AC 61-123

FAA-S-8081-7A U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR Practical Test Standards for

ROTORCRAFT

HELICOPTER

GYROPLANE APRIL 1996

FLIGHT STANDARDS SERVICE Washington, DC 20591

FAA-S-8081-7A 2

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

ROTORCRAFT Practical Test Standards 1996

FLIGHT STANDARDS SERVICE Washington, DC 20591

FAA-S-8081-7A3 NOTE FAA-S-8081-7A, Flight Instructor - Rotorcraft (Helicopter and Gyroplane) Practical Test Standards, will be effective April 1, 1996. All previous editions of this book will be obsolete as of this date.

FAA-S-8081-7A 4

FOREWORD The Flight Instructor - Rotorcraft (Helicopter and Gyroplane) Practical Test Standards (PTS) book has been published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the standards for flight instructor certification practical tests for the rotorcraft category, helicopter and gyroplane classes. FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners shall conduct practical tests in compliance with these standards. Flight instructors and applicants should find these standards helpful during training and when preparing for the practical test.

Thomas C. Accardi Director, Flight Standards Service

FAA-S-8081-7A5

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTIONiii

PRACTICAL TEST STANDARD CONCEPTiv

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR PRACTICAL TEST BOOK

DESCRIPTIONiv

INITIAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATIONiv

ADDITION OF AIRCRAFT CATEGORY AND/OR

CLASS RATINGS TO A FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

CERTIFICATEiv

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR PRACTICAL TEST STANDARD

DESCRIPTIONv

USE OF THE PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS BOOKvi

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR PRACTICAL TEST

PREREQUISITESviii

AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR

THE PRACTICAL TESTix

USE OF SIMULATORS AND FLIGHT TRAINING

DEVICESix

CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (CRM)x

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITYx

POSITIVE EXCHANGE OF FLIGHT CONTROLSxi

EXAMINER RESPONSIBILITYxi

SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCExii

UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCExii

SECTION 1: FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR ROTORCRAFT —

HELICOPTER

CONTENTS1-i

ADDITIONAL RATING TABLE1-v

APPLICANT’S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST

(HELICOPTER)1-vii

EXAMINER’S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST

(HELICOPTER)1-ix

AREAS OF OPERATION:

I. FUNDAMENTALS OF INSTRUCTING1-1

II. TECHNICAL SUBJECTS1-4

III. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION1-9

IV. PREFLIGHT LESSON ON A MANEUVER TO BE

PERFORMED IN FLIGHT1-11

V. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES1-12

VI. AIRPORT AND HELIPORT OPERATIONS1-16

VII. HOVERING MANEUVERS1-19

VIII. TAKEOFFS, LANDINGS, AND GO-AROUNDS1-24

FAA-S-8081-7A 6

IX. FUNDAMENTALS OF FLIGHT1-31

FAA-S-8081-7A7

X. PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS1-35

XI. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS1-38

XII. SPECIAL OPERATIONS1-44

XIII. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES1-47

SECTION 2: FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR ROTORCRAFT —

GYROPLANE

CONTENTS2-i

ADDITIONAL RATING TABLE2-v

APPLICANT’S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST

(GYROPLANE)2-vii

EXAMINER’S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST

(GYROPLANE)2-ix

AREAS OF OPERATION:

I. FUNDAMENTALS OF INSTRUCTING2-1

II. TECHNICAL SUBJECTS2-4

III. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION2-10

IV. PREFLIGHT LESSON ON A MANEUVER TO BE

PERFORMED IN FLIGHT2-12

V. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES2-13

VI. AIRPORT OPERATIONS2-17

VII. TAKEOFFS, LANDINGS, AND GO-AROUNDS2-19

VIII. FUNDAMENTALS OF FLIGHT2-26

IX. PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS2-29

X. FLIGHT AT SLOW AIRSPEEDS2-30

XI. GROUND REFERENCE MANEUVERS2-32

XII. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS2-35

XIII. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES2-39

FAA-S-8081-7A 8

INTRODUCTION The Flight Standards Service of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has developed this practical test book as a standard to be used by FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners when conducting flight instructor - rotorcraft (helicopter) and flight instructor - rotorcraft (gyroplane) practical tests. Flight instructors are expected to use this book when preparing flight instructor applicants for practical tests. Applicants should be familiar with this book and refer to these standards during their training.

