Commercial Pilot for Powered-Lift CategoryFAA-S-ACS-2
Area of Operation II
Preflight Procedures
5 Tasks
Task A Preflight Assessment
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25, FAA-H-8083-28; Flight Manual
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with preparation for safe flight.
Knowledge
Pilot self-assessment.
Determining that the aircraft to be used is airworthy.
Aircraft preflight inspection, including:
a. Which items should be inspected
b. The reasons for checking each item
c. How to detect possible defects
d. The associated regulations
Environmental factors, including weather, terrain, route selection, and obstructions.
Risk Management
Pilot.
Aircraft.
Environment (e.g., weather, icing, airports/heliports/helipads/landing areas, airspace, terrain, obstacles).
External pressures.
Aviation security concerns.
Skills
Inspect the aircraft with reference to an appropriate checklist.
Verify the aircraft is in condition for safe flight and conforms to its type design.
Perform self-assessment.
Continue to assess the environment for safe flight.
Task B Flight Deck Management
References
14 CFR part 91; AC 120-71; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with flight deck management practices.
Note
See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight.
Knowledge
Passenger briefing requirements, including operation and required use of safety restraint systems.
Use of appropriate checklists.
Requirements for current and appropriate navigation data.
Securing items and cargo.
Risk Management
Use of systems or equipment, including automation and portable electronic devices.
Inoperative equipment.
Passenger distractions.
Skills
Secure all items in the aircraft.
Conduct an appropriate passenger briefing, including identifying the pilot-in-command (PIC), use of safety belts, shoulder harnesses, doors, sterile aircraft, passenger conduct and avoidance of rotor or air induction systems, powerplants, and other heat sources, and emergency procedures.
Properly program and manage the aircraft’s automation, as applicable.
Appropriately manage risks by utilizing ADM, including SRM/CRM.
Task C Powerplant Starting
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with recommended powerplant starting procedures.
Knowledge
Starting under various conditions.
Starting procedures, including the use of external power if applicable.
Limitations associated with starting.
Conditions leading to and procedures for an aborted start.
Risk Management
Use of external power unit.
Limitations during starting.
Other hazards specific to the powered-lift make and model.
Skills
Position the aircraft properly considering structures, other aircraft, wind, and the safety of nearby persons and property.
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Position the primary flight controls, including the thrust vector, for the prevailing environmental conditions.
Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
Task D Ground Taxiing
References
AC 91-73; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with ground taxi operations, in a wheel-type aircraft, including runway incursion avoidance.
Knowledge
Current airport aeronautical references and information resources such as the Chart Supplement, airport diagram, and Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs).
Taxi instructions/clearances.
Airport, heliport, helipad, or unprepared surface environment.
Visual indicators for wind.
Aircraft lighting, as appropriate.
Procedures for:
a. Appropriate flight deck activities prior to taxi, including route planning and identifying the location of Hot Spots
b. Aircraft configuration
c. Radio communications at towered and non-towered airports/heliports/helipads/landing areas
d. Entering or crossing runways
e. Night taxi operations
f. Taxi limitations
Risk Management
Activities and distractions.
Confirmation or expectation bias as related to taxi instructions.
A taxi route or departure runway change.
Speed during taxi and turns.
Appropriate thrust vector and brake use.
Airframe and rotor clearances during taxi.
Runway incursion.
Other hazards specific to the powered-lift make and model.
Skills
Receive and correctly read back clearances/instructions, if applicable.
Use an appropriate airport/heliport diagram or taxi chart, if published.
Position the flight controls and configure the aircraft for the existing wind conditions.
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Maintain positive control of the aircraft during ground operations by controlling direction and speed without excessive use of brakes.
Comply with airport/heliport/helipad/landing area taxiway markings, signals, and air traffic control (ATC) clearances and instructions.
Position the aircraft relative to hold lines or a specified point.
Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
Task E Before Takeoff Check
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with before takeoff check.
Knowledge
Purpose of before takeoff checklist items, including:
a. Reasons for checking each item
b. Detecting malfunctions
c. Configuring the aircraft as recommended by the manufacturer
Risk Management
Division of attention while conducting before takeoff checks.
Unexpected runway changes.
Unexpected or unclear clearances from ATC.
Wake turbulence.
Downwash.
Potential powerplant failure during takeoff or other malfunction considering operational factors such as aircraft characteristics, runway/takeoff path length, surface conditions, environmental conditions, and obstructions.
Skills
Review takeoff performance.
Select the appropriate takeoff profile for aircraft and environmental conditions.
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Properly position the aircraft considering other aircraft, vessels, and wind.
Divide attention inside and outside the aircraft.
Verify that powerplant parameters and aircraft configuration are suitable for the takeoff profile.
Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.