - 400 ft |
1000 m(*) |
499 – 400 ft |
2 000 m |
|
2 PILOTS |
1 PILOT |
||
|
399 - 300 ft |
2 000 m |
399 – 300 ft |
3 000 m |
|
NIGHT |
|||
|
Cloud base |
Visibility |
Cloud base |
Visibility |
|
1 200 ft(**) |
2 500 m |
1 200 ft(**) |
3 000 m |
(*) During the en-route phase visibility may be reduced to 800
m for short periods when in sight of land if the helicopter is manoeuvred at a
speed that will give adequate opportunity to observe any obstacles in time to
avoid a collision.
(**) During the en-route phase, cloud base may be reduced to
1 000 ft for short periods.
(b) The weather minima for the dispatch and en-route phase of a HEMS flight operated in performance class 3 shall be a cloud ceiling of 600 ft and a visibility of 1500 m. Visibility may be reduced to 800 m for short periods when in sight of land if the helicopter is manoeuvred at a speed that will give adequate opportunity to observe any obstacle and avoid a collision.
[applicable
until 24 May 2024 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012]
(a) HEMS
flights operated under VFR shall comply with the HEMS-specific weather minima
for the dispatch and en-route phase of the HEMS flight.
(b) If during
the en-route phase the weather conditions fall below the cloud base or
visibility minima, helicopters certified for flights only under VMC shall
abandon the flight or return to base. Helicopters equipped and certified for
instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) operations may abandon the flight,
return to base or convert in all respects to a flight conducted under
instrument flight rules (IFR), provided the flight crew are suitably
qualified.
(1) multi-pilot operations;
(2) single-pilot operations with a technical
crew member seated in a forward-facing front seat, who is suitably qualified
and tasked to mitigate the additional risk.
[applicable from 25 May 2024 — Implementing
Regulation (EU) 2023/1020]
EASA HEMS Operations: Weather Minima Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) flights must adhere to specific weather minimums for dispatch and en-route phases, varying by performance class and pilot configuration. Reduced visibility is permitted briefly when in sight of land, ensuring obstacle avoidance. If weather deteriorates, VMC helicopters must return or abandon the flight. IMC-equipped helicopters can switch to IFR.
* Summary by Aviation.Bot - Always consult the original document for the most accurate information.
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