Chapter 7$_{ }$ Helicopter Instrument Procedures  Introduction  This chapter presents information on IFR helicopter  operations in the National Airspace System. Advances in  avionics technology installed in helicopters such as Global  Positioning System (GPS) and Wide Area Augmentation  System (WAAS) are bringing approach procedures to  heliports around the country.  The ability to operate helicopters under IFR increases  their utility and safety. Helicopter IFR operators have  an excellent safety record due to the investment in  IFR-equipped helicopters, development of instrument  approach procedures (IAPs), and IFR-trained flight crews.  The safety record of IFR operations in the Gulf of Mexico is  equivalent to the safety record of the best-rated airlines.  Manufacturers are working to increase IFR all-weather  capabilities of helicopters by providing slower minimum  instrument airspeeds (V$_{MINI}$), faster cruising speeds, and  better autopilots and flight management systems (FMS).  As a result, in October 2005, the first civil helicopter in  the United States was certified for flight into known icing  conditions. [Figure 7-1] 