Air Carrier Compliance Group

Part 133 Certification Support

ACCG helps rotorcraft operators stand up safe, compliant external-load operations. We author operator-tailored drafts—including the Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual (RLCFM)—coordinate content with your team, and provide guidance for FAA coordination.

Class A/B/C/D Loads Training & Checking Hook & Rigging Lift Plans & JHAs Demonstration Prep

What we do

We prepare submission-ready documentation—RLCFM drafts, training/checking outlines, forms, lift plans, and job hazard analysis checklists—tailored to your aircraft and missions. You coordinate directly with the FAA; we provide guidance and support on request.

  • Customized manuals to your operation
  • Inspector-ready formatting
  • Demonstration checklist & brief
  • Forms & job aids included

Part 133 — At a Glance

What is an external-load operation?
Helicopter towing, sling, winching, or rappelling operations where a load is carried outside the fuselage (suspended or rigidly attached).
Who needs Part 133?
Operators conducting external-load towing or sling operations (cargo or persons), including bucket, net, harness, sling, or stretcher operations.
Aircraft
Exclusive use of ≥ 1 rotorcraft with equipment approved for the intended classes (A/B/C/D).
Manual
Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual (RLCFM) with operating limitations, procedures, and performance.
Training
Initial/recurrent pilot training and checking appropriate to load classes and equipment.
Safety
Rigging and hook procedures, functional checks, emergency jettison, site control, and communications.
References
14 CFR Part 133 Subparts A–D & G; §133.47(b) for classes; Part 27/29 Subpart G; AC 133-1A; FSIMS Vol 3 Ch 51.

About Part 133 Operations

External-load operations include

  • External load towing
  • Sling load operations
  • Winching operations
  • Rappelling operations

“External load” is any load carried or extended outside the fuselage, commonly by sling/longline beneath the helicopter (slung loads), or rigidly attached.

Who needs certification

Operators performing towing, lowering, laying down external cargo in contact with the ground, or external carriage/handling of cargo or persons by bucket, net, harness, sling, or stretcher.

We tailor documentation to your exact mission set—utility, construction, logging, fire, powerline, etc.

How to Apply for Part 133 Certification

United States applications are coordinated with the FAA; other countries use their local CAA with nearly identical requirements.

Minimum Requirements

  • Exclusive use of at least one rotorcraft
  • Equipment approved for the intended operation(s)
  • Pilot training and checking appropriate to load classes
  • Compliance with route, site, and pick-up/landing area safety

Application Package (typical)

  • FAA Form 8710-4 (or local CAA equivalent)
  • Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual (RLCFM) draft
  • Pilot training & checking framework
  • Demonstration plan and checklists

References: 14 CFR Part 133; FSIMS Vol 3, Ch 51; AC 133-1A (as revised).

The “Part 133 Manual” (RLCFM)

Content & Structure

  • Operating limitations, normal & emergency procedures, and performance (per Part 27/29 Subpart G)
  • Classes authorized (A/B/C/D) per §133.47(b)
  • Peculiarities by load combinations; static-electricity precautions (Class B & D)
  • CG computation (lateral/longitudinal) if not covered in the RFM
  • Max speeds and weights demonstrated during operational checks

How ACCG Helps

  • Author tailored RLCFM drafts aligned to your aircraft and missions
  • Provide training/checking outlines and records forms
  • Deliver lift plan, rigging log, hook check, JHA templates
  • Prepare a demonstration brief & readiness checklist

We provide submission-ready documentation and guidance. Operators coordinate directly with the FAA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need a separate training manual?

We include a concise training & checking framework in the package. Some operators expand it into a stand-alone program depending on fleet/mission complexity.

How are (A)/(B)/(C)/(D) classes documented?

In the RLCFM. The operator’s aircraft and equipment must demonstrate airworthiness for the classes sought; the manual lists authorized classes per §133.47(b).

Can we use e-forms on an EFB?

Yes. We can provide PDF/Word forms suitable for tablet use and help you organize documents for portable EFB programs.

What about international approvals?

Most CAAs mirror FAA requirements. We adapt the package to local terminology and forms while preserving the same safety and procedural baseline.

Planning a lift program?

We’ll tailor your RLCFM draft, training outline, and forms—and prepare you for the demonstration.

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