Private Pilot (Helicopter) Normal Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan

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

The Private Pilot (Helicopter) Normal Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills required by FAA-S-ACS-15.

Private Pilot (Helicopter) Normal Takeoff and Climb 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 normal takeoff and climb 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 normal takeoff, climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures.

Help Us Grow

Enjoy CFI Notebook? A one-time donation helps us create more high-quality lessons, quizzes, scenarios, graphics, and interactive tools.

One-Time Donation
Private Pilot (Helicopter) Normal Takeoff and Climb 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) Normal Takeoff and Climb 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 V, Task A, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with normal takeoff, climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures.
  • Part 2, Knowledge Elements:
    • Explain and discuss PH.V.A.K1: Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.
    • Explain and discuss PH.V.A.K2: Factors affecting the profile of the height/velocity (H/V) diagram.
  • Part 3, Risk Management:
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.V.A.R1: Selection of takeoff path based on helicopter performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.V.A.R2: Effects of:
      • PH.V.A.R2a: a. Crosswind
      • PH.V.A.R2b: b. Windshear
      • PH.V.A.R2c: c. Tailwind
      • PH.V.A.R2d: d. Turbulence, including wake turbulence
      • PH.V.A.R2e: e. Runway/departure point surface/condition
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.V.A.R3: Abnormal operations, including planning for:
      • PH.V.A.R3a: a. Rejected takeoff
      • PH.V.A.R3b: b. Powerplant failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.V.A.R4: Collision hazards.
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.V.A.R5: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.V.A.R6: Runway incursion.
    • Require the student to verbalize trigger points for discontinuing or modifying the operation.
  • Part 4, Skill Development:
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.V.A.S1: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.V.A.S2: Make radio calls as appropriate.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.V.A.S3: Verify assigned/correct runway, if at an airport.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.V.A.S4: Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.V.A.S5: Clear the area, taxi into the takeoff position, and align the helicopter on the runway centerline or with takeoff path.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.V.A.S6: Establish a stationary position on the surface or a stabilized hover prior to takeoff in headwind and crosswind conditions.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.V.A.S7: Confirm takeoff power and instrument indications prior to forward movement.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.V.A.S8: After clearing all obstacles, transition to normal climb attitude, airspeed, ±10 knots, and power setting.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.V.A.S9: Maintain powerplant and main rotor (Nr) speed within normal limits.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.V.A.S10: Maintain proper ground track with crosswind correction, as needed.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.V.A.S11: Comply with noise abatement procedures, as applicable.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.V.A.S12: Use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable.
    • 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) Normal Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • During a planned helicopter flight, conditions require the student to apply the knowledge and procedures associated with normal takeoff and climb.
  • Ask the student to identify hazards, including Selection of takeoff path based on helicopter performance and limitations, available distance, and wind., 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) Normal Takeoff and Climb 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) Normal Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

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

  • Task A: Normal Takeoff and Climb.
  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with normal takeoff, climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures.
  • Note: If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant's knowledge of crosswind elements must be evaluated through oral testing.
  • References: AIM, FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
Knowledge 2 ACS Elements
  • PH.V.A.K1:
    Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.
  • PH.V.A.K2:
    Factors affecting the profile of the height/velocity (H/V) diagram.
Risk Management 6 ACS Elements
  • PH.V.A.R1:
    Selection of takeoff path based on helicopter performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
  • PH.V.A.R2:
    Effects of:
    • PH.V.A.R2a:
      a. Crosswind
    • PH.V.A.R2b:
      b. Windshear
    • PH.V.A.R2c:
      c. Tailwind
    • PH.V.A.R2d:
      d. Turbulence, including wake turbulence
    • PH.V.A.R2e:
      e. Runway/departure point surface/condition
  • PH.V.A.R3:
    Abnormal operations, including planning for:
    • PH.V.A.R3a:
      a. Rejected takeoff
    • PH.V.A.R3b:
      b. Powerplant failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight
  • PH.V.A.R4:
    Collision hazards.
  • PH.V.A.R5:
    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
  • PH.V.A.R6:
    Runway incursion.
Skills 12 ACS Elements
  • PH.V.A.S1:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • PH.V.A.S2:
    Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • PH.V.A.S3:
    Verify assigned/correct runway, if at an airport.
  • PH.V.A.S4:
    Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
  • PH.V.A.S5:
    Clear the area, taxi into the takeoff position, and align the helicopter on the runway centerline or with takeoff path.
  • PH.V.A.S6:
    Establish a stationary position on the surface or a stabilized hover prior to takeoff in headwind and crosswind conditions.
  • PH.V.A.S7:
    Confirm takeoff power and instrument indications prior to forward movement.
  • PH.V.A.S8:
    After clearing all obstacles, transition to normal climb attitude, airspeed, ±10 knots, and power setting.
  • PH.V.A.S9:
    Maintain powerplant and main rotor (Nr) speed within normal limits.
  • PH.V.A.S10:
    Maintain proper ground track with crosswind correction, as needed.
  • PH.V.A.S11:
    Comply with noise abatement procedures, as applicable.
  • PH.V.A.S12:
    Use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable.
Private Pilot (Helicopter) Normal Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Consistent normal takeoff and climb 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.