The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a rule called Helicopter Air Ambulance, Commercial Helicopter, and Part 91 Helicopter Operations. The rule addresses a rise in fatal helicopter air ambulance accidents

The rule was published in February by FAA administrator Michael P. Huerta and implements new operational procedures and additional equipment requirements for helicopter EMS operations. With this move, the FAA revises requirements for equipment, alternate airports and pilot testing, and increases weather minimums for all general helicopter operations.

Many of these requirements address recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board. Full text is available at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-02-21/html/2014-03689.htm.