APPROACH TO A SPECIFIC VFR HELIPORT
The note associated with these procedures is: “PROCEED VISUALLY FROM (NAMED MAP) OR CONDUCT THE SPECIFIED MISSED APPROACH.” Due to their unique characteristics, these approaches require training. They are developed to hospitals, oilrigs, private heliports, etc. As Specials, they require Flight Standards approval by a Letter of Authorization (LOA) for Part 91 operators or by OpsSpecs for Part 135 operators. The heliport associated with these procedures must be located within 2 SM of the MAP, the visual segment between the MAP and the heliport evaluated for obstacle hazards, and the heliport must meet the appropriate VFR heliport recommendations of Advisory Circular 150/5390-2, Heliport Design.
The visibility minimum is based on the distance from the MAP to the heliport, among other factors, e.g., height above the heliport elevation when at the MAP MDA. The pilot is required to acquire and maintain visual contact with the heliport final approach and takeoff (FATO) area at or prior to the MAP. Obstacle or terrain avoidance from the MAP to the heliport is the responsibility of the pilot. If the required weather minimums do not exist, then the published missed approach procedure must be executed at the MAP because IFR obstruction clearance areas are not applied to the visual segment of the approach and a missed

approach segment protection is not provided between the MAP and the heliport. As soon as practicable after reaching the MAP, the pilot advises ATC whether cancelling IFR and proceeding visually, or executing the missed approach.