---
kind: "section"
citation: "14 C.F.R. § 133.23"
title: "14"
number: "133.23"
heading: "Knowledge and skill."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/14/133.23"
---

# §133.23. Knowledge and skill.

- (a) Except as provided in [paragraph (d)](#d) of this section, the applicant, or the chief pilot designated in accordance with [§ 133.21(b)](/cfr/14/133.21.md?p=b), must demonstrate to the Administrator satisfactory knowledge and skill regarding rotorcraft external-load operations as set forth in paragraphs [(b)](#b) and [(c)](#c) of this section.
- (b) The test of knowledge (which may be oral or written, at the option of the applicant) covers the following subjects:
  - (1) **Steps to be taken before starting operations, including a survey of the flight area.**
  - (2) **Proper method of loading, rigging, or attaching the external load.**
  - (3) Performance capabilities, under approved operating procedures and limitations, of the rotorcraft to be used.
  - (4) **Proper instructions of flight crew and ground workers.**
  - (5) **Appropriate rotorcraft-load combination flight manual.**
- (c) **The test of skill requires appropriate maneuvers for each class requested.** The appropriate maneuvers for each load class must be demonstrated in the rotorcraft prescribed in [§ 133.19](/cfr/14/133.19.md).
  - (1) **Takeoffs and landings.**
  - (2) **Demonstration of directional control while hovering.**
  - (3) **Acceleration from a hover.**
  - (4) **Flight at operational airspeeds.**
  - (5) **Approaches to landing or working area.**
  - (6) **Maneuvering the external load into the release position.**
  - (7) **Demonstration of winch operation, if a winch is installed to hoist the external load.**
- (d) Compliance with paragraphs [(b)](#b) and [(c)](#c) of this section need not be shown if the Administrator finds, on the basis of the applicant's (or his designated chief pilot's) previous experience and safety record in rotorcraft external-load operations, that his knowledge and skill are adequate.

## Notes

### Amendments

[Docket 1529, 29 FR 603, Jan. 24, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 133-9, 51 FR 40707, Nov. 7, 1986]

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701-44702.

### Source

Source: Docket 1529, 29 FR 603, Jan. 24, 1964, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[Docket 1529, 29 FR 603, Jan. 24, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 133-9, 51 FR 40707, Nov. 7, 1986]