AIM ¶ 10-1-5 — PinS Departure Procedures
AIM 10-1-5 explained: helicopter Point-in-Space (PinS) SID departures, visual segments, HCH, IDF crossing altitudes, and 'Proceed VFR' instructions.
In Plain English
AIM 10-1-5 covers helicopter departures from a Point-in-Space (PinS) Standard Instrument Departure (SID). These procedures begin at a heliport and transition to the IFR route system at an Initial Departure Fix (IDF).
Two flavors exist depending on how the chart describes the visual portion:
- Visual segment with specific instructions: Hover at or above the Heliport Crossing Height (HCH) to clear obstacles, then climb on the published heading/course at at least 400 ft/NM (or as charted), remaining clear of clouds, and cross the IDF at or above the charted altitude. Example: “Hover at 15 ft AGL, then climb on track 005, remaining clear of clouds, to cross PAWLY at or above 700.”
- “Proceed VFR” segment: Used when the SID supports multiple departure locations. The chart shows a bearing/distance to the IDF for orientation only — it is not a required track. The pilot navigates VFR, clear of clouds, to cross the IDF at or above the depicted altitude. Example: “VFR Climb to WEBBB, Cross WEBBB at or above 800.”
After the IDF, fly the published route, crossing each fix at or above its charted altitude until the end of the procedure or as directed by ATC.
AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 10-1-510-1-5. 10-1-5. Departure Procedures
When departing from a location on a point-in-space (PinS) SID with a visual segment indicated and the departure instruction describes the visual segment the aircraft must cross the initial departure fix (IDF) outbound at-or-above the altitude depicted on the chart. The helicopter will initially establish a hover at or above the heliport crossing height (HCH) specified on the chart. The HCH specifies a minimum hover height to begin the climb to assist in avoiding obstacles. The helicopter will leave the departure location on the published outbound heading/course specified, climbing at least 400 ft/per NM (or as depicted on the chart), remaining clear of clouds, crossing at or above the IDF altitude specified, prior to proceeding outbound on the procedure. For example the chart may include these instructions: “Hover at 15 ft AGL, then climb on track 005, remaining clear of clouds, to cross PAWLY at or above 700.” When flying a PinS SID procedure containing a segment with instructions to “proceed VFR,” the pilot must keep the aircraft clear of the clouds and cross the IDF outbound at or above the altitude depicted. Departure procedures that support multiple departure locations will have a Proceed VFR segment leading to the IDF. The chart will provide a bearing and distance to the IDF from the heliport. That bearing and distance are for pilot orientation purposes only and are not a required procedure track. The helicopter will leave the departure location via pilot navigation in order to align with the departure route and comply with the altitude specified at the IDF. For example, the chart may include these instructions: “VFR Climb to WEBBB, Cross WEBBB at or above 800.” Once the aircraft reaches the IDF, the aircraft should proceed out the described route as specified on the chart, crossing each consecutive fix at or above the indicated altitude(s) until reaching the end of the departure or as directed by ATC. FIG 10-1-1 Departure Charts Previous | Top | Next AIM | ATPUBS | FAA | Send your comments regarding this website.
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You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?
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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What is the purpose of the Heliport Crossing Height (HCH) on a PinS SID?
Per AIM 10-1-5, the HCH specifies a minimum hover height at which the helicopter establishes a hover before beginning the climb. Hovering at or above the HCH assists in avoiding obstacles before transitioning to the climb on the published outbound heading/course.
Q2On a PinS SID with a 'Proceed VFR' segment, is the bearing and distance from the heliport to the IDF a required track?
No. Per AIM 10-1-5, when a SID supports multiple departure locations with a Proceed VFR segment, the charted bearing and distance from the heliport to the IDF are for pilot orientation purposes only. The pilot uses pilot navigation to align with the route and must cross the IDF at or above the depicted altitude while remaining clear of clouds.
Q3What minimum climb gradient applies on the visual segment of a PinS SID, and what other constraints must the pilot meet before the IDF?
Per AIM 10-1-5, the helicopter must climb at least 400 ft/NM (or as depicted on the chart) on the published outbound heading/course, remain clear of clouds, and cross the IDF at or above the specified altitude before proceeding outbound on the procedure.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 10
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