ACS CH.I.C

Sources of weather data (e.g., National Weather Service, Flight Service) for flight planning purposes.

), the applicant should be prepared for questions on any weather product presented in the references for that Task. The FAA encourages applicants and instructors to use the ACS when preparing for the airman knowledge tests and practical tests. Evaluators must conduct the practical test in accordance with the current ACS and FAA regulations pursuant to 14 CFR part 61, section 61.43. If an applicant is entitled to credit for Areas of Operation previously passed as indicated on a Notice of Disapproval of Application or Letter of Discontinuance, evaluators shall use the ACS currently in effect on the date of the test. The ground portion of the practical test allows the evaluator to determine whether the applicant is sufficiently prepared to advance to the flight portion of the practical test. The applicant must pass the ground portion of the practical test before beginning the flight portion. The oral questioning will continue throughout the entire practical test. Instructor Responsibilities The instructor trains and qualifies the applicant to meet the established standards for knowledge, risk management, and skill elements in all Tasks appropriate to the certificate and rating sought. The instructor should use this ACS and its references when preparing the applicant to take the practical test and when retraining the applicant to proficiency in any subject(s) missed on the knowledge test. Evaluator Responsibilities • An evaluator includes the following: • Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI); • Pilot examiner (other than administrative pilot examiners); • Training center evaluator (TCE); • Chief instructor, assistant chief instructor, or check instructor of pilot school holding examining authority; or • Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII) conducting an instrument proficiency check (IPC). The evaluator who conducts the practical test verifies the applicant has met the aeronautical experience requirements specified for a certificate or rating before administering the test. During the practical test, the evaluator determines whether the applicant meets the established standards of aeronautical knowledge, risk management, and skills for the Tasks in the appropriate ACS. The evaluator must develop a plan of action (POA) that includes all required Areas of Operation and Tasks and administer each practical test in English. The POA must include scenario(s) that evaluate as many of the required Areas of Operation and Tasks as possible. As a scenario unfolds during the test, the evaluator will introduce problems and simulate emergencies that test the applicant’s ability. The evaluator has the discretion to modify the POA to accommodate unexpected situations as they arise or suspend and later resume a scenario to assess certain Tasks. Prior to and throughout the evaluation, the evaluator ensures the applicant meets the FAA Aviation English Language Standard (AELS). An applicant must be able to communicate in English in a discernible and understandable manner with 53 Appendix 1: Practical Test Roles, Responsibilities, and OutcomesCommercial Pilot for Rotorcraft Category Helicopter Rating ACS (FAA-S-ACS-16) air traffic control (ATC), pilots, and others involved in preparing an aircraft for flight and operating an aircraft in flight. This communication may or may not involve radio communications. An applicant for an FAA certificate or rating issued in accordance with 14 CFR parts 61, 63, 65, or 107 who cannot hear or speak due to a medical deficiency may be eligible for an FAA certificate with specific operational limitations. If the applicant’s ability to meet the FAA AELS comes into question before starting the practical test, the evaluator will not begin the practical test. An evaluator other than an ASI will check the box, “Referred to FSO for Aviation English Language Standard Determination,” located on the bottom of page 2 of the applicant’s FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/ or Rating Application, or FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application - Sport Pilot, as applicable. The evaluator will refer the applicant to the appropriate Flight Standards Office (FSO). If the applicant’s ability to meet the FAA AELS comes into question after the practical test begins, an evaluator who other than an ASI will discontinue the practical test and check the box, “Referred to FSO for Aviation English Language Standard Determination,” on the application. The evaluator will also issue FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval of Application, with the comment “Does Not Demonstrate FAA AELS” in addition to any unsatisfactory Task(s). The evaluator will refer the applicant to the appropriate FSO. ASIs conducting the practical test may assess an applicant’s English language proficiency in accordance with FAA Order 8900.1. In either case, the evaluator must complete and submit the application file through normal application procedures and evaluators other than an ASI notify the appropriate FSO of the referral. If the ability of an FAA certificated airman comes into question prior to or during a required regulatory check (e.g., proficiency check) the evaluator other than an ASI will not continue the check or provide an endorsement indicating completion. The evaluator will refer the airman to the jurisdictional FAA field office for further determination of ability to meet the FAA AELS. For additional information, reference AC 60-28, FAA English Language Standard for an FAA Certificate issued under 14 CFR parts 61, 63, 65, and 107, as amended. The evaluator may direct an applicant to start or complete a Task from the ground or to a hover if the Task element provides an option. Possible Outcomes of the Test A practical test has three possible outcomes: (1) Temporary Airman Certificate (satisfactory), (2) Notice of Disapproval of Application (unsatisfactory), or (3) Letter of Discontinuance. If the evaluator determines that a Task is incomplete, or the outcome is uncertain, the evaluator must require the applicant to repeat that Task, or portions of that Task. This provision does not mean that instruction, practice, or the repetition of an unsatisfactory Task is permitted during the practical test. Satisfactory Performance Refer to 14 CFR part 61, section 61.43, for satisfactory performance requirements. Satisfactory performance will result in the issuance of a temporary certificate. Unsatisfactory Performance If, in the judgment of the evaluator, the applicant does not meet the standards for any Task, the applicant fails the Task and associated Area of Operation and the evaluator issues a Notice of Disapproval of Application. The evaluator lists the Area(s) of Operation in which the applicant did not meet the standard, any Area(s) of Operation not tested, and the number of practical test failures. The evaluator should also list the Tasks failed or Tasks not tested within any unsatisfactory or partially completed Area(s) of Operation. 14 CFR part 61, section 61.43(c)-(f) provides additional unsatisfactory performance requirements and parameters. Typical areas of unsatisfactory performance and grounds for disqualification include: • Any action or lack of action by the applicant that requires corrective intervention by the evaluator to maintain safe flight. • Failure to use proper and effective visual scanning techniques to clear the area before and while performing maneuvers. • Consistently exceeding tolerances stated in the skill elements of the Task. 54 Appendix 1: Practical Test Roles, Responsibilities, and OutcomesCommercial Pilot for Rotorcraft Category Helicopter Rating ACS (FAA-S-ACS-16) • Failure to take prompt corrective action when tolerances are exceeded. • Failure to exercise risk management. The evaluator or the applicant may end the test if the applicant fails a Task. The evaluator may continue the test only with the consent of the applicant. The applicant receives credit only for those Areas of Operation and the associated Tasks performed satisfactorily. Letter of Discontinuance Refer to 14 CFR part 61, section 61.43(e)(2) for conditions to issue a letter of discontinuance. If discontinuing a practical test for reasons other than unsatisfactory performance (e.g., equipment failure, weather, illness), the evaluator must return all test paperwork to the applicant. The evaluator must prepare, sign, and issue a Letter of Discontinuance that lists those Areas of Operation the applicant successfully completed and the time period remaining to complete the test to receive credit for previously completed Areas of Operation. The evaluator should advise the applicant to present the Letter of Discontinuance to the evaluator when the practical test resumes in order to receive credit for the items successfully completed. The Letter of Discontinuance becomes part of the applicant's certification file. Time Limit and Credit after a Discontinued Practical Test Refer to 14 CFR part 61, sections 61.39(f) and 61.43(f) after issuance of a Letter of Discontinuance or Notice of Disapproval of Application. Additional Rating Task Table For an applicant who holds a Commercial Certificate and seeks an additional Rotorcraft Category Helicopter Rating at the Commercial Pilot level, the evaluator must evaluate that applicant in the Areas of Operation and Tasks listed in the Additional Rating Task Table. The evaluator may evaluate the applicant’s competence in the remaining Areas of Operation and Tasks. If the applicant holds two or more category or class ratings at the commercial level, and the ratings table indicates different Task requirements, the “least restrictive” entry applies. For example, if an asterisk (*) and “None” are indicated for one Area of Operation, the “None” entry applies. If the table indicates “B” and “B, C” the “B” entry applies. 55 Appendix 1: Practical Test Roles, Responsibilities, and OutcomesCommercial Pilot for Rotorcraft Category Helicopter Rating ACS (FAA-S-ACS-16) Addition of a Rotorcraft Category Helicopter Rating to an Existing Commercial Pilot Certificate The table below indicates the required Tasks for each Area of Operation tested in accordance with this ACS. Legend ASEL Airplane – Single-Engine Land ASES Airplane – Single-Engine Sea AMEL Airplane – Multiengine Land AMES Airplane – Multiengine Sea RG Rotorcraft – Gyroplane PL Powered-Lift Commercial Pilot Rating(s) Held Area of Operation ASEL ASES AMEL AMES RG Glider Balloon Airship PL I E,F,G E,F,G E,F,G E,F,G E,F,G D,E,F,G D,E,F,G E,F,G E,F,G II * * * * * * * * * III A,C A,C A,C A,C A,C * * A,C A,C IV * * * * * * * * * V * * * * * * * * * VI * * * * * * * * * VII None None None None None * * None None VIII * * * * * * * * * IX * * * * * * * * * X * * * * * * * * *

