FB....I'm back!
I wanted to mention the level of confusion covering this topic. This thread is a perfect example of the confusion.
I've spent hours with FAA types educating them on "their" rules and reg's!
When someone says FAR Part 133 D. Most folks follow the same path as JimL.
When actually it's the load classification that is being referenced A, B, C, D. Not FAR Part 133.1 para (d).
Most FSDO's view clas A, B & C as bothersome in my view. I've spent many, many hours getting approvals from local Inspectors, racking up many $$ in man hours for lift jobs that take minutes accomplish. Most inspectors are clueless as to their responsibilities regarding lift op's.
Not the case with Class D operations. Lifting live human loads is serious business. At the present time my sources in the FAA tell me that there are less then a handful of approved FAR Part 133 operators with a Class D approval in the USA.
Additionally, the operators insurance company will charge large for FAR Part 133 D operations. Unless the operator is actively engaged in the lifting of live human loads it is often cost prohibited to have the FAA approval.
Good day!