Instrument Rating (Helicopter) Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Instrument Rating (Helicopter) • ACS Area VI, Task B

The Instrument Rating (Helicopter) Precision Approach Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and flight skills required by FAA-S-ACS-14.

Introduction

  • Attention Getter: Present an IFR helicopter operation in which small errors, changing weather, automation, or workload can rapidly erode terrain, obstacle, power, or control margins.
  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing precision approach procedures solely by reference to instruments.

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Materials

  • FAA-S-ACS-14.
  • Model-specific Rotorcraft Flight Manual, approved checklist, IFR supplements, and installed-equipment guides.
  • Task references: 14 CFR part 91; AC 90-105, AC 90-107; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; Terminal Procedures Publications
  • ACS note: See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.

Instructor Actions

  • Teach the task progressively in realistic helicopter IFR context and preserve aircraft control, obstacle clearance, power margin, and workload capacity.
  • Teach and assess the following knowledge elements:
    • Procedures and limitations associated with a precision approach, including determining required descent rates and adjusting minimums in the case of inoperative equipment. (IH.VI.B.K1)
    • Navigation system displays, annunciations, and modes of operation. (IH.VI.B.K2)
    • Ground-based and satellite-based navigation systems (orientation, course determination, equipment, tests and regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, signal integrity). (IH.VI.B.K3)
    • A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts. (IH.VI.B.K4)
  • Use realistic helicopter IFR scenarios to teach and assess the following risk-management elements:
    • Deviating from the assigned approach procedure. (IH.VI.B.R1)
    • Selecting a navigation frequency. (IH.VI.B.R2)
    • Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems. (IH.VI.B.R3)
    • Helicopter configuration during an approach and missed approach. (IH.VI.B.R4)
    • An unstable approach, including excessive descent rates. (IH.VI.B.R5)
    • Deteriorating weather conditions on approach. (IH.VI.B.R6)
    • Continuing to descend below the Decision Altitude (DA)/Decision Height (DH) when the required visual references are not visible. (IH.VI.B.R7)
  • Demonstrate, coach, and assess the following skills:
    • Accomplish the precision instrument approach(es) selected by the evaluator. (IH.VI.B.S1)
    • Establish two-way communications with air traffic control (ATC) appropriate for the phase of flight or approach segment, and use proper communication phraseology. (IH.VI.B.S2)
    • Select, tune, identify, and confirm the operational status of navigation equipment to be used for the approach. (IH.VI.B.S3)
    • Comply with all clearances issued by ATC or the evaluator. (IH.VI.B.S4)
    • Recognize if any flight instrumentation is inaccurate or inoperative, and take appropriate action. (IH.VI.B.S5)
    • Advise ATC or the evaluator if unable to comply with a clearance. (IH.VI.B.S6)
    • Complete the appropriate checklist(s). (IH.VI.B.S7)
    • Establish the appropriate helicopter configuration and airspeed considering meteorological and operating conditions. (IH.VI.B.S8)
    • Maintain altitude ±100 feet, selected heading ±10°, airspeed ±10 knots, no more than ¾ scale CDI deflection, and accurately track radials, courses, or bearings, prior to beginning the final approach segment. (IH.VI.B.S9)
    • Adjust the published DA/DH and visibility criteria for the aircraft approach category, as appropriate, to account for NOTAMs, inoperative helicopter or navigation equipment, or inoperative visual aids associated with the landing environment. (IH.VI.B.S10)
    • Establish a predetermined rate of descent at the point where vertical guidance begins, which approximates that required for the helicopter to follow the vertical guidance. (IH.VI.B.S11)
    • Maintain a stabilized final approach from the final approach fix (FAF) to DA/DH allowing no more than ¾-scale deflection of either the vertical or lateral guidance indications, and maintain the desired airspeed ±10 knots. (IH.VI.B.S12)
    • Immediately initiate the missed approach procedure when at the DA/DH, and the required visual references for the runway are not unmistakably visible and identifiable. (IH.VI.B.S13)
    • Transition to a normal landing approach only when the helicopter is in a position from which a descent to a landing on the runway or suitable point not aligned with the final approach path can be made at a normal rate of descent using normal maneuvering. (IH.VI.B.S14)
    • Maintain a stabilized visual flight path from the DA/DH to the runway aiming point or descend visually to a suitable touchdown point not aligned with the instrument runway final course, as directed by the evaluator. (IH.VI.B.S15)
    • Use a multi-function display (MFD) and other graphical navigation displays, if installed, to monitor position, track wind drift, and to maintain situational awareness. (IH.VI.B.S16)
    • Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate. (IH.VI.B.S17)
  • Syllabus Objective Coverage:
    • Explain procedures and limitations associated with a precision approach, including determining required descent rates and adjusting minimums in the case of inoperative equipment.
    • Explain navigation system displays, annunciations, and modes of operation.
    • Explain ground-based and satellite-based navigation systems (orientation, course determination, equipment, tests and regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, signal integrity).
    • Explain a stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
    • Apply a stabilized approach, including energy management concepts to the aircraft, conditions, or flight scenario presented.
    • Identify the factors used to assess a stabilized approach.
    • Identify stabilized-approach criteria that must be maintained through the decision to land.
    • Discontinue an approach when stabilized criteria cannot be achieved or maintained.
    • Distinguish a go-around from a rejected landing while applying the same core priorities.
    • Explain why a stabilized approach improves landing predictability.
    • Recognize an unrecoverable low-energy approach and select a go-around.
    • Assess and manage deviating from the assigned approach procedure.
    • Assess and manage selecting a navigation frequency.
    • Identify and assess the hazards associated with management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.
    • Select and justify effective controls for the risks associated with management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.
    • Identify, assess, and select effective controls for risks associated with helicopter configuration during an approach and missed approach.
    • Assess and manage an unstable approach, including excessive descent rates.
    • Assess and manage deteriorating weather conditions on approach.
    • Assess and manage continuing to descend below the Decision Altitude (DA)/Decision Height (DH) when the required visual references are not visible.
    • Integrate the component skills required to accomplish a precision instrument approach.
    • Establish two-way communications with air traffic control (ATC) appropriate for the phase of flight or approach segment, and use proper communication phraseology.
    • Select, tune, identify, and confirm the operational status of navigation equipment to be used for the approach.
    • Comply with all clearances issued by ATC or the evaluator.
    • Recognize if any flight instrumentation is inaccurate or inoperative, and take appropriate action.
    • Advise ATC or the evaluator if unable to comply with a clearance.
    • Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
    • Establish the appropriate helicopter configuration and airspeed considering meteorological and operating conditions.
    • Maintain altitude ±100 feet, selected heading ±10°, airspeed ±10 knots, no more than ¾ scale CDI deflection, and accurately track radials, courses, or bearings, prior to beginning the final approach segment.
    • Adjust the published DA/DH and visibility criteria for the aircraft approach category, as appropriate, to account for NOTAMs, inoperative helicopter or navigation equipment, or inoperative visual aids associated with the landing environment.
    • Establish a predetermined rate of descent at the point where vertical guidance begins, which approximates that required for the helicopter to follow the vertical guidance.
    • Maintain a stabilized final approach from the final approach fix (FAF) to DA/DH allowing no more than ¾-scale deflection of either the vertical or lateral guidance indications, and maintain the desired airspeed ±10 knots.
    • Immediately initiate the missed approach procedure when at the DA/DH, and the required visual references for the runway are not unmistakably visible and identifiable.
    • Transition to a normal landing approach only when the helicopter is in a position from which a descent to a landing on the runway or suitable point not aligned with the final approach path can be made at a normal rate of descent using normal maneuvering.
    • Maintain a stabilized visual flight path from the DA/DH to the runway aiming point or descend visually to a suitable touchdown point not aligned with the instrument runway final course, as directed by the evaluator.
    • Use a multi-function display (MFD) and other graphical navigation displays, if installed, to monitor position, track wind drift, and to maintain situational awareness.
    • Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
  • Use the current RFM, checklist, limitations, charts, procedures, and ATC information; document deficiencies and retraining.

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Use an IFR helicopter flight involving changing weather, terrain or obstacles, route constraints, automation, and external pressure.
  • Introduce a meaningful change in clearance, equipment status, weather, landing area, fuel, power margin, or workload and require a revised decision.
  • Require a self-critique tied to every applicable ACS element and helicopter limitation.

