Division CAT.IDE.H.320 All helicopters on flights over water — ditchingF1

Helicopters shall be designed for landing on water or certified for ditching in accordance with the relevant certification specification when operated in performance class 1 or 2 on a flight over water in a hostile environment at a distance from land corresponding to more than 10 minutes flying time at normal cruise speed.

Helicopters shall be designed for landing on water or certified for ditching in accordance with the relevant certification specification or fitted with emergency flotation equipment when operated in:

1. (1)

   performance class 1 or 2 on a flight over water in a non-hostile environment at a distance from land corresponding to more than 10 minutes flying time at normal cruise speed;

2. (2)

   performance class 2, when taking off or landing over water, except in the case of helicopter emergency medical services ( ‘ HEMS ’ ) operations, where for the purpose of minimising exposure, the landing or take-off at a HEMS operating site located in a congested environment is conducted over water;

3. (3)

   performance class 3 on a flight over water beyond safe forced landing distance from land.