Commercial Pilot for Powered-Lift CategoryFAA-S-ACS-2
Area of Operation IV
Hovering Maneuvers
3 Tasks
Task A Vertical Takeoff and Landing
References
14 CFR part 91; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with vertical takeoff and landing from a hover.
Knowledge
Elements related to a vertical takeoff to a hover and landing from a hover.
Appropriate aircraft configuration for a stationary hover.
Effect of wind on flight control inputs.
Ground effect.
Risk Management
Obstacle and hazard avoidance.
Dynamic rollover.
Powerplant failure during hover.
Downwash.
Ground resonance.
Skills
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Comply with air traffic control (ATC) or evaluator instructions and make radio calls as appropriate.
Position the primary flight controls, including the thrust vector, for the prevailing environmental conditions.
Ascend to and maintain recommended hovering altitude, and descend from recommended hovering altitude in headwind, crosswind, and tailwind conditions, without drift.
Maintain recommended hovering altitude, ±1/2 of that altitude within 10 feet of the surface, if above 10 feet, ±5 feet.
Maintain position within ±2 feet of a designated point.
Descend vertically to within 2 feet of the designated touchdown point.
Maintain headings ±10°, as specified by the evaluator.
Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
Task B Hover Taxi
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 hover taxi operations, 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).
Hover taxi instructions, clearances, and limitations.
Airport/heliport/helipad/landing area, signs, markings, and lighting.
Visual indicators for wind.
Aircraft lighting, as appropriate.
Procedures for:
a. Pilot activities during taxiing
b. Safe hover taxi at towered and non-towered airports/heliports/helipads/landing areas
c. Entering or crossing runways
Aircraft configuration.
Aircraft operating limitations.
Risk Management
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Reduced visibility or night taxi operations.
Powerplant(s) failure during hover taxi.
Other aircraft and hazards.
Hazardous effects of downwash.
Aircraft configuration.
Height/Velocity (H/V) considerations.
Crosswind limitations.
Other hazards specific to the powered-lift make and model.
Runway incursion.
Skills
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Receive and correctly read back clearances/instructions, if applicable.
Use an airport diagram or taxi chart during taxi, if published, and maintain situational awareness.
Comply with airport/heliport taxiway markings, signals, and signs.
Position the primary flight controls, including the thrust vector, for the prevailing environmental conditions.
Hover taxi over specified ground references, demonstrating forward, sideward, and rearward hovering and hovering turns.
Maintain recommended hovering altitude, ±1/2 of that altitude within 10 feet of the surface, if above 10 feet, ±5 feet.
Make 90°, 180°, and 360° pivoting turns, stopping within 10° of specified headings.
Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
Task C Air Taxi
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 air taxi operations.
Knowledge
Current airport aeronautical references and information resources such as the Chart Supplement, airport diagram, and Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs).
Air taxi instructions, clearances, and limitations.
Aircraft configuration.
Airport/heliport/helipad/landing area, signs, markings, and lighting.
Visual indicators for wind.
Aircraft lighting, as appropriate.
Procedures for:
a. Pilot activities during taxiing
b. Safe air taxi at towered and non-towered airports/heliports/helipads/landing areas
c. Overflying of runways
Aircraft operating limitations.
Appropriate height and speed for air taxi.
Height/Velocity (H/V) considerations.
Risk Management
Activities and distractions.
Reduced visibility or night taxi operations.
H/V diagram performance in case of powerplant failure.
Other aircraft and hazards.
Runway incursion.
Skills
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Use an airport diagram or taxi chart during taxi, if published, and maintain situational awareness.
Select a safe airspeed and altitude.
Maintain an appropriate aircraft configuration throughout the maneuver.
Maintain specified altitude, ±10 feet.
Air taxi from one point to another under various wind conditions.
Maintain the aircraft within operating limits throughout the maneuver.
Comply with airport/heliport/helipad/landing area markings, lights, signs, and ATC instructions.
Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.