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A detailed analysis of the new Commercial Helicopter Pilot PTS was owed to the faithful readers of this website. Finally its completed. This PTS offers very little in terms of major changes or new maneuvers. What it does do is tighten the requirements for Commercial Helicopter Pilot candidates. Special Emphasis Areas Long written here has been a discussion of the special emphasis areas which are all encompassing skills that thread their way through all maneuvers in the PTS. An example of this is collision avoidance skills. Clearing the area before any maneuver has long been expected of checkride candidates. Momentary lapses in this regard resulted in a stern lecture and everything got back on track. Those days are over. The FAA has given clear direction that a failure in the special emphasis areas is unsatisfactory and results in a deficiency for the area of operation and task. In addition, all applicants must “demonstrate sound judgment and Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM); and demonstrate single-pilot competence if the aircraft is type certificated for single-pilot operations.” Spend a little time with me and review these special emphasis areas. This list has been developed by reviewing all of the PTS documents in my collection as well as the the Examiner Test Guide (FAA Order 8710.3E). I consider it my master list of special emphasis areas.
Area of Operation: I. Preflight Preparation B. Task: Airworthiness Requirements As helicopters inherently have a trickier mix of equipment, its an awefully good idea to spend some time reading 91.213 and getting to know 91.215 intimately. Now this PTS codifies the requirement that applicants will know their instruments and equipment in the day/night VFR environment. You'll have to be able to determine the airworthiness of the helicopter with inoperative instruments and equipment with and without a Minimum Equipment List (MEL). Since most training helicopters do not have an MEL, you'll need to spend time with the Master Equipment List usually at the back of the RFM. Consider this document the packing list for the helicopter when it left the factory. And if their is something checkmarked, consider it required (unless denoted optional). If that item isn't working, then the aircraft isn't airworthy and you'll need a special flight permit. Other Changes This PTS continues to standardize the english language requirement across the whole collection of PTS documents. There is an advisory circular available to those who are concerned about their abilities in this regard. Do a websearch to find Advisory Circular 60-28, English Language Skill Standards If you're doing this checkride in a multiengine helicopter (not likely), you'll probably be expected to perform an Approach and Landing With Simulated Engine Failure as per Area of Operation: VI. Performance Maneuvers Task D. If you're doing an add-on rating to your commerical pilot - airplane certificate, consult the Additional Rating Task Table towards the front of the PTS. There are a few changes in both the helicopter and gyroplane additional ratings. Please let me know what you think. Your Thoughts... |
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