Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C00341:body:0:p30
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C00341
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 73708–76419

this Chapter.
Note 3   Division 5 provides for specific auto-hover SAR manoeuvres which use a complex descent and positioning capability over the sea to position a rotorcraft for an auto-hover and winch recovery operation in IMC or where pilot reference to outside objects is not possible. On the other hand, once a rotorcraft has met the visibility and minimum altitude requirements of sections 9.12 and 9.13, the auto-hover function of the rotorcraft's AFCS may be used for positioning the rotorcraft over the sea in the rescue component of a SAR recovery operation under subsection 9.13 (2), provided the rotorcraft has the required capability and equipment in accordance with the AFM, and the pilot in command considers the descent is safe.
       (2) Regulation 91.305 does not apply to the flight if the following requirements are complied with:
Note   Regulations 91.265, 91.267, and 91.277 continue to apply but, subject to section 9.13 for regulation 91.267, would have no practical application.
(a) the flight below minimum height must be an IFR flight for surveillance or SAR, and involve flight along a route, or a route segment, over the sea;
(b) the flight must be conducted by an aerial work certificate holder;
(c) the flight must comply with the other requirements set out in this Division.

9.07 Distance and obstacle requirements etc.
       (1) The flight must not commence its descent below minimum height unless the pilot in command has determined that the following are not within the area that is 20 NM ahead along track and 5 NM either side of track:
(a) the Australian mainland or Tasmania;
(b) any obstacle having a height greater than 300 ft above sea level.
       (2) For a flight below minimum height at night — the flight must be at least 5 NM from the following:
(a) the Australian mainland or Tasmania;
(b) any obstacle having a height greater than 300 ft above sea level.
       (3) A distance mentioned in subsection (1) or (2) must be in addition to any tolerances that must be applied to the following:
(a) the navigation equipment fitted to the aircraft that is used to establish the position of the aircraft;
(b) the techniques used to determine the position of the aircraft before descent from minimum height.
       (4) Before descent below minimum height — the pilot in command must:
(a) establish the position of the aircraft; and
(b) ensure that the aircraft will remain clear of obstacles in accordance with this section.
Note   The operator's pre-low flying procedures, as set out in the operations manual, must be followed.

9.08 Crew requirements
       (1) For a flight at night, the pilot in command must have:
(a) a minimum of 10 hours' experience as pilot in