Commercial Pilot for Rotorcraft Category Helicopter RatingFAA-S-ACS-16
Area of Operation VIII
Emergency Operations
13 Tasks
Task A Powerplant Failure in a Hover in a Single-Engine Helicopter
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 powerplant failure in-ground effect (IGE) hover
Note
See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight.
Knowledge
Elements related to powerplant failure in a hover, including energy management concepts.
Effects of wind, weight, temperature, and density altitude.
High and low inertia of rotor systems.
Aerodynamics associated with powerplant failure in a hover.
Proper orientation, division of attention, and proper planning.
Risk Management
Powerplant failure in a hover.
Flight control inputs.
Helicopter movement.
Dynamic rollover.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Make radio calls as appropriate.
Clear the area.
Select a suitable landing area.
Establish a stationary or forward hover into the wind.
Simulate powerplant failure.
Maintain a heading, ±5°, throughout the maneuver.
Touchdown with minimum sideward movement and no rearward movement.
Use appropriate flight control inputs to cushion the touchdown.
After touchdown, lower collective and neutralize flight controls.
Task B Powerplant Failure at Altitude in a Single-Engine Helicopter
References
AC 61-140; 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 simulated powerplant failure at altitude.
Note
See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.
Knowledge
Elements of a powerplant failure at altitude.
Effects of wind, weight, temperature, and density altitude.
Main rotor (Nr) speed.
Energy management.
Causes and effects of high descent rates.
Effect of varying bank angles, airspeeds, and rotor rpm.
Risk Management
Low entry altitudes.
Selection of landing area.
Flight control inputs.
Turbulence, including wake turbulence.
Windshear.
Low rotor rpm or rotor stall.
Powerplant failure during the maneuver.
Collision hazards.
Autorotation power-off never-exceed speed (VNE) limitation.
Helicopter trim.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills
Establish an autorotation.
Establish power-off glide with the helicopter trimmed and autorotation airspeed, ±5 knots.
Maintain main rotor (Nr) within normal limits.
Select a suitable landing area considering altitude, wind, terrain, and obstructions.
Maneuver to avoid undershooting or overshooting the selected landing area.
Make radio calls as appropriate.
Terminate approach with a power recovery at a safe altitude as directed by the evaluator.
Task C Approach and Landing with One Engine Inoperative (OEI) (Simulated) (Multiengine Helicopter Only)
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 approach and landing with one engine inoperative (simulated).
Note
See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.
Knowledge
Elements of approach and landing with one engine inoperative.
Effects of atmospheric conditions on emergency approach and landing.
Stabilized approach.
Approach and landing profiles and aircraft configuration.
Risk Management
Consideration of altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, and available landing area.
Planning and following a flightpath to the selected landing area.
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills
Maintain the operating powerplant within OEI limits.
Maintain, prior to beginning the final approach segment, the recommended flight profile with altitude ±100 feet, airspeed, ±10 knots, heading ±5°, and maintains track.
Make radio calls as appropriate.
Plan and follow a flightpath to the selected landing area considering altitude, wind, terrain, and obstructions.
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing.
Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
Task D Systems and Equipment Malfunctions
References
AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with causes, indications, and pilot actions for system malfunctions.
Knowledge
Causes of partial or complete power loss related to the specific type of powerplant(s).
System and equipment malfunctions specific to the helicopter, including:
a. Electrical malfunction
b. Flight instrument malfunctions
c. Pitot-static system malfunction
d. Electronic flight deck display malfunction
e. Landing gear malfunctions
f. Inoperative flight control/trim
g. Hydraulic failure, if applicable
Various frequency vibrations and the possible components that may be affected.
Causes and remedies for smoke or fire onboard the aircraft.
Any other system malfunction specific to the helicopter flown.
Risk Management
Startle response.
Checklist usage for a system or equipment malfunction.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Undesired aircraft state.
Skills
Determine appropriate action for simulated emergencies specified by the evaluator, from at least three of the elements or sub-elements listed in K1 through K5.
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Task E Vortex Ring State (VRS)
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 main rotor Vortex Ring State (VRS).
Note
See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.
Knowledge
Elements of vortex ring state.
Effects of wind, weight, temperature, and density altitude.
Requirements for the formation of VRS.
Aerodynamics and indications of VRS.
Flight scenarios under which VRS can occur.
Effective recovery techniques.
Risk Management
Pilot recognition and response to VRS.
Entering the maneuver at a lower altitude than planned.
Application of power or exceeding powerplant limitations.
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE).
Skills
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Clear the area.
Select an altitude that allows recovery to be completed no lower than 1,000 feet AGL or as recommended by the manufacturer, whichever is higher.
Establish conditions leading to VRS entry.
Promptly recognize, announce, and recover at the first indication of VRS.
Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
Task F Low Rotor Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) Recognition and Recovery
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 low rotor rpm recognition and recovery.
Note
See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.
Knowledge
Elements related to low rotor rpm recovery energy management, including the combination of conditions that may lead to this situation.
Effects of wind, weight, temperature, and density altitude.
Aerodynamics that affect low rotor rpm conditions.
Powerplant performance.
Main rotor (Nr) limitations.
Difference between low rotor rpm and blade stall.
Risk Management
Powerplant limitations.
Powerplant governor operation.
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Low inertia rotor systems.
Skills
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Clear the area.
