Private Pilot for Rotorcraft Category Helicopter RatingFAA-S-ACS-15
Area of Operation III
Airport and Heliport Operations
3 Tasks
Task A Runway/Taxiway/Heliport/Helipad Signs, Markings, and Lighting
References
14 CFR part 91; 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 runway/taxiway/heliport/helipad signs, markings and lighting.
Knowledge
Airport runway, heliport, helipad, taxiway signs, markings, and lighting.
Airport movement area.
Risk Management
Interpretation of signs, markings, or lighting.
Landing site dimensions and limitations.
Conflict with aircraft, vehicles, and persons.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Runway incursion.
Skills
Comply with airport/heliport/helipad signs, markings, and lighting encountered, as applicable to the helicopter provided for the practical test.
Task B Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems
References
14 CFR part 91; 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 normal and emergency radio communications, air traffic control (ATC) light signals, and runway lighting systems.
Knowledge
How to obtain appropriate radio frequencies.
Proper radio communication procedures and air traffic control (ATC) phraseology.
ATC light signal recognition.
Appropriate use of transponder(s).
Lost communication procedures.
Equipment issues that could cause loss of communication.
Radar assistance.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident/incident reporting.
Runway Status Lighting Systems.
Risk Management
Communication.
Deciding if and when to declare an emergency.
Use of non-standard phraseology.
Skills
Select and activate appropriate frequencies.
Transmit using standard phraseology and procedures as specified in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and Pilot/Controller Glossary.
Acknowledge radio communications and comply with ATC instructions or as directed by the evaluator.
Task C Traffic Patterns
References
14 CFR part 91; 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 traffic patterns.
Knowledge
Towered and nontowered airport/heliport/helipad/landing area operations and restrictions.
Traffic pattern for the current conditions.
Right-of-way rules.
Use of automated weather and airport/heliport information.
Risk Management
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Windshear and wake turbulence.
Skills
Identify and interpret airport/heliport/helipad/landing area runways, taxiways, markings, signs, and lighting.
Comply with recommended helicopter traffic pattern procedures, as appropriate.
Correct for wind drift to maintain the proper ground track.
Maintain orientation with the runway/landing area in use, as applicable.
Maintain traffic pattern altitude, ±100 feet, and the appropriate airspeed, ±10 knots.
Maintain situational awareness and proper spacing from other traffic or avoid the flow of fixed-wing traffic, as appropriate.