Instrument Rating - HelicopterFAA-S-ACS-14
Area of Operation III
Air Traffic Control (ATC) Clearances and Procedures
2 Tasks
Task A Compliance with Air Traffic Control Clearances
References
14 CFR parts 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with ATC clearances and procedures while operating solely by reference to instruments.
Knowledge
Elements and procedures related to ATC clearances and pilot/controller responsibilities for departure, en route, and arrival phases of flight, including clearance void times.
Pilot-in-Command (PIC) emergency authority.
Lost communication procedures and procedures for flights outside of radar environments.
Risk Management
Less than full understanding of an ATC clearance.
Inappropriate, incomplete, or incorrect ATC clearances.
ATC clearance inconsistent with helicopter performance or navigation capability.
ATC clearance intended for other aircraft with similar call signs.
Skills
Correctly copy, read back, interpret, and comply with simulated or actual ATC clearances in a timely manner using standard phraseology as provided in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).
Correctly set communication frequencies, navigation systems (identifying when appropriate), and transponder codes in compliance with the ATC clearance.
Use the current and appropriate paper or electronic navigation publications.
Intercept all courses, radials, and bearings appropriate to the procedure, route, or clearance in a timely manner.
Maintain the applicable airspeed ±10 knots, headings ±10°, altitude ±100 feet; track a course, radial, or bearing within ¾-scale deflection of the course deviation indicator (CDI).
Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
Perform the appropriate checklist items relative to the phase of flight.
Task B Holding Procedures
References
14 CFR part 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with holding procedures solely by reference to instruments.
Knowledge
Elements related to holding procedures, including reporting criteria, appropriate speeds, and recommended entry procedures for standard, nonstandard, published, and non-published holding patterns.
Risk Management
Recalculating fuel reserves if assigned an unanticipated expect further clearance (EFC) time.
Scenarios and circumstances that could result in minimum fuel or the need to declare an emergency.
Scenarios that could lead to holding, including deteriorating weather at the planned destination.
Holding entry and wind correction while holding.
Skills
Use an entry procedure appropriate for a standard, nonstandard, published, or non-published holding pattern.
Change to the holding airspeed appropriate for the altitude when 3 minutes or less from, but prior to arriving at, the holding fix and set appropriate power as needed for fuel conservation.
Recognize arrival at the holding fix and promptly initiate entry into the holding pattern.
Maintain airspeed ±10 knots, altitude ±100 feet, selected headings within ±10°, and track a selected course, radial, or bearing within ¾-scale deflection of the course deviation indicator (CDI).
Comply with the holding pattern leg length and other restrictions, if applicable, associated with the holding pattern.
Use proper wind correction procedures to maintain the desired pattern and to arrive over the fix as close as possible to a specified time.
Use a multi-function display (MFD) and other graphical navigation displays, if installed, to monitor position in relation to the desired flightpath during holding.
Comply with ATC reporting requirements and restrictions associated with the holding pattern.
Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.