External load documents
No person subject to Part 133 may conduct rotorcraft external-load operations in the United States without a Rotorcraft External-Load Operator Certificate (14 CFR 133.11(a)). The application, the manual and the plans are built from your rotorcraft's own evidence.
Documents for this operation
One published flat fee each. A 50% deposit starts the work; the balance is due when you approve the proof.
- Part 133 Rotorcraft External-Load Operator Certificate application14 CFR 133.15/133.17/133.19$1,425
- Part 133 Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual (RLCFM)14 CFR 133.47$800
- Part 133 Congested Area Plan14 CFR 133.33(d)$800
- Part 133 rotorcraft lease agreement (exclusive use)14 CFR 133.19$375
- MMEL as MEL (D095)14 CFR 91.213; 133; 137; 141$500
The rules behind them
Sections of 14 CFR part 133 and related rules your documents are traced to.
- § 133.11Certificate required
- § 133.15Application for certificate issuance or renewal
- § 133.17Requirements for issuance of a rotorcraft external-load operator certificate
- § 133.19Rotorcraft
- § 133.33Operating rules
- § 133.47Rotorcraft-load combination flight manual
Questions
What goes in the Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual?
14 CFR 133.47: operating limitations, normal and emergency procedures, performance and other information, and the classes of rotorcraft-load combinations for which airworthiness has been demonstrated. It is prepared under the flight manual provisions of subpart G of part 27 or 29 and submitted to the FAA for approval.
Can we fly external load over a congested area?
Under 14 CFR 133.33(d), a certificate holder may, if the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface and the operator develops a plan for each complete operation and coordinates it with the responsible Flight Standards office, among the other conditions in that paragraph.
We lease the helicopter. Does that matter?
14 CFR 133.19 requires the applicant to have the exclusive use of at least one rotorcraft. A leased helicopter needs a lease that gives you that exclusive use; our lease document is written for it.
Other helicopter operations
A named, qualified specialist signs off on every order before release. Not legal advice. Not FAA approval or acceptance. You review, sign and submit to the FAA. How we verify
RotorDocs is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. Not legal advice. We cannot guarantee FAA acceptance or approval. You are responsible for the accuracy of your answers and for submitting to the FAA. Liability is limited as set out in the Terms.