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VOLUME 4 AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT AND OPERATIONAL AUTHORIZATIONS CHAPTER 5 AIR AMBULANCE OPERATIONS Section 2 Authorizations for 14 CFR Part 135 Air Ambulance Services 4-931 GENERAL. This section contains guidance for principal operations inspectors (POI) to use when evaluating a Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 135 operators request to be issued operations specification (OpSpec) A021, Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS)/Operations, or OpSpec A024, Air Ambulance OperationsAirplane. A. Certification of New Operators. A district office may receive a request from an individual who does not currently hold an air carrier certificate to be certified as an air carrier with an air ambulance authorization. In this case, inspectors must follow the policies, direction, and guidance in Volume 2, Chapter 2, Section 4, Evaluate Part 121/135.411(a)(2) Operator, for 14 CFR part 121 or Volume 3, Chapter 18, Section 3, Part A Operations Specifications General, for part 135. Inspectors should refer to Volume 4, Chapter 5, Sections 3 and 4 to obtain policies, direction, and guidance for evaluating an air ambulance operator during phases two, three, and four of the certification process. B. Existing Operators Initiating Air Ambulance Operations. Existing operators may request that POIs issue OpSpec A021 or A024. POIs should consider a request to conduct air ambulance operations a potentially significant change in the certificate holders operation. C. Relevant Documents. The inspector conducting a certification or recertification of an air ambulance operator should become familiar with the contents of the current editions of the following documents, and should bring these documents to the attention of the operator: Advisory Circular (AC) 00-58, Voluntary Disclosure Reporting Program. AC 120-49, Certification of Air Carriers. AC 120-66, Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). AC 135-14, Emergency Medical Services/Helicopter (EMS/H). AC 135-15, Emergency Medical Services/Airplane (EMS/A). Air Ambulance Guidelines published by both the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); and the American Medical Association (AMA), Commission on Emergency Medical Services (EMS). FAA Order 8000.88, PRIA Guidance for FAA Inspectors. Volume 2, Chapter 2, General Information for Air Carrier Certification and Fractional Ownership Application. Volume 3, Chapter 18, Section 8, Amendment, Surrender, and Suspension of OpSpecs. Volume 3, Chapter 19, Training Programs and Airman Qualification. Volume 3, Chapter 32, Section 1, Background and Definitions. Volume 11, Chapter 1, Section 1, Voluntary Disclosure Reporting Program for Air Carriers and Regulated Entities. 1 UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN DOWNLOADED Check with FSIMS to verify current version before using

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4-932 EXISTING OPERATORS INITIATING AIR AMBULANCE OPERATIONS. POIs must use the following direction and guidance when issuing OpSpec A021 or A024 to existing operators: A. Initial Phase. In the initial phase, the POI and operator should meet to decide what documents the operator must create or modify, and what proving or validation tests the operator must conduct. The POI must coordinate with the principal maintenance inspector (PMI)/principal avionics inspector (PAI) when scheduling this meeting. 1) The POI must inform the operator of the requirement to prepare a new compliance statement. The operator should review each rule of part 135 and indicate those rules under which changes in the operators compliance procedures will be required while conducting air ambulance operations. For those rules requiring no change, the POI may accept a simple statement such as no change. 2) The POI must review the applicable air carrier certification job aids (see Figures 4-53 through 4-55) to determine the actions required. The POI should mark the date item accomplished/ready for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspection column of the job aid NA for those items that will not be required. The POI should retain a copy of the job aid, and give a copy to the operator. The principal inspectors (PI) should coordinate informally with the regional Flight Standards division (RFSD) at this stage to ensure that all requirements have been identified. The RFSD should coordinate with the Air Transportation Division (AFS-200) for additional guidance, as required. 3) The POI and the operator should come to a mutual agreement on the documents listed in Volume 2, Chapter 4, Section 2, paragraph 2-367 that the operator will be required to provide or modify. 4) The POI should review specific areas, including the following: Development of the air ambulance procedures section of the operators General Operations Manual (GOM); Development of a flight manual and checklists appropriate to air ambulance operations; Development of the air ambulance section of the operators training and qualification program; Equipment installation (including medical oxygen, suction, and stretcher isolette, or other patient restraint/containment device); and Exploration of the requirement for Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST) Form 4507, Air Taxi Operator Registration and Amendments Under Part 298 of the Regulations of the Department of Transportation.

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1/23/13 Figure 4-53.

8900.1 CHG 244 Five Phases of Certification and Requirements of the Gate System

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1/23/13 Figure 4-54. Part 135 Certification Job Aid and Schedule of Events LOCATION ADDRESS PRECERTIFICATION NO.
DATE(S) RECEIVED DATE(S) RETURNED FOR CHANGES

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OFFICIAL NAME OF COMPANY MAILING ADDRESS (if different from location)

PTRS CODE/ INPUT I. PREAPPLICATION PHASE

DATE ACCEPTED

INSP. INITIALS

A. CONDUCT PREAPPLICATION MEETING 1. VERIFY PREAPPLICATION STATEMENT OF INTENT (PASI) INFORMATION 2. OVERVIEW OF CERTIFICATION PROCESS 3. PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON WHERE TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATION INFORMATION a. Certification Job Aid 1. Voluntary Disclosure Reporting Program (VDRP) (as applicable) 2. Life vests and pyrotechnic signaling device. Title 14 of the Federal Code of Regulations (14 CFR) part 91, 91.205(b)(12) b. Schedule of Events (SOE) c. Advisory Circular (AC) Checklist d. Operations Specifications (OpSpecs) data sheet e. Other Applicable Publications and Documents 4. EXPLAIN FORMAL APPLICATIONS SUBMISSIONS

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B. CERTIFICATION TEAM DESIGNATED (at least one operations, one maintenance, and one avionics inspector, cabin safety inspector (CSI) and dispatch inspectors are recommended) NAME SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION PROJECT MANAGER (CPM)__________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ C. INITIAL ORIENTATION: Inspector________________________ 1. PASI: a. Date Forwarded to Regional Office (RO) _______________________________ b. Precertification Number _______________________________ REMARKS: PTRS CODE/ INPUT II. FORMAL APPLICATION PHASE DATE(S) RECEIVED DATE(S) RETURNED FOR CHANGES DATE ACCEPTED INSP. INITIALS

A. REVIEW APPLICANTS SUBMISSIONS 1. FORMAL APPLICATION LETTER a. Full and Official Name (Legal) b. Mailing Address c. Primary Operating Location (Principal Operations Base)

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d. Name and Address of Applicants Agent for Service e. Key Management Personnel Names 2. FORMAL APPLICATION ATTACHMENTS a. SOE b. Initial Compliance Statement c. Company General Manuals (Operations and Maintenance) d. New Hire Training Curricula, to include:

Basic Indoctrination; Crewmember Emergency

Training;

PilotGround and Flight

Training to include: Initial, Upgrade, Transition, Differences, and Recurrent, as applicable;

Flight Attendant (F/A) Ground

Training to include: Initial, Transition, and Recurrent, as applicable *;

Hazardous Materials (hazmat)

Training;

Initial/Transition Check Airmen

Training;

Initial/Transition Flight
Instructor Training; and

Security Training.
e. Management Qualification Resums f. Documents of Purchase/Contract/Lease/Letters of Intent (LOI)

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B. EVALUATE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) RESOURCE CAPABILITY BASED ON SOE REMARKS: C. FORMAL APPLICATION MEETING 1. SCHEDULE MEETING Date: _______ Time: _______ 2. DISCUSS EACH SUBMISSION 3. RESOLVE DISCREPANCIES/OPEN ITEMS 4. REVIEW CERTIFICATION PROCESS 5. REVIEW IMPACT IF SOE NOT MET D. ISSUE LETTER ACCEPTING/REJECTING APPLICATION REMARKS: PTRS CODE/ INPUT III. DOCUMENT COMPLIANCE PHASE DATE(S) RECEIVED DATE(S) RETURNED FOR CHANGES DATE ACCEPTED INSP. INITIALS

A. EVALUATE APPLICABLE TRAINING PROGRAMS 1. TRAINING CURRICULA a. Basic Indoctrination Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996 (PRIA) b. Crewmember Emergency Training c. Pilot Initial Ground and Flight Training

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d. Pilot Recurrent Training e. Pilot Transition/Upgrade/Differences Training f. F/A Initial Ground Training (as applicable) * g. F/A Transition/Recurrent Training (as applicable) * h. Security Training i. Hazmat j. Check Airman/Flight Instructor k. Maintenance Personnel B. EVALUATE MANAGEMENT QUALIFICATIONS 1. DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS (DO) (Principal Owner/Principal Ops Official *) 2. CHIEF PILOT * 3. DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE (DOM) * 4. REQUEST FOR DEVIATION LETTER(S) 14 CFR PART 119, 119.71(f)) C. EVALUATE APPLICABLE MANUALS NOTE: See 14 CFR part 135, 135.23 for a detailed list of requirements. 1. GENERAL OPERATIONS MANUAL (GOM) a. Management Persons Required Under part 119, 119.69(a) b. Applicable OpSpec Sections

