IRImplementing rule
CAT.POL.H.215En-route – critical engine inoperative
(a)The mass of the helicopter and the flight path at all points along the route, with the critical engine inoperative and the meteorological conditions expected for the flight, shall permit compliance with any of the following points:
(1)when it is intended that the flight will be conducted at any time out of sight of the surface, the mass of the helicopter permits a rate of climb of at least 50 ft/minute with the critical engine inoperative at an altitude of at least 300 m (1 000 ft), or 600 m (2 000 ft) in areas of mountainous terrain, above all relevant terrain and obstacles along the route;
(2)when it is intended that the flight will be conducted without the surface in sight, the flight path permits the helicopter to continue flight from the cruising altitude to a height of 300 m (1 000 ft) above a landing site where a landing can be made in accordance with point CAT.POL.H.220; the flight path clears vertically, by at least 300 m (1 000 ft) or 600 m (2 000 ft) in areas of mountainous terrain, all relevant terrain and obstacles along the route; Drift-down techniques may be used;
(3)when it is intended that the flight will be conducted in VMC with the surface in sight, the flight path permits the helicopter to continue flight from the cruising altitude to a height of 300 m (1 000 ft) above a landing site where a landing can be made in accordance with point CAT.POL.H.220, without flying at any time below the appropriate minimum flight altitude; Obstacles shall be considered within a distance on either side of the route as specified for the purpose of determination of the minimum flight altitude in VFR.
(b)When showing compliance with (a)(2) or (a)(3):
(1)the critical engine is assumed to fail at the most critical point along the route;
(2)account is taken of the effects of winds on the flight path;
(3)fuel jettisoning is planned to take place only to an extent consistent with reaching the aerodrome or operating site with the required fuel reserves and using a safe procedure; and
(4)fuel jettisoning is not planned below 1 000 ft above terrain.
IR · CAT.POL.H.215 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · Regulation (EU) 2023/1020 · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026