Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) Normal Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) • ACS Area V, Task A

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

Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) Normal Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Attention Getter:

    • Present a realistic commercial helicopter operation in which the outcome depends on sound normal takeoff and climb 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 normal takeoff, climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures.

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Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) Normal Takeoff and Climb 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:

    • FAA-S-ACS-16.
    • Helicopter Flying Handbook.
    • Task references: AIM, FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
    • ACS note: If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant’s knowledge of crosswind elements must be evaluated through oral testing.
Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) Normal Takeoff and Climb 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 Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance. (CH.V.A.K1)
    • Explain, correlate, and assess the learner's understanding of Factors affecting the profile of the height/velocity (H/V) diagram. (CH.V.A.K2)
  • Risk Management:
    • Use a commercial helicopter scenario to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with Selection of takeoff path based on helicopter performance and limitations, available distance, and wind. (CH.V.A.R1)
    • Use a commercial helicopter scenario to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with Effects of: (CH.V.A.R2)
      • Crosswind (CH.V.A.R2a)
      • Windshear (CH.V.A.R2b)
      • Tailwind (CH.V.A.R2c)
      • Turbulence, including wake turbulence (CH.V.A.R2d)
      • Runway/departure point surface/condition (CH.V.A.R2e)
    • Use a commercial helicopter scenario to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with Abnormal operations, including planning for: (CH.V.A.R3)
      • Rejected takeoff (CH.V.A.R3a)
      • Powerplant failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight (CH.V.A.R3b)
    • Use a commercial helicopter scenario to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with Collision hazards. (CH.V.A.R4)
    • Use a commercial helicopter scenario to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation. (CH.V.A.R5)
    • Use a commercial helicopter scenario to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with Runway incursion. (CH.V.A.R6)
  • Skill Development:
    • Demonstrate, coach, and assess the learner's ability to Complete the appropriate checklist(s). (CH.V.A.S1)
    • Demonstrate, coach, and assess the learner's ability to Make radio calls as appropriate. (CH.V.A.S2)
    • Demonstrate, coach, and assess the learner's ability to Verify assigned/correct runway, if at an airport. (CH.V.A.S3)
    • Demonstrate, coach, and assess the learner's ability to Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators. (CH.V.A.S4)
    • Demonstrate, coach, and assess the learner's ability to Clear the area, taxi into the takeoff position, and align the helicopter on the runway centerline or with takeoff path. (CH.V.A.S5)
    • Demonstrate, coach, and assess the learner's ability to Establish a stationary position on the surface or a stabilized hover prior to takeoff in headwind and crosswind conditions. (CH.V.A.S6)
    • Demonstrate, coach, and assess the learner's ability to Confirm takeoff power and instrument indications prior to forward movement. (CH.V.A.S7)
    • Demonstrate, coach, and assess the learner's ability to After clearing all obstacles, transition to normal climb attitude, airspeed, ±5 knots, and power setting. (CH.V.A.S8)
    • Demonstrate, coach, and assess the learner's ability to Maintain powerplant and main rotor (Nr) speed within normal limits. (CH.V.A.S9)
    • Demonstrate, coach, and assess the learner's ability to Maintain proper ground track with crosswind correction, as needed. (CH.V.A.S10)
    • Demonstrate, coach, and assess the learner's ability to Comply with noise abatement procedures, as applicable. (CH.V.A.S11)
    • Demonstrate, coach, and assess the learner's ability to Use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable. (CH.V.A.S12)
  • Syllabus Objective Coverage:
    • Explain effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.
      • Explain how atmospheric conditions affect air density and density altitude.
      • Explain how density altitude affects helicopter takeoff, hover, and climb performance.
      • Explain how headwinds and tailwinds affect takeoff and climb performance.
      • Explain how crosswinds affect takeoff and initial climb.
      • Explain how gusts, windshear, and vertical air movement affect takeoff and climb.
      • Interpret aircraft performance information for the existing atmospheric conditions.
    • Apply effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance to the aircraft, conditions, or flight scenario presented.
      • Select the atmospheric and aircraft inputs needed to assess the proposed departure.
      • Compare departure directions using wind, terrain or slope, obstacles, and the available performance margin.
      • Respond to an observed climb gradient that is inadequate for the planned departure path.
      • Respond to a downdraft while preserving airspeed and terrain clearance options.
      • Select the appropriate crosswind controls during takeoff.
      • Maintain coordinated control and the intended departure track after liftoff.
    • Explain factors affecting the profile of the height/velocity (H/V) diagram.
    • Assess and manage selection of takeoff path based on helicopter performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
    • Identify and assess the hazards associated with effects of.
    • Select and justify effective controls for the risks associated with effects of.
    • Assess and manage crosswind.
    • Assess and manage windshear.
    • Assess and manage tailwind.
    • Assess and manage turbulence, including wake turbulence.
    • Assess and manage runway/departure point surface/condition.
    • Identify and assess the hazards associated with abnormal operations, including planning for.
    • Select and justify effective controls for the risks associated with abnormal operations, including planning for.
    • Assess and manage rejected takeoff.
    • Assess and manage powerplant failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight.
    • Identify and assess the hazards associated with collision hazards.
      • Maintain an effective departure traffic scan.
    • Select and justify effective controls for the risks associated with collision hazards.
      • Clear departure collision hazards.
      • Manage an immediate departure conflict.
      • Apply in a scenario: Conflicting Departure Traffic.
    • Identify and assess the hazards associated with distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
    • Select and justify effective controls for the risks associated with distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
      • Manage takeoff distractions.
      • Recover from a checklist interruption.
      • Preserve situational awareness during climb.
      • Apply in a scenario: Checklist Interruption.
      • Apply in a scenario: Passenger Brief.
    • Identify and assess the hazards associated with runway incursion.
      • Distinguish line up and wait authorization from takeoff clearance.
    • Select and justify effective controls for the risks associated with runway incursion.
      • Verify runway identity and authorization.
      • Resolve uncertain runway clearances.
      • Apply in a scenario: Departure-Area Verification.
    • Demonstrate the ability to complete the appropriate checklist(s).
    • Demonstrate the ability to make radio calls as appropriate.
    • Demonstrate verify assigned/correct runway, if at an airport.
    • Demonstrate the ability to determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
    • Demonstrate clear the area, taxi into the takeoff position, and align the helicopter on the runway centerline or with takeoff path.
    • Establish a stationary position on the surface or a stabilized hover prior to takeoff in headwind and crosswind conditions.
    • Demonstrate confirm takeoff power and instrument indications prior to forward movement.
    • After clearing all obstacles, transition to the normal climb attitude and power setting while maintaining airspeed within ±5 knots.
    • Maintain powerplant and main rotor (Nr) speed within normal limits.
    • Maintain proper ground track with crosswind correction, as needed.
    • Demonstrate the ability to comply with noise abatement procedures, as applicable.
    • Demonstrate the ability to use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable.
  • Require the learner to use the RFM, checklist, limitations, and current operational information, then document deficiencies and retraining.
Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) Normal Takeoff and Climb 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 Selection of takeoff path based on helicopter performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
  • Require the learner to brief, perform, or explain how to Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • 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) Normal Takeoff and Climb 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) Normal Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) Normal Takeoff and Climb Airman Certification Standards