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c. Emergency Plan/Accident Notification d. Pilot in Command (PIC) Knowledge of: Required Airworthiness Inspections, Reporting and Recording of Mechanical Irregularities, Minimum Equipment List (MEL)/Logbook Knowledge and Out Station Maintenance/Servicing e. Procedures for the Release for, or Continuation of, Flight with Inoperable or Unserviceable Equipment 2. GENERAL MAINTENANCE MANUAL (GMM) 3. FAA-APPROVED AIRPLANE FLIGHT MANUAL (AFM) 4. AIRCRAFT CHECKLISTS a. Normal b. Abnormal c. Emergency 5. F/A MANUAL (as applicable) 6. DESTINATION AIRPORT ANALYSIS (as applicable) * 7. MEL 8. CONFIGURATION DEVIATION LIST (CDL) (as applicable) 9. MAINTENANCE TECHNICAL MANUALS (as applicable): a. Airframe/Powerplant b. Structural Repair c. Parts Catalogue

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d. Inspection Procedures e. Manufacturers or Vendors Manual f. Wiring Manual g. Overhaul Manual 10. FUELING/REFUELING PROCEDURES 11. FLIGHT LOCATING (AS APPLICABLE) 12. WEIGHT AND BALANCE (W&B) LIMITATIONS 13. HAZMAT RECOGNITION AND/OR ACCEPTANCE 14. SECURITY PROGRAM 15. CONTINUOUS AIRWORTHINESS MAINTENANCE PROGRAM (CAMP) (if applicable) REMARKS: D. OTHER EVALUATIONS (as applicable) * 1. AIRCRAFT LEASE 2. MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS 3. SERVICING/ CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS 4. EXEMPTION/DEVIATION REQUESTS/ JUSTIFICATION 5. AIRCRAFT PROVING OR VALIDATION TEST PLAN (if applicable) AND TABLE TOP EXERCISES (if applicable)

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6. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

7. FINAL COMPLIANCE STATEMENT 8. INITIATE OPSPECS PREPARATION DATA SHEET 9. TRAINING CONTRACTS 10. DEICING/ANTI-ICING 11. EXIT ROW SEATING (20-30 seat on-demand or commuter 10 or more seats) * 12. ANTIDRUG AND ALCOHOL MISUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM REMARKS: PTRS CODE/ INPUT IV. DEMONSTRATION & INSPECTION PHASE DATE(S) RECEIVED DATE(S) RETURNED FOR CHANGES DATE ACCEPTED INSP. INITIALS

A. EVALUATE APPLICANT CONDUCTING TRAINING 1. TRAINING FACILITIES 2. TRAINING SCHEDULES 3. FLIGHT CREWMEMBER TRAINING a. Basic Indoctrination PRIA b. Emergency Training c. Ground Training d. Flight Training 4. CHECK AIRMAN/FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR 5. F/A TRAINING *

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a. Basic Indoctrination b. Emergency Training c. Ground Training 6. HAZMAT 7. SECURITY TRAINING 8. MAINTENANCE TRAINING a. Mechanics/Repairmen b. Inspection Personnel c. Ground Handling/Servicing 9. STATION PERSONNEL REMARKS: B. CREWMEMBER TESTING AND/OR CERTIFICATION 1. PILOTS 2. F/As * REMARKS: C. AIRCRAFT CONFORMITY INSPECTION D. MAIN OPERATIONS BASE E. MAIN MAINTENANCE BASE F. RECORDKEEPING: 1. CREWMEMBER a. Training b. Flight and Rest Times c. Qualifications G. MAINTENANCE:

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1. AIRCRAFT RECORDS 2. PERSONNEL TRAINING 3. PERSONNEL DUTY TIME LIMITATIONS H. FLIGHT/TRIP RECORDS I. EMERGENCY AND EMERGENCY EVACUATION DUTIES AND PROCEDURES * J. AIRCRAFT PROVING TEST(S) (as applicable) AND TABLE TOP EXERCISES(if applicable) K. VALIDATION TEST(S) (as applicable) L. PROOF OF DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORATION (DOT) ECONOMIC AUTHORITY (air carriers only) REMARKS: PTRS CODE/ INPUT V. CERTIFICATION PHASE DATE(S) RECEIVED DATE(S) RETURNED FOR CHANGES DATE ACCEPTED INSP. INITIALS

A. APPROVE OPSPECS B. PRESENT CERTIFICATE AND OPSPECS TO CERTIFICATE HOLDER REMARKS: C. PREPARE CERTIFICATION REPORT 1. ASSEMBLE REPORT a. PASI b. Certification Job Aid (if special operations are required, such as requirements for air tour operators, this should be reviewed during the

