AIM Text
- When departing from a location on a point-in-space (PinS) SID with a visual segment indicated and the departure instruction describes the visual segment the aircraft must cross the initial departure fix (IDF) outbound at-or-above the altitude depicted on the chart. The helicopter will initially establish a hover at or above the heliport crossing height (HCH) specified on the chart. The HCH specifies a minimum hover height to begin the climb to assist in avoiding obstacles. The helicopter will leave the departure location on the published outbound heading/course specified, climbing at least 400 ft/per NM (or as depicted on the chart), remaining clear of clouds, crossing at or above the IDF altitude specified, prior to proceeding outbound on the procedure. For example the chart may include these instructions: “Hover at 15 ft AGL, then climb on track 005, remaining clear of clouds, to cross PAWLY at or above 700.”
- When flying a PinS SID procedure containing a segment with instructions to “proceed VFR,” the pilot must keep the aircraft clear of the clouds and cross the IDF outbound at or above the altitude depicted. Departure procedures that support multiple departure locations will have a Proceed VFR segment leading to the IDF. The chart will provide a bearing and distance to the IDF from the heliport. That bearing and distance are for pilot orientation purposes only and are not a required procedure track. The helicopter will leave the departure location via pilot navigation in order to align with the departure route and comply with the altitude specified at the IDF. For example, the chart may include these instructions: “VFR Climb to WEBBB, Cross WEBBB at or above 800.”
- Once the aircraft reaches the IDF, the aircraft should proceed out the described route as specified on the chart, crossing each consecutive fix at or above the indicated altitude(s) until reaching the end of the departure or as directed by ATC.
FIG 10-1-1
Departure Charts
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 10-1-5.
Research Notes
AIM 10-1-5 covers Helicopter ATC Procedures — specific ATC procedures for helicopter operations.
Communication conventions:
- Identify as "Helicopter" + N-number when contacting ATC
- Provide aircraft type if relevant (Helicopter Robinson R44)
- State intentions clearly (hover, transition flight, landing)
Helicopter-specific procedures:
- Helicopter pattern altitude (typically 700 ft AGL vs fixed-wing 1,000 ft)
- Hover taxi vs ground taxi
- Direct routing through Class B/C/D when feasible
- Special VFR more permissive for helicopters
Reference: § 91.157; AIM 10-1-5; AC 90-66B.