Detect the development of low rotor rpm and initiate prompt corrective action.
Execute the recovery procedure to return rotor rpm to normal limits.
Task G Antitorque System Failure
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge and risk management associated with an antitorque system failure.
Note
Evaluator assesses this Task orally only.
Knowledge
Elements related to antitorque system failure by describing:
a. Indications of an antitorque system failure(s)
b. Differences between complete loss of antitorque and mechanical flight control failures
c. RFM procedures for antitorque system(s) failure
Wind conditions that favor a landing with an antitorque failure.
Risk Management
Preflight inspection of the antitorque system.
Antitorque failure(s) for the aircraft supplied for the practical test.
Use of antitorque failure procedures.
Skills
[Intentionally left blank].
Task H Dynamic Rollover
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM; SAFO 16016
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge and risk management associated with dynamic rollover.
Note
Evaluator assesses this Task orally only.
Knowledge
Elements related to dynamic rollover.
Interactions between thrust, crosswind, slope, lateral CG, aircraft weight, and flight controls that contribute to dynamic rollover.
Preventive flight technique and recovery during flight operations, including slope operations.
Risk Management
Surface conditions conducive to dynamic rollover.
Landing gear proximity to obstructions on the ground during low altitude hover.
Flight control inputs during takeoff or landing.
Sideward hover.
Aircraft slope limitations.
Critical rollover angle and rolling moment.
Translating tendency.
Skills
[Intentionally left blank].
Task I Ground Resonance
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge and risk management associated with ground resonance.
Note
Evaluator assesses this Task orally only.
Knowledge
Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to ground resonance by describing:
a. Conditions that contribute to ground resonance
b. Preventive flight technique during takeoffs and landings
c. Landing surface
Inspection of items that may contribute to ground resonance.
Corrective actions during low and normal rotor rpm speeds.
Risk Management
Factors that may contribute to the onset of ground resonance.
Recognition of the onset of ground resonance.
Recovery procedure selection.
Skills
[Intentionally left blank].
Task J Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge and risk management associated with low G conditions.
Note
Evaluator assesses this Task orally only.
Knowledge
Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to low G conditions by describing:
a. Aerodynamic factors related to low G conditions
b. Situations that contribute to low G conditions
c. Avoidance, recognition, and appropriate recovery procedures
Effects of low G conditions on various rotor systems.
Pilot responses that lead to mast bumping in a low G condition, if applicable.
Risk Management
Control inputs that cause low G conditions.
Turbulence/gusty wind conditions.
Control inputs that cause mast bumping.
Skills
[Intentionally left blank].
Task K Emergency Equipment and Survival 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 emergency equipment, and survival gear appropriate to the helicopter and environment encountered during flight.
Knowledge
Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) operations, limitations, and testing requirements.
Fire extinguisher operations and limitations.
Emergency equipment and survival gear needed for:
a. Climate extremes (hot/cold)
b. Mountainous terrain
c. Overwater operations
Risk Management
Survival gear (water, clothing, shelter) for 48 to 72 hours.
Skills
Identify appropriate equipment and personal gear.
Brief passengers on proper use of on-board emergency equipment and survival gear.
Task L Flight Solely by Reference to Instruments
References
14 CFR part 61; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with flying solely by reference to instruments.
Knowledge
Elements related to attitude instrument flying during straight-and-level flight, climbs, turns, and descents.
Interpretation, operation, and limitations of pitch, bank, and power instruments.
Normal and abnormal instrument indications and operations.
Risk Management
Situations that can affect physiology and degrade instrument cross-check.
Spatial disorientation and optical illusions.
Flying an unfamiliar aircraft, or operating with unfamiliar flight display systems and avionics.
Skills
Maintain straight and level flight, altitude ±200 feet, heading ±20°, and airspeed ±10 knots.
Make a constant airspeed climb, airspeed ±10 knots, in straight flight and turns to a heading ±20°, and level off and maintain assigned altitude ±200 feet.
Make a constant airspeed descent, airspeed ±10 knots, in straight flight and turns to a heading ±20°, and level off and maintain assigned altitude ±200 feet.
Use proper instrument cross-check and interpretation, and apply the appropriate pitch, bank, power, maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver.
Demonstrate SRM/CRM.
Task M Recovery from Unusual Flight Attitudes
References
AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with attitude instrument flying while recovering from unusual attitudes solely by reference to instruments.
Note
See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.
Knowledge
Prevention of unusual attitudes, including flight causal, physiological, and environmental factors, and system and equipment failures.
Procedures for recovery from unusual attitudes in flight.
Procedures available to safely regain visual meteorological conditions (VMC) after flight into inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions or unintended instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC)/(UIMC).
Appropriate use of automation, if applicable.
Risk Management
Situations that could lead to loss of control in-flight (LOC-I) or unusual attitudes in-flight (e.g., stress, task saturation, inadequate instrument scan distractions, and spatial disorientation).
Assessment of the unusual attitude.
Control input errors, inducing undesired aircraft attitudes.
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Interpreting flight instruments.
Control application solely by reference to instruments.
Operating envelope considerations.
Skills
Use proper instrument cross-check and interpretation to identify an unusual attitude (including both nose-high and nose-low), and apply the appropriate pitch, bank, and power corrections, in the correct sequence, to return to a stabilized level flight attitude.
Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.