Shawn,
Earlier in the discussion you and SASless (and others) discussed operation within the H-V curve. Once again you correctly point out that
In an S-61, you're always certified under Part 29. The configuration (>9 passengers) will determine whether you have to obey the limitation of the H-V curve or not. It's like any other limitation in the flight manual.
Section 1.6.33 (p-24) of the NTSB report indirectly addresses limits when it states
In an April 26, 2010, memorandum, the FAA responded to a request from NTSB investigators for clarification as to whether the use of performance charts contained in RFMS #8 was appropriate when no external load was being carried. The memorandum noted that, because the helicopter was being operated as a public aircraft, it was not subject to 14 CFR 91.9(a), which states that “no person may operate a civil aircraft without complying with the operating limitations specified in the approved Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual.” However, if the helicopter had been operated as a civil aircraft, “use of the performance figures in RFMS [#8] for maximum gross weight calculations when no external-load was being carried would be contrary to the limitations contained in the RFMS, and therefore contrary to 14 C.F.R. § 91.9(a).
In addition, Section 1.18.6 (p-82) states
Both the USFS and the DOI conduct firefighting flights on behalf of the U.S. Government. Aircraft conducting these flights are considered to be public aircraft, which are exempt from many FAA regulations applicable to civil aircraft.
What am I missing here? Public Use Aircraft can’t possibly be exempted from all Operating Limits. If they are exempted from certain limits, then who grants those exemptions?
HT
Last edited by HeliTester; 25th February 2013 at 19:10.
Reason: Clarification