ADVOKS GLOBAL · KENYA
The Civil Aviation (Aerial Work-General Operations) Regulations, 2025
34. Operating rules for rotorcraft external-load operations
Edition: 2026-03-25 · In force
34. Operating rules for rotorcraft external-load operations
(1)A person shall not conduct a rotorcraft external-load operation without, or contrary to, the rotorcraft external-load combination operating manual prescribed in Regulation 39.(2)A person shall not conduct a rotorcraft external-load operation unless—(a)the rotorcraft complies with the provisions of these Regulations;(b)the rotorcraft load combination is authorised under the rotorcraft external-load operator certificate.(3)Before a person operates a rotorcraft with an external-load configuration that differs substantially from any that person has previously carried with that type of rotorcraft, whether or not the rotorcraft-load combination is of the same class, that person shall conduct, in a manner that shall not endanger persons or property on the surface, such of the following flight operational checks as the Authority determines are appropriate to the rotorcraft-load combination—(a)a determination that the weight of the rotorcraft-load combination and the location of its centre of gravity are within approved limits, that the external-load is securely fastened, and that the external-load does not interfere with devices provided for its emergency release;(b)make an initial lift-off and verify that controllability is satisfactory;(c)while hovering, verify that directional control is adequate;(d)accelerate into forward flight to verify that no attitude, whether of the rotorcraft or of the external-load, is encountered in which the rotorcraft is uncontrollable or which is otherwise hazardous;(e)in forward flight, check for hazardous oscillations of the external-load, but if the external-load is not visible to the pilot, other crewmembers or ground personnel shall make this check and signal the pilot; and(f)increase the forward airspeed and determine an operational airspeed at which no hazardous oscillation or hazardous aerodynamic turbulence is encountered.(4)Notwithstanding the provisions of the Civil Aviation (Operation of Aircraft-Helicopter) Regulations, the holder of a rotorcraft external-load operator certificate may conduct rotorcraft external-load operations over congested areas if those operations are conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface and comply with the following—(a)the operator shall develop a plan for each complete operation and obtain approval for the operation from the Authority;(b)the plan shall include an agreement with the relevant authority in whose jurisdiction the operation shall be conducted, coordination with air traffic control, if necessary, and a detailed chart depicting the flight routes and altitudes;and(c)a flight shall be conducted at an altitude and on a route that shall allow a jettisonable external-load to be released, and the rotorcraft landed, in an emergency without hazard to persons or property on the surface.(5)Notwithstanding the provisions of the Civil Aviation (Operation of Aircraft-Helicopter) Regulations, and except as provided in Regulation 38 (2), the holder of a rotorcraft external-load operator certificate may conduct external-load operations, including approaches, departures, and load positioning manoeuvres necessary for the operation, below 500 feet above the surface and closer than 500 feet to persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures, if the operations are conducted without creating a hazard to persons or property on the surface.(6)A person shall not conduct rotorcraft external-load operations under instrument flight rules unless specifically approved by the Authority.(7)A person shall not carry a person as part of the external-load under instrument flight rules.