Medium Helicopters Ops

[aviation_geek1985]

I have a client purchasing a new medium helicopter and question for you all...Can a medium helicopter operate single pilot operations? If so, under what conditions? If not, and they require dual pilot ops is it all ops (VFR versus IFR)?

[EasyTarget]

It would be better if you listed the type of medium you were purchasing, as that could change the answers. However, here's a ballpark answer. Pretty much all mediums can be operated single pilot VFR, both single-engine and twin-engine variants (ie; 205 / 212). Two pilots would be required for IFR operations, but that would limit you to a twin. There may also be further restrictions for the carrying of passengers at night similar to above if that was being considered.

It is possible to have a single-pilot IFR medium helicopter, but those would be something similar to an S76 or AW139 utilizing a fully coupled autopilot and pilot having the necessary credentials complete the necessary proficiency check.

There are others on this forum that can fill in more blanks much better than I.

[MOAB]

Everything Easy Target said! Night and IFR basically means 2 pilots and 2 engines if you are carrying passengers.

Single pilot IFR in helicopters is pretty much for a private machine/police, and even then I'm not sure it's something done in Canada.

I'd have to find the document but I can't recall if any helicopters are certified single pilot IFR in Canada.

[aviation_geek1985]

Thank you both!

[Bug_Stomper_01]

Everything Easy Target said! Night and IFR basically means 2 pilots and 2 engines if you are carrying passengers.

Single pilot IFR in helicopters is pretty much for a private machine/police, and even then I'm not sure it's something done in Canada.

I'd have to find the document but I can't recall if any helicopters are certified single pilot IFR in Canada.

S76 is