Definition
An instrument approach, departure, or other instrument procedure designed and published specifically for helicopter use. Copter procedures are restricted to helicopters and typically allow for slower approach speeds, steeper descent angles, and lower minimums than equivalent fixed-wing procedures. They are identified on approach charts with the prefix 'COPTER' in the procedure title (for example, COPTER ILS or LOC RWY 6).
Plain English
An instrument procedure made just for helicopters. Because helicopters can fly slower and descend more steeply than airplanes, these procedures can offer lower minimum altitudes and tighter paths than the standard versions used by airplanes.
Context Anchor
Seen on helicopter instrument approach charts when planning or flying an approach to an airport in instrument conditions.
Derivation
"Copter" is the common shortened form of "helicopter." In this term, it is not casual slang; it is the FAA’s chart label showing that the procedure is intended for helicopters.
Why Pilots Care
Helicopter pilots flying IFR can often get into airports and heliports with weather minimums lower than fixed-wing pilots are allowed, but only when they fly a Copter procedure and meet its specific requirements. Using the wrong procedure, or applying airplane minimums to a Copter procedure, can compromise both legality and safety.
Intuition Check
Do not read "Copter Procedure" as any procedure a helicopter happens to fly. Here it means a specific FAA-published instrument approach procedure labeled for helicopter use only.
Example Sentence 1
The crew briefed the COPTER ILS RWY 6 approach into the hospital's nearby airport, taking advantage of the lower minimums available on the Copter procedure.
Example Sentence 2
Copter Procedures are listed separately on the approach plate and often show lower decision altitudes for helicopter pilots.