Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) National Airspace System Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) • ACS Area I, Task E

The Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) National Airspace System Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills required by FAA-S-ACS-16.

Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) National Airspace System Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Attention Getter:

    • Present a realistic commercial helicopter operation in which the outcome depends on sound national airspace system 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, risk management, and skills associated with National Airspace System (NAS) operations under VFR as a commercial pilot.

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Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) National Airspace System Lesson Plan

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:

Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) National Airspace System Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • State the ACS objective and establish the commercial operating context.
  • Knowledge Elements:
    • Explain, correlate, and assess the learner's understanding of Airspace classes and associated requirements and limitations. (CH.I.E.K1)
    • Explain, correlate, and assess the learner's understanding of Chart symbols. (CH.I.E.K2)
    • Explain, correlate, and assess the learner's understanding of Special use airspace (SUA), special flight rules areas (SFRA), temporary flight restrictions (TFR), and other airspace areas. (CH.I.E.K3)
    • Explain, correlate, and assess the learner's understanding of Special visual flight rules (VFR) requirements. (CH.I.E.K4)
  • Risk Management:
    • Use a commercial helicopter scenario to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with Various classes and types of airspace. (CH.I.E.R1)
  • Skill Development:
    • Demonstrate, coach, and assess the learner's ability to Identify and comply with the requirements for basic VFR weather minimums and flying in particular classes of airspace. (CH.I.E.S1)
    • Demonstrate, coach, and assess the learner's ability to Correctly identify airspace and operate in accordance with associated communication and equipment requirements. (CH.I.E.S2)
    • Demonstrate, coach, and assess the learner's ability to Identify the requirements for operating in SUA or within a TFR. Identify and comply with special air traffic rules (SATR) and SFRA operations, if applicable. (CH.I.E.S3)
  • Syllabus Objective Coverage:
    • Student can explain Class Alpha airspace and its associated requirements and limitations.
      • Explain the dimensions of Class A airspace.
      • Explain the pilot certification requirements for Class A airspace.
      • Explain the equipment requirements for Class A airspace.
      • State the VFR flight visibility and cloud-clearance requirements for Class A airspace.
      • Explain the speed restrictions applicable to Class A airspace.
      • Explain the aircraft separation services provided in Class A airspace.
      • Explain the flight procedures applicable to Class A airspace.
      • Explain the operating restrictions applicable to Class A airspace.
      • Explain the horizontal limits, offshore extent, and exclusions of Class A airspace.
      • Explain how Class A airspace is represented on aeronautical charts.
      • Explain why ordinary VFR and VFR-on-top operations are prohibited in Class A airspace, and distinguish VFR-on-top from ordinary VFR.
        • Define VFR-on-top and explain its effect on the IFR flight plan.
        • Explain who must initiate a request for VFR-on-top.
        • Distinguish VFR-on-top from ordinary VFR operation.
        • Explain altitude selection while operating VFR-on-top.
        • Explain the VFR visibility and cloud-clearance requirements applicable during VFR-on-top.
        • Explain the IFR requirements that remain applicable during VFR-on-top.
        • Explain pilot collision-avoidance responsibility and ATC separation during VFR-on-top.
        • Explain the requirement to advise ATC before changing altitude during VFR-on-top.
        • Explain where an aircraft may operate relative to cloud layers during VFR-on-top.
        • Explain why ATC may not authorize ordinary VFR or VFR-on-top in Class A airspace.
      • Explain which ATC facility controls Class A airspace and the services it provides.
      • Explain RVSM and non-RVSM vertical separation in Class A airspace.
      • Explain the altitude structure and identification of Jet routes.
      • Explain how Jet routes are charted and defined by navigation facilities or fixes.
      • Explain reporting points and route-width considerations on Jet routes.
      • Explain the altitude structure, identification, and charting of Q-routes.
      • Explain RNAV eligibility for Q-routes and random RNAV routes.
      • Explain ATC monitoring and approval of random RNAV routes in Class A airspace.
      • Explain Class A authorizations and deviations for inoperative required equipment.
    • Student can explain Class Bravo airspace and its associated requirements and limitations.
      • Explain the dimensions of Class B airspace.
      • Explain the pilot certification requirements for Class B airspace.
      • Explain the equipment requirements for Class B airspace.
      • State the VFR flight visibility and cloud-clearance requirements for Class B airspace.
