Definition
A type of helicopter instrument approach procedure (a Copter PinS approach) that terminates at a missed approach point (MAP) located at a defined geographic point in space rather than over a runway or landing area. From that point, the pilot must proceed visually to the intended heliport or landing site, or execute the published missed approach if visual conditions are not met.
Plain English
An instrument approach for helicopters that brings you down through the clouds to a specific spot in the sky -- not directly over a landing pad. Once you reach that spot, you either continue visually to your landing site or fly the missed approach.
Context Anchor
Seen on helicopter instrument approach charts and in landing minimums discussions, especially for heliports, hospitals, offshore sites, or other landing areas without a full runway approach.
Derivation
The phrase combines 'point' (a precise location) and 'in space' (three-dimensional airspace). It highlights that the approach ends at a defined airborne waypoint rather than directly over a runway threshold.
Why Pilots Care
Enables safe IFR arrivals to hospitals, remote pads, or obstructed sites where terrain prevents a conventional straight-in approach.
Grounding Statement
Picture the procedure taking the helicopter to a safe, named spot near the landing site, then requiring the pilot to look outside and finish only if the landing area can be safely seen.
Intuition Check
Do not read “point in space” as any convenient spot the pilot chooses. In this term, it means a specific published point used as part of an approved approach procedure.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot flew the Copter PinS approach to the hospital heliport, broke out at the missed approach point, and proceeded visually to the rooftop pad.
Example Sentence 2
After reaching the point in space minimum descent altitude, the crew transitioned to visual references for the final landing.