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with normal takeoff, climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures.
  • References: AIM, FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
  • Note: If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant’s knowledge of crosswind elements must be evaluated through oral testing.
Knowledge 2 ACS Elements
  • CH.V.A.K1:
    Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.
  • CH.V.A.K2:
    Factors affecting the profile of the height/velocity (H/V) diagram.
Risk Management 6 ACS Elements
  • CH.V.A.R1:
    Selection of takeoff path based on helicopter performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
  • CH.V.A.R2:
    Effects of:
    • CH.V.A.R2a:
      Crosswind
    • CH.V.A.R2b:
      Windshear
    • CH.V.A.R2c:
      Tailwind
    • CH.V.A.R2d:
      Turbulence, including wake turbulence
    • CH.V.A.R2e:
      Runway/departure point surface/condition
  • CH.V.A.R3:
    Abnormal operations, including planning for:
    • CH.V.A.R3a:
      Rejected takeoff
    • CH.V.A.R3b:
      Powerplant failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight
  • CH.V.A.R4:
    Collision hazards.
  • CH.V.A.R5:
    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
  • CH.V.A.R6:
    Runway incursion.
Skills 12 ACS Elements
  • CH.V.A.S1:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • CH.V.A.S2:
    Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • CH.V.A.S3:
    Verify assigned/correct runway, if at an airport.
  • CH.V.A.S4:
    Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
  • CH.V.A.S5:
    Clear the area, taxi into the takeoff position, and align the helicopter on the runway centerline or with takeoff path.
  • CH.V.A.S6:
    Establish a stationary position on the surface or a stabilized hover prior to takeoff in headwind and crosswind conditions.
  • CH.V.A.S7:
    Confirm takeoff power and instrument indications prior to forward movement.
  • CH.V.A.S8:
    After clearing all obstacles, transition to normal climb attitude, airspeed, ±5 knots, and power setting.
  • CH.V.A.S9:
    Maintain powerplant and main rotor (Nr) speed within normal limits.
  • CH.V.A.S10:
    Maintain proper ground track with crosswind correction, as needed.
  • CH.V.A.S11:
    Comply with noise abatement procedures, as applicable.
  • CH.V.A.S12:
    Use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable.
Commercial Pilot (Helicopter) Normal Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Commercial-level normal takeoff and climb 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.