      • Explain the speed restrictions applicable to Class B airspace.
      • Explain the aircraft separation services provided in Class B airspace.
      • Explain the flight procedures applicable to Class B airspace.
      • Explain the operating restrictions applicable to Class B airspace.
      • Interpret Class B boundary depiction and charted floors and ceilings.
      • Explain approach-control sequencing and traffic-information services for arriving VFR aircraft in Class B airspace.
      • Explain the dimensions and equipment applicability of the Mode C veil.
      • Explain Mode C veil exceptions and deviation procedures.
      • Distinguish an explicit Class B clearance from two-way radio communication.
      • Explain VFR arrival procedures for Class B airspace.
      • Explain published VFR transition and local procedures through Class B airspace.
      • Explain collision-avoidance responsibilities beneath Class B shelves and in VFR corridors.
      • Explain wake-turbulence services and pilot responsibilities in Class B airspace.
    • Student can explain Class Charlie airspace and its associated requirements and limitations.
      • Explain the dimensions of Class C airspace.
      • Explain the pilot certification requirements for Class C airspace.
      • Explain the equipment requirements for Class C airspace.
      • State the VFR flight visibility and cloud-clearance requirements for Class C airspace.
      • Explain the speed restrictions applicable to Class C airspace.
      • Explain the aircraft separation services provided in Class C airspace.
      • Explain the flight procedures applicable to Class C airspace.
      • Explain the operating restrictions applicable to Class C airspace.
      • Interpret Class C boundary depiction and charted floors and ceilings.
      • Explain approach-control services for arriving VFR aircraft in Class C airspace.
      • Explain the Class C procedural outer area and why it is not part of Class C airspace.
      • Explain Class C arrival procedures after initial radio contact.
      • Explain Class C departure procedures from the primary airport.
      • Explain Class C departure procedures from a towered satellite airport.
      • Explain Class C departure procedures from a nontowered satellite airport.
      • Explain satellite-airport pilot responsibilities in Class C airspace.
      • Explain the limits of radar service to Class C satellite airports.
      • Explain wake-turbulence services and pilot responsibilities in Class C airspace.
    • Student can explain Class Delta airspace and its associated requirements and limitations.
      • Explain the dimensions of Class D airspace.
      • Explain the pilot certification requirements for Class D airspace.
      • Explain the equipment requirements for Class D airspace.
      • State the VFR flight visibility and cloud-clearance requirements for Class D airspace.
      • Explain the speed restrictions applicable to Class D airspace.
      • Explain the aircraft separation services provided in Class D airspace.
      • Explain the flight procedures applicable to Class D airspace.
      • Explain the operating restrictions applicable to Class D airspace.
      • Interpret Class D boundary depiction and charted ceiling notation.
      • Explain individually tailored Class D lateral limits and instrument-procedure extensions.
      • Determine the airspace classification when a Class D tower closes.
      • Explain Class D departure communication procedures.
      • Explain traffic information and sequencing services in Class D airspace.
      • Explain the pilot's see-and-avoid responsibility in Class D airspace.
      • Explain weather-observation and reporting requirements associated with Class D designation.
    • Student can explain Class Echo airspace and its associated requirements and limitations.
      • Explain the dimensions of Class E airspace.
      • Explain the pilot certification requirements for Class E airspace.
      • Explain the equipment requirements for Class E airspace.
      • State the VFR flight visibility and cloud-clearance requirements for Class E airspace.
      • Explain the speed restrictions applicable to Class E airspace.
      • Explain the aircraft separation services provided in Class E airspace.
      • Explain the flight procedures applicable to Class E airspace.
      • Explain the operating restrictions applicable to Class E airspace.
      • Interpret chart depictions of Class E surface areas, transition areas, and other boundaries.
      • Explain Class E surface areas designated for airports.
      • Explain Class E extensions to surface areas.
      • Explain Class E transition areas and their function.
      • Explain the dimensions and navigation basis of federal airways.
      • Explain how federal airways are identified and charted.
      • Explain the identification and eligibility requirements of low-altitude RNAV T-routes.
      • Explain en route domestic Class E areas.
      • Explain offshore Class E airspace beyond 12 nautical miles.
      • Select the applicable Class E designation from a charted flight scenario.
    • Student can explain Class Golf airspace and its associated requirements and limitations.
      • Explain the dimensions of Class G airspace.
      • Explain the pilot certification requirements for Class G airspace.
      • Explain the equipment requirements for Class G airspace.
      • State the VFR flight visibility and cloud-clearance requirements for Class G airspace.
