This course examines the basics of aerodynamics, aircraft performance, VFR cross-country navigation techniques, weather reports and forecasts, Federal Aviation regulations,... Read More.
This course examines the basics of aerodynamics, aircraft performance, VFR cross-country navigation techniques, weather reports and forecasts, Federal Aviation regulations, elements of resource management, and safe flying practices. Modules available for JAA, EASA, CASA, and other international regulatory agencies.
Who Should Attend
Students who want to sit for the Private Helicopter Pilot FAA Knowledge Exam
Course Objectives
Locate, interpret, describe and explain the provisions outlined in the Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual, and other aviation publications applicable to private helicopter pilot privileges, limitations and flights conducted in VFR conditions.
Describe accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as described in FAR Part 830.
Obtain aviation weather reports and forecasts from various governmental and commercial services, both prior to flight or while in-flight, and be able to apply weather theory to interpret these weather reports for use in VFR flight planning. Recognize severe weather situations, and the results of such weather such as icing, wind shear, and mountain obscuration.
Explain the principles of flight for light to medium helicopters to include stationary hover, hovering taxi, hovering in-ground-effect (IGE), hovering in out-of-ground-effect (OGE), running landings, and auto-rotations.
Describe and explain airport and heliport operations, including required radio communications, runway markings and lighting, heliport perimeter lighting, FATO edge markings, TLOF edge markings, and windsock lighting and obstruction/hazard lighting.
Explain how to request and use local and en-route radar facilities, FSS and ATC services, and interpret the National Airspace system as depicted on NACO and Jeppesen sectional charts.
Describe and explain basic aviation physiology and how it relates to aviation safety.
Describe and explain helicopter performance criteria specifically weight and balance calculations using charts and graphs located in the POH and provided by the helicopter manufacturer. Determine the effects of density altitude on hover, takeoff, climb to altitude, and landing performance.
Describe the proper operation of helicopter systems, instruments, and power-plant limitations in light to medium helicopters.
Explain aerodynamics unique to helicopters such as the causes, onset and recovery of retreating blade stall and settling with power. Describe traverse flow effect, gyroscopic precession, transitional lift, dissymmetry of lift, and loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
Properly describe radio navigation equipment and systems, including VOR, ADF and GPS. Interpret all information depicted on sectional charts for VFR navigating using pilotage and dead reckoning.
Demonstrate proper preflight action in planning VFR cross-country flights of various lengths throughout different locations and to various destinations. Correctly interpret weather reports and forecasts, destination runway lengths and lighting, heliport dimensions and lighting, and minimum fuel requirements as noted in the FARs. Understand how to plan and use alternates in the event that the flight cannot be completed or weather delays are encountered.
Describe the advantages of using radio navigating facilities, the ATC services and then incorporating use of these facilities into the decision making process so as to minimize encountering of in-flight hazards, mitigating pilot error and ensuring a safe flight.
Dangerous Goods
Private Pilot Ground School – Fixed Wing