---
kind: "range"
citation: "14 C.F.R. §§ 29.1541–29.1589"
title: "14"
from: "29.1541"
to: "29.1589"
count: 17
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/14/29.1541..29.1589"
---

# §29.1541. General.

- (a) The rotorcraft must contain—
  - (1) The markings and placards specified in [§§ 29.1545 through 29.1565](/cfr/14/29.1545..29.1565.md); and
  - (2) Any additional information, instrument markings, and placards required for the safe operation of the rotorcraft if it has unusual design, operating or handling characteristics.
- (b) **Each marking and placard prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section—**
  - (1) Must be displayed in a conspicuous place; and
  - (2) **May not be easily erased, disfigured, or obscured.**

# §29.1543. Instrument markings: general.


For each instrument—

- (a) When markings are on the cover glass of the instrument there must be means to maintain the correct alignment of the glass cover with the face of the dial; and
- (b) Each arc and line must be wide enough, and located to be clearly visible to the pilot.

# §29.1545. Airspeed indicator.

- (a) Each airspeed indicator must be marked as specified in [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section, with the marks located at the corresponding indicated airspeeds.
- (b) The following markings must be made:
  - (1) **A red line—**
    - (i) **For rotorcraft other than helicopters, at V<I>NE</I>.**
    - (ii) **For helicopters, at V<I>NE</I> (power-on).**
    - (iii) **For helicopters, at V<I>NE</I> (power-off).** If VNE (power-off) is less than VNE (power-on) and both are simultaneously displayed, the red line at VNE (power-off) must be clearly distinguishable from the red line at VNE (power-on).
  - (2) [Reserved]
  - (3) **For the caution range, a yellow range.**
  - (4) **For the normal operating range, a green or unmarked range.**

# §29.1547. Magnetic direction indicator.

- (a) A placard meeting the requirements of this section must be installed on or near the magnetic direction indicator.
- (b) The placard must show the calibration of the instrument in level flight with the engines operating.
- (c) The placard must state whether the calibration was made with radio receivers on or off.
- (d) Each calibration reading must be in terms of magnetic heading in not more than 45 degree increments.

# §29.1549. Powerplant instruments.


For each required powerplant instrument, as appropriate to the type of instruments—

- (a) Each maximum and, if applicable, minimum safe operating limit must be marked with a red line;
- (b) Each normal operating range must be marked as a green or unmarked range;
- (c) Each takeoff and precautionary range must be marked with a yellow range or yellow line;
- (d) Each engine or rotor range that is restricted because of excessive vibration stresses must be marked with red ranges or red lines; and
- (e) Each OEI limit or approved operating range must be marked to be clearly differentiated from the markings of [paragraphs (a) through (d)](#a..d) of this section except that no marking is normally required for the 30-second OEI limit.

# §29.1551. Oil quantity indicator.


Each oil quantity indicator must be marked with enough increments to indicate readily and accurately the quantity of oil.


# §29.1553. Fuel quantity indicator.


If the unusable fuel supply for any tank exceeds one gallon, or five percent of the tank capacity, whichever is greater, a red arc must be marked on its indicator extending from the calibrated zero reading to the lowest reading obtainable in level flight.


# §29.1555. Control markings.

- (a) Each cockpit control, other than primary flight controls or control whose function is obvious, must be plainly marked as to its function and method of operation.
- (b) **For powerplant fuel controls—**
  - (1) Each fuel tank selector valve control must be marked to indicate the position corresponding to each tank and to each existing cross feed position;
  - (2) If safe operation requires the use of any tanks in a specific sequence, that sequence must be marked on, or adjacent to, the selector for those tanks; and
  - (3) Each valve control for any engine of a multiengine rotorcraft must be marked to indicate the position corresponding to each engine controlled.
- (c) Usable fuel capacity must be marked as follows:
  - (1) For fuel systems having no selector controls, the usable fuel capacity of the system must be indicated at the fuel quantity indicator unless it is:
    - (i) Provided by another system or equipment readily accessible to the pilot; and
    - (ii) **Contained in the limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual.**
  - (2) For fuel systems having selector controls, the usable fuel capacity available at each selector control position must be indicated near the selector control.
- (d) **For accessory, auxiliary, and emergency controls—**
  - (1) Each essential visual position indicator, such as those showing rotor pitch or landing gear position, must be marked so that each crewmember can determine at any time the position of the unit to which it relates; and
  - (2) Each emergency control must be red and must be marked as to method of operation.
- (e) For rotorcraft incorporating retractable landing gear, the maximum landing gear operating speed must be displayed in clear view of the pilot.