      • Explain the speed restrictions applicable to Class G airspace.
      • Explain the aircraft separation services provided in Class G airspace.
      • Explain the flight procedures applicable to Class G airspace.
      • Explain the operating restrictions applicable to Class G airspace.
      • Explain how Class G airspace is inferred from aeronautical charts.
      • Distinguish available advisory and safety services from services guaranteed by Class G classification.
      • Explain entry and communication considerations at towered and nontowered airports in or adjacent to Class G airspace.
      • Explain IFR obstacle-clearance responsibility in uncontrolled airspace.
      • Explain the transition from an IFR operation in Class G into controlled airspace.
    • Student can explain general airspace operating requirements and limitations.
      • Calculate congested area clearance using highest obstacle within radius.
    • Recognize the chart designation for prohibited airspace.
    • Interpret the altitude datum used for prohibited airspace.
    • Interpret the word to in a prohibited area altitude description.
    • Identify the charts that depict prohibited airspace.
    • Interpret no a g in a prohibited area chart entry.
    • Identify the time standard used for prohibited area times of use on a sectional chart.
    • Recognize the chart designation for restricted airspace.
    • Identify the time standard used for restricted area times of use on a sectional chart.
    • Interpret no a g in a restricted area chart entry.
    • Interpret the altitude datum used for restricted airspace.
    • Interpret the word to in a restricted area altitude description.
    • Recognize the chart designation for a warning area.
    • Explain chart symbols.
    • Student can explain each type of Special Use Airspace.
      • Prohibited Areas
        • Identify prohibited airspace purpose.
        • Identify prohibited airspace chart designator.
        • Interpret prohibited airspace altitude reference.
        • Interpret prohibited airspace upper limit inclusivity.
        • Identify charts depicting prohibited airspace.
        • Identify prohibited airspace entry authority.
        • Interpret no air ground notation.
        • Interpret prohibited area times as utc.
      • Restricted Areas
        • Distinguish restricted from prohibited airspace.
        • Identify restricted airspace hazards.
        • Identify restricted airspace chart designator.
        • Explain atc transit when restricted area released.
        • Explain active restricted area transit requirements.
        • Interpret restricted area times as utc.
        • Interpret restricted airspace altitude reference.
        • Interpret restricted airspace upper limit inclusivity.
      • Warning Areas
        • Define warning area location and purpose.
        • Identify warning area chart designator.
        • Identify warning area water location.
        • Interpret the lateral and vertical limits of a warning area.
        • Explain the role of a FACSFAC or controlling agency for warning areas.
        • Determine available ATC services and current status information for a warning area.
        • Explain pilot, equipment, and operational restrictions associated with warning areas.
        • Use warning-area times and activity information in route planning.
      • Military Operations Areas (MOAs)
        • Explain the purpose and activities associated with a Military Operations Area.
        • Explain VFR pilot responsibilities and recommended status checks for an active MOA.
        • Explain ATC treatment of IFR traffic when an MOA is active.
        • Interpret MOA chart depiction, controlling agency, frequencies, and times of use.
        • Apply communication and collision-avoidance practices near an active MOA.
      • Alert Areas
        • Identify alert area purpose.
        • Explain pilot responsibility while operating in an alert area.
        • Interpret alert-area chart depiction and activity information.
        • Explain the activity or congestion that warrants heightened vigilance in an alert area.
      • Controlled Firing Areas
        • Explain the purpose of a Controlled Firing Area.
        • Explain how hazardous activity is suspended when a nonparticipating aircraft approaches a Controlled Firing Area.
        • Explain why Controlled Firing Areas are not charted.
      • Distinguish regulatory from nonregulatory Special Use Airspace.
      • Interpret Special Use Airspace vertical limits and designated times of use.
      • Use FAA status resources and controlling-agency information to determine current Special Use Airspace activity.
      • Explain joint-use or released Special Use Airspace and ATC treatment while inactive.
      • Explain the availability and purpose of Alaska's Special Use Airspace Information Service.
    • Special Flight Rules Areas (SFRAs)
      • Distinguish a Special Air Traffic Rules area from a Special Flight Rules Area and identify the governing authority.
      • Obtain and interpret current procedures for a Special Flight Rules Area.
      • Determine SFRA participation and flight-plan requirements.
      • Determine SFRA communication, transponder, and ADS-B requirements.
      • Determine SFRA training requirements.
      • Interpret SFRA chart depiction and boundaries.
      • Distinguish the Washington, DC SFRA from the Flight Restricted Zone.
