Rotorcraft

The Rotorcraft Directorate is responsible for:

• FAA regulations and policy related to engineering certification of rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft
• FAA certification of rotorcraft worldwide, and both fixed and rotary wing aircraft within the FAA Southwest Region
• Approving the design and production for all fixed and rotary wing aircraft manufactured or modified within the FAA Southwest Region.

Certification of Rotorcraft

• Design Approval Process
• How to Plan a Certification Project
• International Validation and Domestic Certification
• Regulations, Policies and Guidance

Rotorcraft Occupant Safety

Helicopters equipped with crash resistant fuel systems, crash resistant seats and structures provide the highest level of protection for pilots and passengers. Learn more about crash resistant fuel systems and crash resistant seats with our Helicopter Occupant Safety Toolkit (PDF).

• Crash Resistant Fuel System Designs (PDF)
• Crash Resistant Seats and Structure Designs (PDF)

Special Emphasis

• Airworthiness Approval for ADS-B In Systems and Applications
• Airworthiness Approval of ADS-B Out Systems
• Continued Operational Safety
• FAA Public Forum to Conduct Rotorcraft Regulatory Review
• Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS)/Night Vision Goggles (NVG)
• Restricted Category, Military Surplus Rotorcraft

Safety Rating Concept for Design and Equipment

The FAA wrote a white paper (PDF) that describes a concept promoting an intuitive, voluntary tool for researching the level of safety for six different categories of rotorcraft design and equipment. The concept was provided to industry for further development. The concept seeks to better inform and educate rotorcraft stakeholders while promoting increased voluntary equipage to higher levels of safety.