AMC2 CAT.OP.MPA.110 Aerodrome operating minima

Note that this is the text that was applicable before 30 October 2025

TAKE-OFF OPERATIONS — HELICOPTERS

(a) General

(1) Take-off minima should be expressed as visibility or runway visual range (RVR) limits, taking into account all relevant factors for each aerodrome planned to be used and aircraft characteristics. Where there is a specific need to see and avoid obstacles on departure and/or for a forced landing, additional conditions, e.g. ceiling, should be specified.

    (2) The commander should not commence take-off unless the weather conditions at the aerodrome of departure are equal to or better than applicable minima for landing at that aerodrome unless a weather-permissible take-off alternate aerodrome is available.

    (3) When the reported meteorological visibility (VIS) is below that required for take-off and RVR is not reported, a take-off should only be commenced if the commander can determine that the visibility along the take-off runway/area is equal to or better than the required minimum.

    (4) When no reported meteorological visibility or RVR is available, a take-off should only be commenced if the commander can determine that the visibility along the take-off runway/area is equal to or better than the required minimum.

(b) Visual reference

    (1) The take-off minima should be selected to ensure sufficient guidance to control the aircraft in the event of both a rejected take-off in adverse circumstances and a continued take-off after failure of the critical engine.

    (2) For night operations, ground lights should be available to illuminate the runway/final approach and take-off area (FATO) and any obstacles.

(c) Required RVR/VIS — helicopters:

    (1) For performance class 1 operations, the operator should specify an RVR/VIS as take-off minima in accordance with Table 1.H.

    (2) For performance class 2 operations onshore, the commander should operate to take-off minima of 800 m RVR/VIS and remain clear of cloud during the take-off manoeuvre until reaching performance class 1 capabilities.

    (3) For performance class 2 operations offshore, the commander should operate to minima not less than that for performance class 1 and remain clear of cloud during the take-off manoeuvre until reaching performance class 1 capabilities.

    (4) Table 8 for converting reported meteorological visibility to RVR should not be used for calculating take-off minima.

    Table 1.H

    Take-off — helicopters (without LVTO approval) RVR/VIS

Onshore aerodromes with instrument flight rules (IFR) departure procedures

RVR/VIS (m)

No light and no markings (day only)

400 or the rejected take-off distance, whichever is the greater

No markings (night)

800

Runway edge/FATO light and centreline marking

400

Runway edge/FATO light, centreline marking and relevant RVR information

400

Offshore helideck *

 

Two-pilot operations

400

Single-pilot operations

500

*:    The take-off flight path to be free of obstacles.