      • Explain interception, enforcement, and emergency considerations in an SFRA.
    • Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
      • Explain how TFRs are issued and how pilots obtain current authoritative TFR information.
      • Interpret a TFR's location, dimensions, altitude limits, and effective times.
      • Identify affected operations and the controlling agency from a TFR notice.
      • Explain imminent-hazard TFRs.
      • Explain disaster-relief TFRs.
      • Explain unsafe-congestion TFRs.
      • Explain Hawaii disaster-relief TFR provisions.
      • Explain VIP and presidential TFRs.
      • Explain space-operation TFRs.
      • Explain demonstration-event TFRs.
      • Determine which operations are permitted within a TFR.
      • Explain TFR authorization and waiver requirements.
      • Explain emergency, law-enforcement, firefighting, and disaster-relief exceptions to TFR restrictions.
      • Explain why most TFRs are not permanently depicted on aeronautical charts.
    • Other Airspace Areas
      • Identify vfr and ifr chart depiction of mtrs.
      • Identify charts containing published vfr routes.
      • Define trsa and vfr participation requirements.
      • National Security Areas
        • Explain the purpose and chart depiction of a National Security Area.
        • Explain requested voluntary avoidance of a National Security Area.
        • Explain when avoidance of a National Security Area may become regulatory.
      • Wildlife and Recreational Areas
        • Explain recommended minimum altitudes over wildlife refuges, parks, and recreational areas.
        • Distinguish recommended avoidance practices from applicable regulatory minimum-altitude rules.
        • Interpret chart depictions and apply noise-sensitive operating practices near protected areas.
      • Terminal Radar Service Areas
        • Interpret TRSA depiction and dimensions.
        • Explain voluntary VFR participation and communication procedures in a TRSA.
        • Explain radar sequencing and separation services available in a TRSA.
        • Explain TRSA service limitations and retained pilot responsibilities.
      • Airport Advisory and Information Services
        • Distinguish Local Airport Advisory from Remote Airport Information Service.
        • Identify authorized frequencies and pilot communication expectations for airport advisory services.
      • Military Training Routes
        • Distinguish VR from IR Military Training Routes.
        • Interpret three-digit and four-digit MTR identifiers and their altitude convention.
        • Interpret MTR route widths, segments, and chart depiction.
        • Obtain MTR route information and points of contact.
        • Explain the role of Scheduling and Monitoring Agencies for MTRs.
        • Apply collision-avoidance practices near an active MTR.
        • Use Flight Information Publications when planning near MTRs.
      • Parachute Jump Aircraft Operations
        • Interpret charted parachute-jump activity.
        • Explain jump-aircraft communications and notifications.
        • Apply pilot avoidance responsibilities near parachute operations.
      • Published VFR Routes
        • Distinguish VFR flyways, VFR corridors, and Class B transition routes.
        • Determine clearance and ATC participation requirements for each published VFR route type.
      • Air Defense Identification Zones
        • Explain the purpose and types of Air Defense Identification Zones.
        • Interpret ADIZ dimensions and chart depiction.
        • Explain DVFR and IFR flight-plan requirements for an ADIZ crossing.
        • Explain ADIZ radio and transponder requirements.
        • Explain ADIZ position-reporting and timing requirements.
        • Explain ADIZ interception and enforcement considerations.
        • Explain exceptions to ADIZ operating requirements.
        • Explain foreign-civil-aircraft and border-arrival considerations associated with an ADIZ crossing.
      • Additional Other Airspace
        • Explain Weather Reconnaissance Areas.
        • Distinguish stationary from moving Altitude Reservations.
        • Explain pilot planning considerations associated with an Altitude Reservation.
        • Explain ATC Assigned Airspace.
    • Explain the purpose, applicability, and limitations of Special VFR.
    • Explain Special VFR weather minimums.
    • Explain pilot qualification and aircraft equipment requirements for Special VFR.
    • Explain how to obtain and comply with a Special VFR clearance.
    • Evaluate whether Special VFR is appropriate for the proposed flight.
    • Identify and assess the hazards associated with various classes and types of airspace.
    • Select and justify effective controls for the risks associated with various classes and types of airspace.
    • Demonstrate the ability to identify and comply with the requirements for basic VFR weather minimums and flying in particular classes of airspace.
    • Demonstrate the ability to correctly identify airspace and operate in accordance with associated communication and equipment requirements.
    • Demonstrate the ability to identify the requirements for operating in SUA or within a TFR. Identify and comply with special air traffic rules (SATR) and SFRA operations, if applicable.
  • Require the learner to use the RFM, checklist, limitations, and current operational information, then document deficiencies and retraining.
Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) National Airspace System Lesson Plan

