Private Pilot for Rotorcraft Category Helicopter RatingFAA-S-ACS-15
Area of Operation VII
Navigation
4 Tasks
Task A Pilotage and Dead Reckoning
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; Helicopter Route Charts; VFR Navigation Charts
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with pilotage and dead reckoning.
Knowledge
Pilotage and dead reckoning.
Magnetic compass errors.
Topography.
Selection of appropriate:
a. Route
b. Altitude(s)
c. Checkpoints
Plotting a course, including:
a. Determining heading, speed, and course
b. Wind correction angle
c. Estimating time, speed, and distance
d. True airspeed and density altitude
Power setting selection.
Planned calculations versus actual results and required corrections.
Risk Management
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Unplanned fuel/power consumption, if applicable.
Skills
Prepare and use a flight log.
Navigate by pilotage.
Navigate by means of pre-computed headings, groundspeeds, elapsed time, and reference to landmarks or checkpoints.
Use the magnetic direction indicator in navigation, including turns to headings.
Verify position within three nautical miles of the flight-planned route.
Correct for and record the differences between preflight fuel, groundspeed, and heading calculations and those determined en route.
Arrive at the en route checkpoints within five minutes of the initial or revised estimated time of arrival (ETA) and provide a destination estimate.
Maintain the selected altitude, ±200 feet and heading, ±15°.
Task B Navigation Systems and Radar Services
References
AC 91-78; 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 navigation systems and radar services.
Note
The evaluator should reference the manufacturer’s equipment supplement(s) as necessary for appropriate limitations, procedures, etc.
Knowledge
Ground-based navigation (identification, orientation, course determination, equipment, tests, regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, and signal integrity).
Satellite-based navigation (e.g., equipment, regulations, authorized use of databases, and Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM)).
Radar assistance to visual flight rules (VFR) aircraft (e.g., operations, equipment, available services, traffic advisories).
Transponder (Mode(s) A, C, and S) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).
Risk Management
Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Limitations of the navigation system in use.
Loss of a navigation signal.
Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used.
Skills
Use an airborne electronic navigation system.
Determine the aircraft's position using the navigation system.
Intercept and track a given course, radial, or bearing.
Recognize and describe the indication of station or waypoint passage.
Recognize loss of navigational signal and take appropriate action.
Use proper communication procedures when utilizing radar services.
Maintain the selected altitude, ±200 feet and headings, ±15°.
Task C Diversion
References
AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; Helicopter Route Charts, VFR Navigation Charts
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with diversion.
Knowledge
Selecting an alternate destination.
Situations that require deviations from flight plan or air traffic control (ATC) instructions.
Risk Management
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Circumstances that would make diversion prudent.
Selecting an airport/heliport/helipad, as applicable.
Using available resources (e.g., automation, ATC, and flight deck planning aids).
Skills
Select a suitable airport/heliport/helipad, as applicable, and route for diversion.
Make a reasonable estimate of heading, groundspeed, arrival time, and fuel required to the “divert to” destination.
Promptly divert toward the airport/heliport/helipad.
Maintain the selected altitude, ±200 feet and headings, ±15°.
Update/interpret weather in flight.
Use displays of digital weather and aeronautical information, as applicable to maintain situational awareness.
Task D Lost Procedures
References
AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; Helicopter Route Charts, VFR Navigation Charts
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with lost procedures and can take appropriate steps to achieve a satisfactory outcome if lost.
Knowledge
Methods to determine position.
Assistance available if lost (e.g., radar services, communication procedures).
Rapidly deteriorating weather or impending fuel exhaustion.
Risk Management
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Recording times over waypoints.
When to seek assistance or declare an emergency in a deteriorating situation.
Skills
Select an appropriate course of action.
Use an appropriate method to determine position.
Maintain an appropriate heading and climb as necessary.
Identify prominent landmarks.
Use navigation systems/facilities or contact an ATC facility for assistance.