Information considered directive in nature is described in this practical test book in terms such as “shall” and “must,” indicating the actions are mandatory. Guidance information is described in terms such as “should” and “may,” indicating the actions are desirable or permissive but not mandatory.

The FAA gratefully acknowledges the valuable assistance provided by a nationwide public “Job Task Analysis” team that developed the knowledge, skills, and abilities that appear in this book. We would also like to thank the many individuals and organizations who contributed their time and talent in assisting with the revision of these practical test standards.

This publication may be obtained from FedWorld through the use of a computer modem or purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

Comments regarding this publication may be sent to:

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards Service Operations Support Branch, AFS-630 P.O. Box 25082 Oklahoma City, OK 73125

FAA-S-8081-7A9

PRACTICAL TEST STANDARD CONCEPT Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR's) specify the areas in which knowledge and skill shall be demonstrated by an applicant before the issuance of a flight instructor certificate with the associated category and class ratings. The FAR's provide the flexibility that permits the FAA to publish practical test standards containing specific TASKS in which competency shall be demonstrated. The FAA shall revise this book whenever it is determined that changes are needed in the interest of safety. Adherence to provisions of regulations and the practical test standards is mandatory for evaluation of flight instructor applicants.

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR PRACTICAL TEST BOOK DESCRIPTION This test book contains the practical test standards for Flight Instructor - Rotorcraft (Helicopter and Gyroplane). Other flight instructor practical test books include:

FAA-S-8081-6, Flight Instructor - Airplane (Single-Engine and Multiengine) FAA-S-8081-8, Flight Instructor - Glider FAA-S-8081-9, Flight Instructor - Instrument (Airplane and Helicopter) FAA-S-8081-11, Flight Instructor - Lighter-Than-Air (Balloon and Airship) The Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards include the AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKS for the issuance of an initial flight instructor certificate and for the addition of category and/or class ratings to that certificate.

INITIAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION An applicant who seeks initial flight instructor certification shall be evaluated in all AREAS OF OPERATION of the standard appropriate to the rating(s) sought. The evaluation shall include at least one TASK in each AREA OF OPERATION and shall always include the required TASKS.

ADDITION OF AIRCRAFT CATEGORY AND/OR CLASS RATINGS TO A

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE An applicant who holds a flight instructor certificate and seeks an additional aircraft category and/or class rating shall be evaluated in at least the AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKS that are unique and appropriate to the rating(s) sought (see table at the beginning of each standard). At the discretion of the examiner, an applicant's competence in all AREAS OF OPERATION may be evaluated.

FAA-S-8081-7A 10

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR PRACTICAL TEST STANDARD DESCRIPTION AREAS OF OPERATION are phases of the practical test arranged in a logical sequence within each standard. TASKS are knowledge areas, flight procedures, or maneuvers appropriate to an AREA OF OPERATION. In this practical test book, the first AREA OF OPERATION is Fundamentals of Instructing; the last is Postflight Procedures. However, the examiner may conduct the practical test in any sequence that results in a complete and efficient test.

REFERENCE identifies the publication(s) that describes the TASK.

Descriptions of TASKS and maneuver tolerances are not included in the flight instructor standards because this information can be found in the REFERENCES listed for each TASK. Publications other than those listed may be used as references if their content conveys substantially the same meaning as the referenced publication. REFERENCES listed in this book include current revisions of the following publications:

FAR Part 1 Definitions and Abbreviations FAR Part 43 Maintenance, Preventative Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration FAR Part 61 Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors FAR Part 67 Medical Standards and Certification FAR Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules NTSB Part 830 Notification and Reporting of Aircraft Accidents and Incidents AC 00-2 Advisory Circular Checklist AC 00-6 Aviation Weather AC 00-45 Aviation Weather Services AC 60-14 Aviation Instructor's Handbook AC 61-13 Basic Helicopter Handbook AC 61-21 Flight Training Handbook AC 61-23 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge AC 61-65 Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors AC 61-67 Stall and Spin Awareness Training AC 61-84 Role of Preflight Preparation AC 61-98 Currency and Additional Qualification Requirements for Certificated Pilots AC 61-115 Positive Exchange of Flight Controls Program AC 90-48 Pilots’ Role in Collision Avoidance AC 90-87 Helicopter Dynamic Rollover AC 91-13 Cold Weather Operation of Aircraft AC 91-23 Pilot’s Weight and Balance Handbook AC 91-32 Safety In and Around Helicopters AC 91-42 Hazards of Rotating Propeller and Helicopter Rotor Blades