# §29.1557. Miscellaneous markings and placards.

- (a) **Baggage and cargo compartments, and ballast location.** Each baggage and cargo compartment, and each ballast location must have a placard stating any limitations on contents, including weight, that are necessary under the loading requirements.
- (b) **Seats.** If the maximum allowable weight to be carried in a seat is less than 170 pounds, a placard stating the lesser weight must be permanently attached to the seat structure.
- (c) **Fuel and oil filler openings.** The following apply:
  - (1) Fuel filler openings must be marked at or near the filler cover with—
    - (i) The word “fuel”;
    - (ii) For reciprocating engine powered rotorcraft, the minimum fuel grade;
    - (iii) For turbine-engine-powered rotorcraft, the permissible fuel designations, except that if impractical, this information may be included in the rotorcraft flight manual, and the fuel filler may be marked with an appropriate reference to the flight manual; and
    - (iv) For pressure fueling systems, the maximum permissible fueling supply pressure and the maximum permissible defueling pressure.
  - (2) Oil filler openings must be marked at or near the filler cover with the word “oil”.
- (d) **Emergency exit placards.** Each placard and operating control for each emergency exit must differ in color from the surrounding fuselage surface as prescribed in [§ 29.811(f)(2)](/cfr/14/29.811.md?p=f-2). A placard must be near each emergency exit control and must clearly indicate the location of that exit and its method of operation.

# §29.1559. Limitations placard.


There must be a placard in clear view of the pilot that specifies the kinds of operations (VFR, IFR, day, night, or icing) for which the rotorcraft is approved.


# §29.1561. Safety equipment.

- (a) Each safety equipment control to be operated by the crew in emergency, such as controls for automatic liferaft releases, must be plainly marked as to its method of operation.
- (b) Each location, such as a locker or compartment, that carries any fire extinguishing, signaling, or other life saving equipment, must be so marked.
- (c) Stowage provisions for required emergency equipment must be conspicuously marked to identify the contents and facilitate removal of the equipment.
- (d) Each liferaft must have obviously marked operating instructions.
- (e) Approved survival equipment must be marked for identification and method of operation.

# §29.1565. Tail rotor.


Each tail rotor must be marked so that its disc is conspicuous under normal daylight ground conditions.


# §29.1581. General.

- (a) **Furnishing information.** A Rotorcraft Flight Manual must be furnished with each rotorcraft, and it must contain the following:
  - (1) Information required by [§§ 29.1583 through 29.1589](/cfr/14/29.1583..29.1589.md).
  - (2) Other information that is necessary for safe operation because of design, operating, or handling characteristics.
- (b) **Approved information.** Each part of the manual listed in [§§ 29.1583 through 29.1589](/cfr/14/29.1583..29.1589.md) that is appropriate to the rotorcraft, must be furnished, verified, and approved, and must be segregated, indentified, and clearly distinguished from each unapproved part of that manual.
- (c) [Reserved]
- (d) **Table of contents.** Each Rotorcraft Flight Manual must include a table of contents if the complexity of the manual indicates a need for it.

# §29.1583. Operating limitations.

- (a) **Airspeed and rotor limitations.** Information necessary for the marking of airspeed and rotor limitations on or near their respective indicators must be furnished. The significance of each limitation and of the color coding must be explained.
- (b) **Powerplant limitations.** The following information must be furnished:
  - (1) Limitations required by [§ 29.1521](/cfr/14/29.1521.md).
  - (2) **Explanation of the limitations, when appropriate.**
  - (3) Information necessary for marking the instruments required by [§§ 29.1549 through 29.1553](/cfr/14/29.1549..29.1553.md).
- (c) **Weight and loading distribution.** The weight and center of gravity limits required by §§ [29.25](/cfr/14/29.25.md) and [29.27](/cfr/14/29.27.md), respectively, must be furnished. If the variety of possible loading conditions warrants, instructions must be included to allow ready observance of the limitations.
- (d) **Flight crew.** When a flight crew of more than one is required, the number and functions of the minimum flight crew determined under [§ 29.1523](/cfr/14/29.1523.md) must be furnished.
- (e) **Kinds of operation.** Each kind of operation for which the rotorcraft and its equipment installations are approved must be listed.
- (f) **Limiting heights.** Enough information must be furnished to allow compliance with [§ 29.1517](/cfr/14/29.1517.md).
- (g) **Maximum allowable wind.** For Category A rotorcraft, the maximum allowable wind for safe operation near the ground must be furnished.
- (h) **Altitude.** The altitude established under [§ 29.1527](/cfr/14/29.1527.md) and an explanation of the limiting factors must be furnished.
- (i) **Ambient temperature.** Maximum and minimum ambient temperature limitations must be furnished.

