EX-PJ,
It is not clear why you have referred to my post above; it pointed specifically at HEC Class D loads and not paragraph (d) (that was coincidental).
For information about all load classes and the conditions under which they might be carried, one should look to the definitions in 14 FAR Part 1; the operational requirements in Part 133; and the airworthiness guidance contained in AC 29-2C (specifically AC 29.865B) -
they are closely integrated. The following extract from AC 29.865B provides some background and explanation:
a. Background. The standards for external load attaching means, transport and normal category rotorcraft were originally contained in Subpart D, "Airworthiness Requirements of 14 CFR Part 133, Rotorcraft External-Load Operations." Amendment 29-12, issued in 1977, added a new § 29.865, which moved these standards from Part 133 to Part 29. An identical transfer occurred in 1977 for Part 27. Amendment 29-26, issued in 1990, clarified the intent of Amendment 29-12 but did not change it substantively. Transport Categories A and B and Normal Category rotorcraft were initially used under Part 133 operations, and after Amendment 133-6, restricted category rotorcraft were also included under Part 133 operations. The carriage of persons external to the rotorcraft for hire first came about when a Part 29 operator, exempt from Part 133, transferred harbor pilots to and from ships by a hoist and sling. The exemption was granted to study the feasibility of passenger transfer outside of the cabin. Grant of the exemption was based, in part, on similar, prior operations that had been conducted in Europe and Africa, for hire, with helicopters approved by the appropriate authorities and, in part, on similar military and public helicopter operations, not for hire, in the U.S. Subsequently, Amendment 133-9,adopted in January 1987, established a new Class D rotorcraft load combination (RLC) for transporting loads other than Class A, B, or C that are specifically approved by the Administrator external to the rotorcraft. Amendment 133-9 also provided for the limitations and conditions for transport of external loads other than Class A, B, or C and the necessary, associated safety requirements. Part 29 has recently been changed to reflect RLC Class D requirements. Also, the scope and thus the title of the standard have changed from "External load attaching means" to "External loads" to reflect the more comprehensive approach for external loads required to assure the proper level-of safety.
b. Explanation.
(1) This advisory material contains guidance for the certification of helicopter external load attaching means and load carrying systems to be used in conjunction with operating rules such as Part 133, "Rotorcraft External Load Operations." Subpart D of Part 133 contains supplemental airworthiness requirements. 14 CFR Part 1 defines the four RLC classes that are approvable under Part 133 operating rules and that are eligible for certification under § 29.865. The four RLC classes are summarized in figure AC 29.865-1 and discussed in paragraph d. Under the operating rules RLC Classes A, B, and C are eligible, under specific restrictions, for both human external cargo (HEC) and nonhuman external cargo (NHEC) operations. However, under U.S. operating rules, only RLC Class D is eligible for transporting HEC for compensation. Paragraph AC 29.25 (reference § 29.25) also concerns, in part, jettisonable external cargo.
(2) Section 29.865 provides a minimum level of safety for transport category rotorcraft designs to be used with operating rules such as Part 133. Certain aspects of operations such as microwave tower and high-line wirework may also be regulated separately by other Federal agencies such as DOE, EPA, and OSHA or by other international entities. For applications that could come under multiple agency regulation (or regulation by other entities), special certification emphasis will be required by both the applicant and the approving authority to assure all relevant safety requirements are identified and met. Potential additional requirements, where thought to exist, are noted herein.