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 Various classes and types of airspace.
  • Require the learner to brief, perform, or explain how to Identify and comply with the requirements for basic VFR weather minimums and flying in particular classes of airspace.
  • 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.
Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) National Airspace System Lesson Plan

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.
Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) National Airspace System Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) National Airspace System Airman Certification Standards

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with National Airspace System (NAS) operations under VFR as a commercial pilot.
  • References: 14 CFR parts 71, 91, 93; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; Helicopter Route Charts; VFR Navigation Charts
Knowledge 4 ACS Elements
  • CH.I.E.K1:
    Airspace classes and associated requirements and limitations.
  • CH.I.E.K2:
    Chart symbols.
  • CH.I.E.K3:
    Special use airspace (SUA), special flight rules areas (SFRA), temporary flight restrictions (TFR), and other airspace areas.
  • CH.I.E.K4:
    Special visual flight rules (VFR) requirements.
Risk Management 1 ACS Element
  • CH.I.E.R1:
    Various classes and types of airspace.
Skills 3 ACS Elements
  • CH.I.E.S1:
    Identify and comply with the requirements for basic VFR weather minimums and flying in particular classes of airspace.
  • CH.I.E.S2:
    Correctly identify airspace and operate in accordance with associated communication and equipment requirements.
  • CH.I.E.S3:
    Identify the requirements for operating in SUA or within a TFR. Identify and comply with special air traffic rules (SATR) and SFRA operations, if applicable.
Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) National Airspace System Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Commercial-level national airspace system 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.