# §29.1585. Operating procedures.

- (a) The parts of the manual containing operating procedures must have information concerning any normal and emergency procedures, and other information necessary for safe operation, including the applicable procedures, such as those involving minimum speeds, to be followed if an engine fails.
- (b) For multiengine rotorcraft, information identifying each operating condition in which the fuel system independence prescribed in [§ 29.953](/cfr/14/29.953.md) is necessary for safety must be furnished, together with instructions for placing the fuel system in a configuration used to show compliance with that section.
- (c) For helicopters for which a VNE (power-off) is established under [§ 29.1505(c)](/cfr/14/29.1505.md?p=c), information must be furnished to explain the VNE (power-off) and the procedures for reducing airspeed to not more than the VNE (power-off) following failure of all engines.
- (d) For each rotorcraft showing compliance with § [29.1353 (c)(6)(ii)](/cfr/14/29.1353.md?p=c-6-ii) or [(c)(6)(iii)](/cfr/14/29.1353.md?p=c-6-iii), the operating procedures for disconnecting the battery from its charging source must be furnished.
- (e) If the unusable fuel supply in any tank exceeds 5 percent of the tank capacity, or 1 gallon, whichever is greater, information must be furnished which indicates that when the fuel quantity indicator reads “zero” in level flight, any fuel remaining in the fuel tank cannot be used safely in flight.
- (f) Information on the total quantity of usable fuel for each fuel tank must be furnished.
- (g) For Category B rotorcraft, the airspeeds and corresponding rotor speeds for minimum rate of descent and best glide angle as prescribed in [§ 29.71](/cfr/14/29.71.md) must be provided.

# §29.1587. Performance information.


Flight manual performance information which exceeds any operating limitation may be shown only to the extent necessary for presentation clarity or to determine the effects of approved optional equipment or procedures. When data beyond operating limits are shown, the limits must be clearly indicated. The following must be provided:

- (a) **Category A.** For each category A rotorcraft, the Rotorcraft Flight Manual must contain a summary of the performance data, including data necessary for the application of any operating rule of this chapter, together with descriptions of the conditions, such as airspeeds, under which this data was determined, and must contain—
  - (1) The indicated airspeeds corresponding with those determined for takeoff, and the procedures to be followed if the critical engine fails during takeoff;
  - (2) The airspeed calibrations;
  - (3) The techniques, associated airspeeds, and rates of descent for autorotative landings;
  - (4) The rejected takeoff distance determined under [§ 29.62](/cfr/14/29.62.md) and the takeoff distance determined under [§ 29.61](/cfr/14/29.61.md);
  - (5) The landing data determined under [§ 29.81](/cfr/14/29.81.md) and [§ 29.85](/cfr/14/29.85.md);
  - (6) The steady gradient of climb for each weight, altitude, and temperature for which takeoff data are to be scheduled, along the takeoff path determined in the flight conditions required in § [29.67(a)(1)](/cfr/14/29.67.md?p=a-1) and [(a)(2)](/cfr/14/29.67.md?p=a-2):
    - (i) In the flight conditions required in [§ 29.67(a)(1)](/cfr/14/29.67.md?p=a-1) between the end of the takeoff distance and the point at which the rotorcraft is 200 feet above the takeoff surface (or 200 feet above the lowest point of the takeoff profile for elevated heliports);
    - (ii) In the flight conditions required in [§ 29.67(a)(2)](/cfr/14/29.67.md?p=a-2) between the points at which the rotorcraft is 200 and 1000 feet above the takeoff surface (or 200 and 1000 feet above the lowest point of the takeoff profile for elevated heliports); and
  - (7) Out-of-ground effect hover performance determined under [§ 29.49](/cfr/14/29.49.md) and the maximum weight for each altitude and temperature condition at which the rotorcraft can safely hover out-of-ground effect in winds of not less than 17 knots from all azimuths. These data must be clearly referenced to the appropriate hover charts.
- (b) **Category B.** For each category B rotorcraft, the Rotorcraft Flight Manual must contain—
  - (1) The takeoff distance and the climbout speed together with the pertinent information defining the flight path with respect to autorotative landing if an engine fails, including the calculated effects of altitude and temperature;
  - (2) The steady rates of climb and in-ground-effect hovering ceiling, together with the corresponding airspeeds and other pertinent information, including the calculated effects of altitude and temperature;
  - (3) The landing distance, appropriate airspeed, and type of landing surface, together with all pertinent information that might affect this distance, including the effects of weight, altitude, and temperature;
  - (4) The maximum safe wind for operation near the ground;
  - (5) The airspeed calibrations;
  - (6) The height-velocity envelope except for rotorcraft incorporating this as an operating limitation;
  - (7) Glide distance as a function of altitude when autorotating at the speeds and conditions for minimum rate of descent and best glide angle, as determined in [§ 29.71](/cfr/14/29.71.md);
  - (8) Out-of-ground effect hover performance determined under [§ 29.49](/cfr/14/29.49.md) and the maximum safe wind demonstrated under the ambient conditions for data presented. In addition, the maximum weight for each altitude and temperature condition at which the rotorcraft can safely hover out-of-ground-effect in winds of not less than 17 knots from all azimuths. These data must be clearly referenced to the appropriate hover charts; and
  - (9) **Any additional performance data necessary for the application of any operating rule in this chapter.**

# §29.1589. Loading information.


There must be loading instructions for each possible loading condition between the maximum and minimum weights determined under [§ 29.25](/cfr/14/29.25.md) that can result in a center of gravity beyond any extreme prescribed in [§ 29.27](/cfr/14/29.27.md), assuming any probable occupant weights.