Commercial Pilot for Rotorcraft Category Helicopter RatingFAA-S-ACS-16
Area of Operation V
Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds
7 Tasks
Task A Normal Takeoff and Climb
References
AIM, FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with normal takeoff, climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures.
Note
If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant’s knowledge of crosswind elements must be evaluated through oral testing.
Knowledge
Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.
Factors affecting the profile of the height/velocity (H/V) diagram.
Risk Management
Selection of takeoff path based on helicopter performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
Effects of:
a. Crosswind
b. Windshear
c. Tailwind
d. Turbulence, including wake turbulence
e. Runway/departure point surface/condition
Abnormal operations, including planning for:
a. Rejected takeoff
b. Powerplant failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Runway incursion.
Skills
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Make radio calls as appropriate.
Verify assigned/correct runway, if at an airport.
Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
Clear the area, taxi into the takeoff position, and align the helicopter on the runway centerline or with takeoff path.
Establish a stationary position on the surface or a stabilized hover prior to takeoff in headwind and crosswind conditions.
Confirm takeoff power and instrument indications prior to forward movement.
After clearing all obstacles, transition to normal climb attitude, airspeed, ±5 knots, and power setting.
Maintain powerplant and main rotor (Nr) speed within normal limits.
Maintain proper ground track with crosswind correction, as needed.
Comply with noise abatement procedures, as applicable.
Use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable.
Task B Normal and Crosswind Approach
References
AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a normal and crosswind approach.
Note
If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant’s knowledge of crosswind elements must be evaluated through oral testing.
Knowledge
Effects of wind, weight, altitude, and temperature on performance.
Wind correction techniques on approach and landing.
Landing surface, obstructions, and selection of a suitable touchdown point.
Factors affecting the profile of the height/velocity (H/V) diagram.
Risk Management
Selection of approach path and landing based on aircraft performance and limitations, and wind.
Effects of:
a. Crosswind
b. Windshear
c. Tailwind
d. Turbulence, including wake turbulence
e. Vortex ring state (VRS)
f. Touchdown surface and condition
Go-around/rejected landing.
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE).
Skills
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Make radio calls as appropriate.
Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
Align the helicopter with the correct/assigned runway or touchdown point.
Scan the landing area/touchdown point and adjoining area for traffic and obstructions.
Maintain proper ground track with crosswind correction, if necessary.
Establish and maintain a normal approach angle and rate of closure.
Maintain powerplant and main rotor (Nr) speed within normal limits.
Arrive at the termination point, on the surface or at a stabilized hover ±2 feet.
Use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable.
Task C Maximum Performance Takeoff and Climb
References
AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with maximum performance takeoff and climb.
Knowledge
Situations where this maneuver is appropriate.
Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind and temperature, on takeoff and climb performance.
Factors affecting the profile of the height/velocity (H/V) diagram.
Risk Management
Selection of takeoff path based on helicopter performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
Effects of:
a. Crosswind
b. Windshear
c. Tailwind
d. Turbulence, including wake turbulence
e. Surface conditions
Abnormal operations including:
a. Rejected takeoff
b. Powerplant failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight
Collision hazards.
Low rotor rpm.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Make radio calls as appropriate.
Use control inputs to initiate lift-off from the takeoff position using a forward climb attitude to fly the departure profile.
Maintain powerplant and rotor rpm within normal limits.
Use required takeoff power, or power as specified by the evaluator.
After clearing all obstacles, transition to normal climb attitude, airspeed, ±5 knots, and power setting.
Maintain directional control, ground track, and proper wind-drift correction throughout the maneuver.
Task D Steep Approach
References
AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with steep approach.
Knowledge
A stabilized steep approach.
Approach techniques and applicability.
Performance data and the height velocity (H/V) diagram.
Effects of atmospheric conditions on approach and landing performance.
Wind correction techniques.
Aircraft performance and limitations.
Risk Management
Selection of approach path and landing based on aircraft performance and limitations, and wind.
Effects of:
a. Wind Direction
b. Windshear
c. Turbulence, including wake turbulence
Planning for:
a. Rejected landing and go-around
b. Powerplant failure during the approach
Collision hazards.
Vortex ring state (VRS).
Landing surface.
Aircraft limitations.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE).
Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) and flat light conditions.
Skills
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Make radio calls as appropriate.
Consider the wind direction and conditions, landing surface, and obstacles.
Select a suitable termination point.
Establish and maintain a steep approach angle, (15° maximum) and proper rate of closure.
Maintain proper ground track with crosswind correction, if necessary.
Maintain powerplant and main rotor (Nr) speed within normal limits.
Arrive at the termination point, on the surface or at a stabilized hover ±2 feet.
Use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable.
Task E Rolling Takeoff (Wheel-Type Landing Gear)
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with rolling takeoff with wheel-type landing gear.
Note
If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant’s knowledge of crosswind elements must be evaluated through oral testing.
Knowledge
Elements of a rolling takeoff.
Effects of wind, weight, temperature, and density altitude.
Situations when a rolling takeoff is recommended and factors related to takeoff and climb performance.
Translational lift.
Risk Management
Selection of takeoff path based on helicopter performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
Effects of:
a. Wind Direction
b. Windshear
c. Turbulence, including wake turbulence
Planning for:
a. Height/Velocity (H/V) considerations
b. Rejected takeoff
c. Powerplant failure during takeoff/climb phase of flight
Collision hazards.
Takeoff surface.
Landing gear.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Make radio calls as appropriate.
Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
Verify assigned/correct takeoff path.
Maintain powerplant and main rotor (Nr) speed within normal limits.
Use control inputs that initiate the takeoff roll.
Maintain proper ground track with crosswind correction, while accelerating.
Transition to a normal climb airspeed, ±5 knots, and set appropriate power.
Maintain proper ground track with crosswind correction after liftoff.
Use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable.
Task F Shallow Approach and Running/Roll-On Landing
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with shallow approach and running/roll-on landing operation.
Knowledge
Elements related to shallow approach and running/roll-on landing, including when to use the maneuver, aircraft limitations, and effect of landing surface texture.
Effects of wind, weight, temperature, and density altitude.
Risk Management
Selection of approach path and landing based on aircraft performance and limitations, and wind.
Effects of:
a. Wind Direction
b. Windshear
c. Turbulence, including wake turbulence
Planning for:
a. Powerplant failure during approach/landing phase of flight
Collision hazards.
Landing surface.
Dynamic rollover.
Ground resonance.
Aircraft limitations.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Make radio calls as appropriate.
Maintain powerplant and main rotor (Nr) speed within normal limits.
Establish and maintain the recommended approach angle and proper rate of closure.
Determine wind direction and maintain ground track with crosswind correction.
Maintain effective translational lift during surface contact with landing gear parallel to the ground track.
Make smooth, timely, and correct control inputs after surface contact to maintain directional control.
Use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable.
Task G Go-Around
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with go-around with emphasis on factors that contribute to landing conditions that may require a go-around.
Knowledge
Situations and considerations on approach that could require a go-around.
Effects of atmospheric conditions on a go-around.
Go-around procedures and the importance of a timely decision.
Risk Management
Recognition of the need for a go-around.
Application of power and flight control inputs.
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Runway incursion.
Skills
Make a timely decision to discontinue the approach or at the direction of the evaluator.
Maintain powerplant and rotor rpm within normal limits while applying proper control input to stop descent and initiate climb.
Transition to a positive rate of climb and appropriate airspeed of ±5 knots.
Maintain directional control, ground track, and proper wind-drift correction throughout the maneuver.
Notify/coordinate with air traffic control (ATC) or evaluator instructions as required.
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
Use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable.