Steve76:
I was in the fortunate position to never have to interpret the operational rules (703, etc.). But you can do the MOCA thing in many helicopters that do not have Category A performance. Two completely separate things.
xnr
The wording about demonstrated performance (instead of just Category A) is something I'll take credit for. I suggested that, particulary for the S-76A, there was a supplement for less than 9 passengers (i.e. air ambulance) that had a demonstrated vertical takeoff profile, and that it should be given credit for that. Very long story about that whole thing came about.
Transport Canada uses the same regulatory material as the FAA for certification (i.e. Part 27 and Part 29).
The UK CAA recognized long ago that Part 27 helicopters, specifically the AS-355 series, could demonstrate Category A performance, but may not have had some of the other features needed to get Category A (engine isolations, and other very esoteric, but important things).
This has been a great discussion.