Definition
The landing minimums published on an instrument approach chart that apply specifically to helicopters. These minimums typically allow lower visibility values than those for fixed-wing aircraft because of the helicopter's ability to fly slower and approach at steeper angles. Copter minima are shown on the approach plate alongside the categories used by airplanes (A, B, C, D) and are labeled with the word 'COPTER' or 'H'.
Plain English
The lowest cloud and visibility conditions a helicopter is allowed to use when flying a particular instrument approach. Helicopters get their own line of minimums on the chart, and the numbers are usually lower than the ones airplanes have to use.
Context Anchor
Seen in the landing minimums section of an instrument approach chart, especially when a separate helicopter line is published.
Derivation
Copter' is short for 'helicopter,' from Greek 'helix' (spiral) and 'pteron' (wing). 'Minima' is the Latin plural of 'minimum,' meaning the smallest or lowest acceptable amount. Together: the lowest acceptable conditions for a helicopter to land.
Why Pilots Care
Helicopter pilots can legally continue an approach and land when conditions are below the limits shown for airplanes.
Intuition Check
Do not assume COPTER MINIMA means helicopters can land anywhere or ignore the airplane rules. It means the chart has specific published limits for helicopters, and those limits must be met.
Example Sentence 1
Flying the ILS into the hospital helipad, the pilot referenced the COPTER minima rather than the Category A line.
Example Sentence 2
Copter minima let the helicopter land when the reported visibility was below the fixed-wing requirement.