CAP 686
Corporate Code of Practice (Helicopters)
Section 7 1
Operating Procedures
Flight Preparation Instructions a) The commander shall not commence a flight unless he is satisfied that: i) the helicopter is airworthy; ii) the expected weather conditions at the destination and any alternates will be at or above the applicable landing minima specified in paragraph 1.3. iii) the instruments and equipment required for the flight to be conducted are available; iv) the instruments and equipment are in operable condition except as provided in the MEL; v) those parts of the code of practice which are required for the conduct of the flight are available; vi) the documents, additional information and forms required to be available by paragraph 1.12 are on board; vii)current maps, charts and associated documents or equivalent data are available to cover the intended operation of the helicopter including any diversion which may reasonably be expected; viii)ground facilities and services required for the planned flight are available and adequate; ix) the provisions specified in the code of practice in respect of fuel and oil requirements,minimum safe altitudes,heliport operating minima and availability of alternate heliports,where required,can be complied with for the planned flight; x) the load is properly distributed and safely secured; xi) the mass of the helicopter, at take-off, will be such that the flight can be conducted in compliance with paragraphs 1.1.2 to 1.1.9 inclusive and Part B Sections 4, 5 and 6; and xii)any operational limitation in addition to those covered by sub-paragraphs ix) and xi) above can be complied with.
1.1
Minimum Flight Altitudes
1.1.1
General When a helicopter is being operated the minimum altitude/flight level at which it is permitted to fly may be governed by national regulations, air traffic control requirements, or by the need to maintain a safe height above any significant terrain or obstacle enroute.Whichever of these requirements produces the highest altitude/ flight level for a particular route will determine the minimum flight altitude for that route.The procedures outlined in the following paragraphs are to be followed when calculating the minimum altitude for the safe avoidance of en route terrain and obstacles.
January 2009
Part A Section 7 Page 1