a. Airport Observations (METAR and SPECI) and Pilot Observations (PIREP)

b. Surface Analysis Chart, Ceiling and Visibility Chart (CVA)

c. Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF)

d. Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA)

e. Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FB)

f. Convective Outlook (AC)

g. Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories including Airmen's Meteorological Information (AIRMET), Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET), and Convective SIGMET

Meteorology applicable to the departure, en route, alternate, and destination under visual flight rules (VFR) in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), including expected climate and hazardous conditions such as:

a. Atmospheric composition and stability

b. Wind (e.g., windshear, mountain wave, factors affecting wind, etc.)

c. Temperature and heat exchange 4

d. Moisture/precipitation

e. Weather system formation, including air masses and fronts

g. Turbulence

h. Thunderstorms and microbursts

i. Icing and freezing level information

l. Obstructions to visibility (e.g., smoke, haze, volcanic ash, etc.)

Flight deck instrument displays of digital weather and aeronautical information.

Making the go/no-go and continue/divert decisions, including:

a. Circumstances that would make diversion prudent

b. Personal weather minimums

c. Hazardous weather conditions, including known or forecast icing or turbulence aloft

Use and limitations of:

a. Installed onboard weather equipment

b. Aviation weather reports and forecasts

c. Inflight weather resources

Use available aviation weather resources to obtain an adequate weather briefing.

Analyze the implications of at least three of the conditions listed in K3a through K3l, using actual weather or weather conditions provided by the evaluator.

Correlate weather information to make a go/no-go decision.