Definition
Helicopter-only instrument approach procedures, charted with the prefix 'COPTER,' that are designed exclusively for helicopters and take advantage of helicopter performance characteristics such as slower approach speeds, steeper descent angles, and the ability to fly to a point in space rather than to a runway.
Plain English
Instrument approaches built specifically for helicopters. They are charted with 'COPTER' in the title and use slower speeds and steeper paths than approaches designed for airplanes.
Context Anchor
Seen on helicopter instrument approach charts, especially when selecting or briefing an approach to an airport or heliport in instrument conditions.
Derivation
Copter' is a shortened form of 'helicopter,' itself from the Greek 'helix' (spiral) and 'pteron' (wing). The FAA uses 'COPTER' as the chart prefix to flag procedures usable only by helicopters.
Why Pilots Care
These procedures let helicopter pilots complete instrument approaches safely where airplane procedures would be unsuitable or overly conservative.
Intuition Check
Do not read “copter procedures” as any general helicopter technique. In this FAA context, it means a published instrument approach procedure specifically built and labeled for helicopters.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot briefed the COPTER ILS to Runway 15 because the lower minimums and slower approach speed fit the helicopter's performance.
Example Sentence 2
Because the weather was below standard minima, the crew flew the published copter procedures to complete the approach.