Definition
A section of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 135, that sets the approach visibility and weather minimums for helicopter operators conducting IFR operations under Part 135, including the rules that govern Point-in-Space (PinS) approaches and the use of helicopter-specific Copter approach procedures.
Plain English
It is the FAA rule that tells commercial helicopter operators what visibility and weather they need to legally fly an instrument approach, including special helicopter approaches like PinS.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of helicopter point-in-space approaches, especially when the procedure is used by a Part 135 helicopter air ambulance operator.
Derivation
14 CFR refers to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the body of U.S. aviation rules. Part 135 covers commuter and on-demand operations (charter, air taxi, air ambulance). The number 613 is simply the section within Part 135 that addresses approach minimums for helicopters. Knowing the structure helps pilots find the rule quickly: Title, Part, Section.
Why Pilots Care
Helicopter operators must satisfy these requirements to remain legal when flying IFR PinS approaches under Part 135.
Analogy
A regulation citation works like a street address. “14 CFR 135.613” does not describe the whole rule by itself; it tells you exactly where to find that rule in the federal aviation regulations.
Intuition Check
Do not read 14 CFR 135.613 as a chart name, fix, or procedure title. It is a legal citation to an FAA regulation.
Example Sentence 1
Before launching the air-ambulance flight, the pilot reviewed 14 CFR 135.613 to confirm the visibility minimums for the PinS approach to the hospital helipad.
Example Sentence 2
Company training materials included a review of 14 CFR 135.613 to prepare crews for helicopter IFR operations to a point in space.