Helicopter Fleet Ambulance Ops Subject of Proposed AC

Proposed Advisory Circular 120-96A, "Operations Control Centers (OCC) for Helicopter Air Ambulance Operations," provides information pertinent to implementing and operating OCCs in accordance with new FAR 135.619, effective April 22, 2016.

The proposed AC is primarily applicable to Part 135 certificate holders operating 10 or more helicopter air ambulances, but can also serve as a reference for Part 135 air ambulance operators with fewer helicopters who wish to implement an OCC without a regulatory mandate to do so. It also addresses suggested OCC facilities, staffing of the OCC with operations control specialists, their duties and required training, duty-time limitations, recordkeeping and drug-and-alcohol testing requirements.

Comments on the proposed circular are due by October 8. Meanwhile, AC 120-96, dated May 5, 2008 and covering previous requirements for OCCs, is canceled.