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1/23/13
certification process to include Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the requirements for night vision goggles (NVG), as applicable) c. Formal Application Letter d. SOE e. Final Compliance Statement: On the compliance statement add designator to the Aircraft Evaluation Group (AEG) Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) (as applicable); additionally, update the new operator in the Safety Performance Analysis System (SPAS) priority index f. Proving/Validation Test Evaluation Report g. Copy of OpSpecs h. Copy of Certificate i. Summary of Difficulties j. Suggestions to Improve Certification Process 2. DISTRIBUTE REPORT REMARKS: D. DEVELOP POSTCERTIFICATION SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM 1. WITHIN GEOGRAPHICAL AREA 2. OUTSIDE GEOGRAPHICAL AREA REMARKS:

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*Denotes processes/steps that may not be required of single pilot, single PIC, or basic part 135 operators.

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Figure 4-55.

Part 135 Certification Job Aid for Cabin Safety

PRECERTIFICATION NO. : _____________________

CABIN SAFETY INSPECTOR: ______________________________

I. PREAPPLICATION PHASE
A. Attend preapplication meeting (applicants representative responsible for the Flight Attendant (F/A) and cabin safety material) NAME: ________________________________________ B. Inform the applicant about how to obtain the following: 1. The current edition of Advisory Circular (AC) 121-24, Passenger Safety Information Briefing and Briefing Cards. (Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 135, 135.117, as amended). 2. Exit seating (if applicable) (14 CFR 135.129). 3. F/A/Cabin safety sections (Volume 3, Chapters 23, 32, and 33). 4. Preparation of F/A manual job aid (Volume 3, Chapter 32, Section 13, Figure 3-124). 5. F/A training job aid (Volume 3, Chapter 23, Section 2, Figure 3-107). 6. Title 14 CFR part 382, Nondiscrimination On The Basis of Disability in Air Travel. 7. Title 14 CFR part 252, Smoking Aboard Aircraft. Date(s) Dates II. FORMAL APPLICATION PHASE Received Accepted A. Formal application attachments, to include: 1. F/A training programs, to include: initial, transition, and recurrent (as applicable) 2. F/A manual 3. Applicable crewmember recordkeeping documentation 4. Exit seat program 5. Passenger briefing cards 6. Compliance statements (cabin safety related) 7. Schedule of Events (SOE) (cabin safety related)

III. DOCUMENT COMPLIANCE PHASE

A. Evaluate applicable manuals 1. F/A manual 2. F/A training manual 3. Security program 4. Hazardous materials (hazmat) recognition program 5. Passenger briefing cards (as applicable) B. OTHER EVALUATIONS (as applicable) 1. Exit row seating (20-30 seat on-demand or commuter 10 or more seats) 2. Emergency and emergency evacuation duties and procedures 3. Training contracts (as applicable) 4. Proving and validation tests (as applicable)

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1/23/13 IV. DEMONSTRATION & INSPECTION PHASE

A. Evaluate applicant conducting training 1. F/A training facilities 2. F/A training schedules 3. F/A training, to include: basic indoctrination, ground, hazmat, emergency, and security 4. Recordkeeping, to include: training, currency, and flight/rest times 5. Proving and validation tests (as applicable)

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V. CERTIFICATION PHASE
A. Coordinate with other principal inspectors (PI) to issue operation specifications (OpSpecs)

B. Formal Application Phase. The operator must submit a letter requesting issuance of the appropriate OpSpec paragraphs, the new compliance statement, and those attachments referred to in Volume 2, Chapter 4, Section 2, paragraph 2-367, which have been determined to be applicable in the previous phase. C. Document Compliance Phase. Prior to conducting this phase, inspectors should review the contents of Volume 2, Chapter 4, Section 3. Inspectors should also refer to the direction and guidance of Volume 4, Chapter 5, Sections 3 and 4 while conducting the required evaluations. D. Demonstration and Inspection Phase. In this phase, the inspectors only have to accomplish the applicable events of the job aid. Inspectors should review Volume 2, Chapter 4, Section 4 for guidance when accomplishing this phase. Since unique circumstances surround each recertification, the POI must informally coordinate with the RFSD before closing this phase. Specific criteria and procedures for inspectors to use when evaluating an operators demonstrated ability are located in Volume 4, Chapter 5, Sections 3 and 4. These demonstrations include, but are not limited to, the following: Training in air ambulance procedures, Emergency evacuations, Air navigation under air ambulance operating procedures, and Operational control procedures.

E. Certification Phase. Inspectors should review the contents of Volume 2, Chapter 4, Section 5 before concluding the certification phase. RESERVED. Paragraphs 4-933 through 4-940.

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