Applicability and definitions

This regulation establishes the scope and key terms for the helicopter air ambulance subpart of Part 135. It applies to any Part 135 certificate holder authorized to conduct helicopter air ambulance operations.

The regulation defines "helicopter air ambulance operation" broadly to include not just flights with patients aboard, but also positioning flights to pick up patients, repositioning flights after transport, and even flights that get cancelled due to weather or other reasons. This means the stricter requirements in this subpart apply throughout the entire operational sequence, not just when a patient is physically on board.

"Medical personnel" includes flight physicians, nurses, and paramedics carried to provide medical care. The regulation also adopts the Part 95 definitions of "mountainous" and "nonmountainous" areas, which matter because different operational rules apply depending on terrain. Understanding these definitions is essential since they determine when the enhanced safety requirements of this subpart take effect.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*