Student Actions

  • Complete assigned study and review the RFM, checklist, charts, and procedures.
  • Explain each knowledge element in operational context.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate each applicable risk.
  • Demonstrate each applicable skill within FAA-S-ACS-14 standards and helicopter limitations.
  • Make and defend appropriate continue, delay, divert, missed-approach, or discontinue decisions.
Instrument Rating (Helicopter) Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Instrument Rating (Helicopter) Precision Approach Airman Certification Standards

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing precision approach procedures solely by reference to instruments.
  • References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 90-105, AC 90-107; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; Terminal Procedures Publications
  • Note: See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.
Knowledge 4 ACS Elements
  • IH.VI.B.K1:
    Procedures and limitations associated with a precision approach, including determining required descent rates and adjusting minimums in the case of inoperative equipment.
  • IH.VI.B.K2:
    Navigation system displays, annunciations, and modes of operation.
  • IH.VI.B.K3:
    Ground-based and satellite-based navigation systems (orientation, course determination, equipment, tests and regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, signal integrity).
  • IH.VI.B.K4:
    A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
Risk Management 7 ACS Elements
  • IH.VI.B.R1:
    Deviating from the assigned approach procedure.
  • IH.VI.B.R2:
    Selecting a navigation frequency.
  • IH.VI.B.R3:
    Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.
  • IH.VI.B.R4:
    Helicopter configuration during an approach and missed approach.
  • IH.VI.B.R5:
    An unstable approach, including excessive descent rates.
  • IH.VI.B.R6:
    Deteriorating weather conditions on approach.
  • IH.VI.B.R7:
    Continuing to descend below the Decision Altitude (DA)/Decision Height (DH) when the required visual references are not visible.
Skills 17 ACS Elements
  • IH.VI.B.S1:
    Accomplish the precision instrument approach(es) selected by the evaluator.
  • IH.VI.B.S2:
    Establish two-way communications with air traffic control (ATC) appropriate for the phase of flight or approach segment, and use proper communication phraseology.
  • IH.VI.B.S3:
    Select, tune, identify, and confirm the operational status of navigation equipment to be used for the approach.
  • IH.VI.B.S4:
    Comply with all clearances issued by ATC or the evaluator.
  • IH.VI.B.S5:
    Recognize if any flight instrumentation is inaccurate or inoperative, and take appropriate action.
  • IH.VI.B.S6:
    Advise ATC or the evaluator if unable to comply with a clearance.
  • IH.VI.B.S7:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • IH.VI.B.S8:
    Establish the appropriate helicopter configuration and airspeed considering meteorological and operating conditions.
  • IH.VI.B.S9:
    Maintain altitude ±100 feet, selected heading ±10°, airspeed ±10 knots, no more than ¾ scale CDI deflection, and accurately track radials, courses, or bearings, prior to beginning the final approach segment.
  • IH.VI.B.S10:
    Adjust the published DA/DH and visibility criteria for the aircraft approach category, as appropriate, to account for NOTAMs, inoperative helicopter or navigation equipment, or inoperative visual aids associated with the landing environment.
  • IH.VI.B.S11:
    Establish a predetermined rate of descent at the point where vertical guidance begins, which approximates that required for the helicopter to follow the vertical guidance.
  • IH.VI.B.S12:
    Maintain a stabilized final approach from the final approach fix (FAF) to DA/DH allowing no more than ¾-scale deflection of either the vertical or lateral guidance indications, and maintain the desired airspeed ±10 knots.
  • IH.VI.B.S13:
    Immediately initiate the missed approach procedure when at the DA/DH, and the required visual references for the runway are not unmistakably visible and identifiable.
  • IH.VI.B.S14:
    Transition to a normal landing approach only when the helicopter is in a position from which a descent to a landing on the runway or suitable point not aligned with the final approach path can be made at a normal rate of descent using normal maneuvering.
  • IH.VI.B.S15:
    Maintain a stabilized visual flight path from the DA/DH to the runway aiming point or descend visually to a suitable touchdown point not aligned with the instrument runway final course, as directed by the evaluator.
  • IH.VI.B.S16:
    Use a multi-function display (MFD) and other graphical navigation displays, if installed, to monitor position, track wind drift, and to maintain situational awareness.
  • IH.VI.B.S17:
    Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.

Conclusion

  • Review the objective, risks, performance strengths, and retraining needs.
  • Record progress and assign the next applicable lesson.