Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery Lesson Plan
Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) • ACS Area VIII, Task J
The Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills required by FAA-S-ACS-16.
Introduction
Attention Getter:
- Present a realistic commercial helicopter operation in which the outcome depends on sound low gravity (g) recognition and recovery knowledge, risk management, and technique.
- Ask the learner to identify the earliest decision or control input that protects the available safety margin.
Motivator:
- To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge and risk management associated with low G conditions.
Materials
Required Materials:
- FAA-S-ACS-16, Commercial Pilot for Rotorcraft Category Helicopter Rating Airman Certification Standards.
- Model-specific Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM), approved checklist, and performance data.
- Student training record and applicable lesson records.
Reference Materials:
- FAA-S-ACS-16.
- Helicopter Flying Handbook.
- Task references: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
- ACS note: Evaluator assesses this Task orally only.
Instructor Actions
- State the ACS objective and establish the commercial operating context.
- Knowledge Elements:
- Explain, correlate, and assess the learner's understanding of Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to low G conditions by describing: (CH.VIII.J.K1)
- Aerodynamic factors related to low G conditions (CH.VIII.J.K1a)
- Situations that contribute to low G conditions (CH.VIII.J.K1b)
- Avoidance, recognition, and appropriate recovery procedures (CH.VIII.J.K1c)
- Explain, correlate, and assess the learner's understanding of Effects of low G conditions on various rotor systems. (CH.VIII.J.K2)
- Explain, correlate, and assess the learner's understanding of Pilot responses that lead to mast bumping in a low G condition, if applicable. (CH.VIII.J.K3)
- Explain, correlate, and assess the learner's understanding of Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to low G conditions by describing: (CH.VIII.J.K1)
- Risk Management:
- Use a commercial helicopter scenario to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with Control inputs that cause low G conditions. (CH.VIII.J.R1)
- Use a commercial helicopter scenario to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with Turbulence/gusty wind conditions. (CH.VIII.J.R2)
- Use a commercial helicopter scenario to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with Control inputs that cause mast bumping. (CH.VIII.J.R3)
- Skill Development:
- No separately testable element is specified for this category.
- Syllabus Objective Coverage:
- Explain exhibits knowledge of the elements related to low G conditions by describing.
- Explain aerodynamic factors related to low G conditions.
- Explain situations that contribute to low G conditions.
- Explain avoidance, recognition, and appropriate recovery procedures.
- Explain effects of low G conditions on various rotor systems.
- Explain pilot responses that lead to mast bumping in a low G condition, if applicable.
- Assess and manage control inputs that cause low G conditions.
- Assess and manage turbulence/gusty wind conditions.
- Assess and manage control inputs that cause mast bumping.
- The FAA intentionally specifies no separate skill element for this task; complete its applicable knowledge and risk-management objectives.
- Require the learner to use the RFM, checklist, limitations, and current operational information, then document deficiencies and retraining.
Guided Scenario(s)
- Place the learner in a realistic commercial helicopter operation involving passengers, schedule pressure, changing weather or landing-area conditions, and aircraft performance limitations.
- Require the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate Control inputs that cause low G conditions.
- Require the learner to brief, perform, or explain how to the appropriate response and decision-making process
- Introduce a meaningful change in wind, power available, landing area, traffic, system status, fuel, or external pressure and require a new decision.
- Conclude with a self-critique tied to every applicable ACS element and the commercial standard of care.
Student Actions
- Complete assigned readings and review the model-specific RFM and checklist.
- Explain each applicable knowledge element in operational context.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate each applicable risk.
- Demonstrate or explain each applicable skill within ACS standards and helicopter limitations.
- Perform a self-assessment and make appropriate go/no-go, continue/divert, or discontinue decisions.
Airman Certification Standards
Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge and risk management associated with low G conditions.
- References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
- Note: Evaluator assesses this Task orally only.
Knowledge 3 ACS Elements
-
CH.VIII.J.K2: Effects of low G conditions on various rotor systems. -
CH.VIII.J.K3: Pilot responses that lead to mast bumping in a low G condition, if applicable.
Risk Management 3 ACS Elements
-
CH.VIII.J.R1: Control inputs that cause low G conditions. -
CH.VIII.J.R2: Turbulence/gusty wind conditions. -
CH.VIII.J.R3: Control inputs that cause mast bumping.
Conclusion
Re-Motivation:
- Commercial-level low gravity (g) recognition and recovery proficiency protects passengers, the aircraft, and the operator's safety margin.
Closure:
- Review the objective, identified risks, performance strengths, and items requiring additional training.
- Record the learner's progress and assign the next applicable lesson.