---
kind: "section"
citation: "14 C.F.R. § 133.41"
title: "14"
number: "133.41"
heading: "Flight characteristics requirements."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/14/133.41"
---

# §133.41. Flight characteristics requirements.

- (a) The applicant must demonstrate to the Administrator, by performing the operational flight checks prescribed in paragraphs [(b)](#b), [(c)](#c), and [(d)](#d) of this section, as applicable, that the rotorcraft-load combination has satisfactory flight characteristics, unless these operational flight checks have been demonstrated previously and the rotorcraft-load combination flight characteristics were satisfactory. For the purposes of this demonstration, the external-load weight (including the external-load attaching means) is the maximum weight for which authorization is requested.
- (b) **Class A rotorcraft-load combinations—** The operational flight check must consist of at least the following maneuvers:
  - (1) **Take off and landing.**
  - (2) **Demonstration of adequate directional control while hovering.**
  - (3) **Acceleration from a hover.**
  - (4) **Horizontal flight at airspeeds up to the maximum airspeed for which authorization is requested.**
- (c) **Class B and D rotorcraft-load combinations—** The operational flight check must consist of at least the following maneuvers:
  - (1) **Pickup of the external load.**
  - (2) **Demonstration of adequate directional control while hovering.**
  - (3) **Acceleration from a hover.**
  - (4) **Horizontal flight at airspeeds up to the maximum airspeed for which authorization is requested.**
  - (5) **Demonstrating appropriate lifting device operation.**
  - (6) Maneuvering of the external load into release position and its release, under probable flight operation conditions, by means of each of the quick-release controls installed on the rotorcraft.
- (d) **Class C rotorcraft-load combinations—** For Class C rotorcraft-load combinations used in wire-stringing, cable-laying, or similar operations, the operational flight check must consist of the maneuvers, as applicable, prescribed in [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section.

## Notes

### Amendments

[Docket 1529, 29 FR 603, Jan. 24, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 133-5, 41 FR 55475, Dec. 20, 1976; Amdt. 133-9, 51 FR 40709, 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. 133-5, 41 FR 55475, Dec. 20, 1976; Amdt. 133-9, 51 FR 40709, Nov. 7, 1986]