Airman Certification Standards
ACS SH.IX.A
AftRe Landing, Paeking, and SRcueing
Knowledge
Helicopter-simplified flight controls shutdown, securing, and postflight inspection.
Documenting in-flight/postflight discrepancies.
Risk Management
Activities and distractions.
Parking the helicopter-simplified flight controls in a congested area.
Airport specific security procedures.
Disembark passengers safely and monitor passenger movement while on the ramp, as applicable. Skillse: The applicant exhibits the skill to:
Skill
Minimize the hazardous effects of rotor downwash during hovering.
Park in an appropriate area, considering the safety of nearby persons and property.
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Conduct a postflight inspection and document discrepancies and servicing requirements, if any.
Secure the helicopter-simplified flight controls. 50 Appendix 1: Practical Test Roles, Responsibilities, and OutcomesSport Pilot for Helicopter - Simplified Flight Controls ACS (FAA-S-ACS-26) Appendix 1e: Practical Test Roles, Responsibilities, and Outcomes Eligibility Requirements for a Sport Pilot Certificate The prerequisite requirements and general eligibility for a practical test and the specific requirements for the issuance of a Sport Pilot Certificate for Helicopter-Simplified Flight Controls privilege can be found in 14 CFR part 61, section 61.39(a) and Subpart J. In accordance with 14 CFR part 61, section 61.39, the applicant must pass the airman knowledge test before taking the practical test, if applicable to the certificate or privilege sought. An applicant seeking to add a helicopter-simplified flight controls privilege to an existing sport certificate with a different category and class must pass a practical test. However, a person who holds a pilot certificate with a rotorcraft helicopter rating, does not need to take a practical test, however, the applicant must be qualified in accordance with 14 CFR part 61, section 61.31(l). Sport Pilot for Helicopter-Simplified Flight Controls Airman Knowledge Test Table For a sport pilot certificate for helicopter-simplified flight controls, applicants must pass the knowledge test listed in the table below as a prerequisite for the practical test. Test Code Test Name Number of Questions Age Allotted Time Passing Score SPH Helicopter Simplified Flight Controls 40 15 2 70 Use of the ACS During a Practical Test The practical test is conducted in accordance with the ACS and FAA regulations that are current as of the date of the test. The Areas of Operation in this ACS align with the Areas of Operation found in 14 CFR part 61, section 61.311. Each Area of Operation includes Tasks appropriate to that Area of Operation. Each Task contains an Objective stating what the applicant must know, consider, and/or do. The ACS then lists the aeronautical knowledge, risk management, and skill elements relevant to the specific Task, along with the conditions and standards for acceptable performance. The ACS uses Notes to emphasize special considerations. During the ground and flight portion of the practical test, the FAA expects evaluators to assess the applicant's mastery of the topic in accordance with the level of learning most appropriate for the specified Task. The oral questioning will continue throughout the entire practical test. For some topics, the evaluator will ask the applicant to describe or explain. For other items, the evaluator will assess the applicant's understanding by providing a scenario that requires the applicant to appropriately apply and/or correlate knowledge, experience, and information to the circumstances of the given scenario. The flight portion of the practical test requires the applicant to demonstrate knowledge, risk management, flight proficiency, and operational skill in accordance with the ACS. The elements within each Task in this ACS are coded according to a scheme that includes four components. For example,
Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 17, 2026.