Private Pilot (Helicopter) Vortex Ring State (VRS) Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Helicopter) • ACS Area VIII, Task E

The Private Pilot (Helicopter) Vortex Ring State (VRS) Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills required by FAA-S-ACS-15.

Private Pilot (Helicopter) Vortex Ring State (VRS) Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Knowledge Elements:
    0:20
    Part 3, Risk Management:
    0:15
    Part 4, Skill Development:
    0:30
    Part 5, Guided Scenario(s):
    0:20
    Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Present a helicopter scenario in which the outcome depends on sound vortex ring state (vrs) knowledge, risk management, and technique.
    • Ask the student to identify the earliest decision or control input that determines a safe outcome.

  • Motivator:

    • To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with main rotor Vortex Ring State (VRS).

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Private Pilot (Helicopter) Vortex Ring State (VRS) Lesson Plan

Materials

  • Required Materials:

    • Writing instrument and instructional surface.
    • FAA-S-ACS-15, Private Pilot for Rotorcraft Category Helicopter Rating Airman Certification Standards.
    • Student training record and applicable lesson records.

  • Optional Materials:

    • Model-specific Pilot's Operating Handbook or Rotorcraft Flight Manual (POH/RFM).
    • Manufacturer-approved checklist and performance data.
    • Current charts, Chart Supplement, NOTAMs, and electronic flight bag, as applicable.
    • Helicopter, cockpit procedures trainer, or approved training device, as appropriate.

  • Reference Materials:

Private Pilot (Helicopter) Vortex Ring State (VRS) Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review the reference materials, helicopter limitations, and local operating considerations.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    • Present the attention getter and motivator.
    • Review Area of Operation VIII, Task E, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with main rotor Vortex Ring State (VRS).
  • Part 2, Knowledge Elements:
    • Explain and discuss PH.VIII.E.K1: Elements of vortex ring state.
    • Explain and discuss PH.VIII.E.K2: Effects of wind, weight, temperature, and density altitude.
    • Explain and discuss PH.VIII.E.K3: Requirements for the formation of VRS.
    • Explain and discuss PH.VIII.E.K4: Aerodynamics and indications of VRS.
    • Explain and discuss PH.VIII.E.K5: Flight scenarios under which VRS can occur.
    • Explain and discuss PH.VIII.E.K6: Effective recovery techniques.
  • Part 3, Risk Management:
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.VIII.E.R1: Pilot recognition and response to VRS.
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.VIII.E.R2: Entering the maneuver at a lower altitude than planned.
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.VIII.E.R3: Application of power or exceeding powerplant limitations.
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.VIII.E.R4: Collision hazards.
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.VIII.E.R5: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.VIII.E.R6: Loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE).
    • Require the student to verbalize trigger points for discontinuing or modifying the operation.
  • Part 4, Skill Development:
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.VIII.E.S1: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.VIII.E.S2: Clear the area.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.VIII.E.S3: Select an altitude that allows recovery to be completed no lower than 1,000 feet AGL or as recommended by the manufacturer, whichever is higher.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.VIII.E.S4: Establish conditions leading to VRS entry.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.VIII.E.S5: Promptly recognize, announce, and recover at the first indication of VRS.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.VIII.E.S6: Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
    • Apply the helicopter POH/RFM, checklist, limitations, and FAA safety-of-flight guidance throughout the demonstration and practice.
  • Part 5, Guided Scenario(s):
    • Lead the guided scenario.
    • Evaluate the student's decisions and performance against every applicable ACS element.
  • Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    • Review the lesson objective, identified risks, performance strengths, and items requiring additional practice.
    • Present the re-motivation and closure.
  • Update instructor records and the student's training record, as required.
Private Pilot (Helicopter) Vortex Ring State (VRS) Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • During a planned helicopter flight, conditions require the student to apply the knowledge and procedures associated with vortex ring state (vrs).
  • Ask the student to identify hazards, including Pilot recognition and response to VRS., and explain how each risk will be controlled.
  • Require the student to brief, perform, or explain how to Complete the appropriate checklist(s)., as appropriate to the task and training environment.
  • Introduce a realistic change in wind, power available, landing area, traffic, system status, or external pressure and require the student to reassess the plan.
  • Conclude with a self-critique tied to the ACS knowledge, risk management, and skill elements.
Private Pilot (Helicopter) Vortex Ring State (VRS) Lesson Plan

Student Actions

  • Complete assigned readings and review the model-specific POH/RFM and checklist.
  • Explain the applicable knowledge elements in scenario context rather than by rote recall.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate the risks associated with the task.
  • Demonstrate or explain each applicable skill within ACS standards and helicopter limitations.
  • Ask pertinent questions, perform a self-assessment, and make appropriate go/no-go or continue/discontinue decisions.
Private Pilot (Helicopter) Vortex Ring State (VRS) Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Helicopter) Vortex Ring State (VRS) Airman Certification Standards

  • Task E: Vortex Ring State (VRS).
  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with main rotor Vortex Ring State (VRS).
  • Note: See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
Knowledge 6 ACS Elements
  • PH.VIII.E.K1:
    Elements of vortex ring state.
  • PH.VIII.E.K2:
    Effects of wind, weight, temperature, and density altitude.
  • PH.VIII.E.K3:
    Requirements for the formation of VRS.
  • PH.VIII.E.K4:
    Aerodynamics and indications of VRS.
  • PH.VIII.E.K5:
    Flight scenarios under which VRS can occur.
  • PH.VIII.E.K6:
    Effective recovery techniques.
Risk Management 6 ACS Elements
  • PH.VIII.E.R1:
    Pilot recognition and response to VRS.
  • PH.VIII.E.R2:
    Entering the maneuver at a lower altitude than planned.
  • PH.VIII.E.R3:
    Application of power or exceeding powerplant limitations.
  • PH.VIII.E.R4:
    Collision hazards.
  • PH.VIII.E.R5:
    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
  • PH.VIII.E.R6:
    Loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE).
Skills 6 ACS Elements
  • PH.VIII.E.S1:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • PH.VIII.E.S2:
    Clear the area.
  • PH.VIII.E.S3:
    Select an altitude that allows recovery to be completed no lower than 1,000 feet AGL or as recommended by the manufacturer, whichever is higher.
  • PH.VIII.E.S4:
    Establish conditions leading to VRS entry.
  • PH.VIII.E.S5:
    Promptly recognize, announce, and recover at the first indication of VRS.
  • PH.VIII.E.S6:
    Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
Private Pilot (Helicopter) Vortex Ring State (VRS) Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Consistent vortex ring state (vrs) performance protects the helicopter's limited margins and supports sound pilot-in-command decisions.

  • Closure:

    • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.