Operations control centers

This regulation requires helicopter air ambulance operators with 10 or more aircraft to establish an operations control center staffed by trained specialists. These specialists must maintain two-way communication with pilots, provide weather briefings, monitor flights, and participate in preflight risk analysis by reviewing and verifying the pilot's risk assessment worksheet before acknowledging the flight can be conducted safely.

Operations control specialists need extensive training: 80 hours initially (reducible to 40 for experienced aviation personnel) and 40 hours annually thereafter, covering topics like weather, navigation, air traffic control, aircraft systems, and emergency procedures. They must pass FAA-approved knowledge and practical tests.

The regulation ensures helicopter air ambulance flights have ground-based oversight beyond just the pilot's judgment. Certificate holders must document specialist duties in their operations manual and maintain training records for each specialist during employment plus 90 days after. This creates a safety net where trained personnel help assess risks and monitor operations from the ground.

*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.*