Helicopter Regulations
Helicopters and regulations go hand in hand. Helicopter design, production, maintenance, and flying are all
strongly regulated, and these regulations are the domain of national authorities. This page elaborates on
relevant regulations, and although the information provided here only serves as a guideline, its purpose is
to provide you with an overview.
Although there is significant legislative harmony around the world in the aviation sector, there are,
nevertheless, many country dependent laws. The two most important global regions are the USA, which is
controlled by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), and the European Union (EU), which is regulated by the
JAA (Joint Aviation Administration).
The regulations are dealt with here by geographical region, but this text is by no means complete. The laws
are complex, and are often amended. However, the fact remains that the aviation world is heavily regulated,
and so some understanding of the relevant legislation is useful.
The regulations that are summarized in this section of the Helistart website must be followed by manufacturers,
suppliers, maintenance service providers, and airlines. Pilot certification is considered in the section on
Pilot training.
Europe
There are two key organisations: The JAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The EASA has the role
of Safety Agency, and is also the authority for the type certification of helicopters. It is expected that,
at some time in the future, these two organisations will merge.
Europe - Regulations - JAA
Europe - Type certification - EASA
As Europe is comprised of many individual countries each one has its own aviation agency. When the country is
an EU member, these authorities must comply with EU regulations.
List of European Aviation Authorities
USA
United States of America - FAA
Canada
Transport Canada
New Zealand
Civil Aviation Authority
Australia
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
International
International Civil Aviation Organization
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