A new FAA rule might make it easier for EMS helicopter pilots planning flights into IFR conditions to integrate their aircraft into the national airspace system. The move is expected to improve the safety record of a group that’s experienced more than its share of fatal accidents. The rule, which takes effect on April 22 next year, will allow helicopter pilots “to assess the weather at a departure point where current weather observations are not available and allows the pilot to depart if the observed ceiling and visibility is greater than certain weather minimums.” This should allow pilots to use the minimum takeoff visibilities depicted in a published obstacle departure procedure or, in the absence of such a procedure, when the pilot-observed ceiling and visibility is greater than the minimum ceiling and visibility limitations required by specific helicopter air ambulance rules. The new rule offers pilots the flexibility of obtaining weather from a reporting facility within 15 nm of the departure point.

The original rule crafted last February made it impossible for helicopters to operate IFR from airports with no weather reporting.