FAA-S-8081-7A11 FAA-S-8081-15 Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft FAA-S-8081-16 Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft AIM Aeronautical Information Manual Gyro Training Manual (The Graves Co.) Helicopter and Gyroplane Flight Manuals Each TASK has an Objective. The examiner determines that the applicant meets the TASK Objective through the demonstration of competency in various elements of knowledge and/or skill. The Objectives of TASKS in certain AREAS OF OPERATION, such as Fundamentals of Instructing and Technical Subject Areas, include only knowledge elements. The Objectives of TASKS in the AREAS OF OPERATION that include elements of skill as well as knowledge also include common errors which the applicant shall be able to describe, recognize, analyze, and correct.

The Objective of a TASK that involves pilot skill consists of four parts. Those four parts include determination that the applicant exhibits:

l. instructional knowledge of the elements of a TASK. This is accomplished through descriptions, explanations, and simulated instruction;

2. instructional knowledge of common errors related to a TASK, including their recognition, analysis, and correction;

3. the ability to demonstrate and simultaneously explain the key elements of a TASK. The TASK demonstration must be to the COMMERCIAL PILOT skill level; the teaching techniques and procedures should conform to those set forth in AC 60-14, Aviation Instructor's Handbook, AC 61-21, Flight Training Handbook, and AC 61-13, Basic Helicopter Handbook; and

4. the ability to analyze and correct common errors related to a TASK.

USE OF THE PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS BOOK The FAA requires that all practical tests be conducted in accordance with the appropriate Flight Instructor Practical Test Standard and the policies set forth in the INTRODUCTION.

All of the procedures and maneuvers in the Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards have been included in the Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards. However, to permit completion of the practical test for initial certification within a reasonable timeframe, the examiner shall select one or more TASKS in each AREA OF OPERATION. In certain AREAS

FAA-S-8081-7A 12 OF OPERATION, there are required TASKS which the examiner must select. These required TASKS are identified by a NOTE immediately following each AREA OF OPERATION title.

In preparation for the practical test, the examiner shall develop a written “plan of action.” The examiner will vary each “plan of action” to ensure that all TASKS in the appropriate practical test standard are evaluated during a given number of practical tests. Except for required TASKS, the examiner should avoid using the same optional TASKS in order to avoid becoming stereotyped. The “plan of action” for a practical test for initial certification shall include one or more TASKS in each AREA OF OPERATION and shall always include the required TASKS. The “plan of action” for a practical test for the addition of an aircraft category and/or class rating to a flight instructor certificate shall include the required AREAS OF OPERATION as indicated in the table at the beginning of each standard. The required TASKS appropriate to the additional rating(s) sought shall be included. Any TASK selected for evaluation during the practical test shall be evaluated in its entirety.

The flight instructor applicant shall be prepared in all knowledge and skill areas and demonstrate the ability to instruct effectively in all TASKS included in the AREAS OF OPERATION of the appropriate practical test standard.

Throughout the flight portion of the practical test, the examiner shall evaluate the applicant's ability to demonstrate and simultaneously explain the selected procedures and maneuvers, and to give flight instruction to students at various stages of flight training and levels of experience.

The term “instructional knowledge” means the “what,” "why,” and “how” of a subject matter topic, procedure, or maneuver. It also means that the flight instructor applicant's discussions, explanations, and descriptions should follow the recommended teaching procedures and techniques explained in AC 60-14, Aviation Instructor's Handbook.

The purpose for including common errors in certain TASKS is to assist the examiner in determining that the flight instructor applicant has the ability to recognize, analyze, and correct such errors. The examiner shall not simulate any condition that may jeopardize safe flight or result in possible damage to the aircraft. The common errors listed in the TASK Objectives may or may not be found in the TASK References. However, the FAA considers their frequency of occurrence justification for their inclusion in the TASK Objectives.