FAA ARH Knowledge Test — Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter (135) (Added Rating)

Under 14 CFR Part 135, what is the maximum allowable flight time in a 24-consecutive-hour period for a single-pilot helicopter commercial operation without a second pilot?

• A6 hours
• B8 hours
• C10 hours
• D12 hours

What is the minimum required rest period during the 24-consecutive-hour period preceding the planned completion of a single-pilot Part 135 helicopter flight assignment?

• A8 consecutive hours
• B9 consecutive hours
• C10 consecutive hours
• D12 consecutive hours

What are the minimum day VFR flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements under 14 CFR Part 135 for a helicopter flying in Class G airspace at 800 feet AGL?

• A1/2 statute mile visibility, clear of clouds
• B1 statute mile visibility, 500 feet below clouds
• C3 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet above clouds
• D2 statute miles visibility, clear of clouds

What is the minimum IFR fuel reserve required under 14 CFR Part 135 for a rotorcraft after reaching the first port of intended landing or alternate airport?

• A20 minutes at normal cruising speed
• B30 minutes at normal cruising speed
• C45 minutes at normal cruising speed
• D60 minutes at normal cruising speed

Unless authorized by OpSpecs or published airport procedure, what is the standard Part 135 IFR takeoff visibility minimum for a multi-engine helicopter?

• A1/4 statute mile or RVR 1200
• B1/2 statute mile or RVR 2400
• C1 statute mile or RVR 5000
• D2 statute miles

Under 14 CFR Part 135.211, a helicopter operated VFR over-the-top must maintain an altitude where the cloud ceiling is at least:

• A500 feet above the lowest altitude to be flown
• B1,000 feet above the lowest altitude to be flown
• C1,500 feet above the cloud layer
• D2,000 feet above ground level

Which helicopter operations under Part 135 mandate the installation and operation of an approved Digital Flight Data Recorder (FDR)?

• AAll single-engine turbine helicopters carrying passengers
• BMulti-engine rotorcraft equipped with 10 or more passenger seats
• CAny helicopter operating IFR in controlled airspace
• DOnly rotorcraft equipped for Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations

When operating a helicopter under a Part 135 Minimum Equipment List (MEL), an item not listed as required for flight becomes inoperative. What must the PIC do prior to flight?

• AFly the helicopter without restrictions if the item is not mentioned in the MEL
• BConfirm the item is deferred in accordance with approved MEL procedures and placards/logs…
• CObtain verbal authorization from the FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI)
• DCancel the flight immediately as unlisted items cannot be deferred under MEL

What certificate and rating must a Pilot in Command (PIC) hold to conduct scheduled commuter helicopter operations under 14 CFR Part 135?

• ACommercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter and Instrument ratings
• BAirline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating
• CCommercial Pilot Certificate with Flight Instructor Instrument rating
• DPrivate Pilot Certificate with 1,500 total rotorcraft flight hours

How frequently must a Part 135 helicopter IFR PIC complete a pilot proficiency check (135.297) and a competency check (135.293)?

• ACompetency check every 12 months; IFR proficiency check every 6 months
• BCompetency check every 6 months; IFR proficiency check every 12 months
• CBoth checks every 12 calendar months
• DBoth checks every 24 calendar months

For a Part 135 IFR helicopter flight, what alternate airport weather minimums apply if the approach procedure at the alternate lists standard alternate minimums?

• ACeiling at least 200 feet above the minimum for the approach to be flown, and visibility…
• BCeiling 600 feet and visibility 2 statute miles
• CCeiling 800 feet and visibility 2 statute miles
• DCeiling 400 feet and visibility 1 statute mile

Under 14 CFR Part 135.183, when operating a helicopter over water carrying passengers, at what distance from shore is approved flotation equipment mandatory?

• ABeyond gliding or autorotation distance from the shoreline
• BBeyond 10 nautical miles from shore
• CBeyond 50 nautical miles from shore
• DFlotation equipment is mandatory for all over-water flights regardless of distance

Per 14 CFR 135.609, Helicopter Air Ambulance (HEMS) operators conducting operations with 10 or more helicopter fleet size must equip their aircraft with:

• AFlight Data Monitoring (FDM) systems capable of recording flight parameter data
• BAutomatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out only
• CA forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera sensor
• DSynthetic Vision System (SVS) integrated flight displays

Under 14 CFR Part 135.605, no person may operate a helicopter air ambulance (HEMS) unless it is equipped with:

• AAn operable radar altimeter or FAA-approved altitude limiting device
• BDual global positioning systems (GPS) with WAAS capability
• CAn active Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II)
• DAn automatic autorotation entry system

What requirement does 14 CFR 135.617 impose on Helicopter Air Ambulance (HEMS) pilots prior to starting a flight?

• AComplete and sign a written pre-flight risk assessment worksheet approved by the certific…
• BObtain a verbal weather briefing directly from an FAA Flight Service Station specialist
• CNotify the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) via electronic dispatch
• DConduct a mandatory 15-minute ground engine run before passenger embarkation

Under 14 CFR Part 135.267(c), what is the maximum daily flight time allowed for a two-pilot helicopter crew conducting unscheduled commercial operations in a 24-consecutive-hour period?

• A8 hours
• B10 hours
• C12 hours
• D14 hours

Under 14 CFR Part 135.271, what is the maximum total flight time a helicopter pilot may accumulate in a calendar year during unscheduled commercial operations?

• A1,000 hours
• B1,200 hours
• C1,400 hours
• D1,500 hours

Under 14 CFR Part 135.227(a), no pilot may take off a helicopter when frost, ice, or snow is adhering to which rotorcraft components?

• AWindshield and landing gear only
• BMain rotor blades, tail rotor blades, control surfaces, or engine air intakes
• CCargo doors and landing lights only
• DFuselage belly panels only

What flight instruments and electrical power sources are mandatory under 14 CFR Part 135.163 for carrying passengers under IFR in a multi-engine helicopter?

• ADual flight controls, dual independent electrical power sources, and two independent pitc…
• BSingle electrical generator with dual battery backup and one artificial horizon
• CGlobal positioning system (GPS) and single alternator
• DRadio altimeter and autopilot system only

Which of the following instrument combinations is required under 14 CFR Part 135.159 for passenger operations under VFR at night?

• ASlip-skid indicator, gyroscopic pitch and bank indicator (artificial horizon), and gyrosc…
• BVHF Omni-Range (VOR) receiver and ILS glide slope receiver
• CWeather radar and forward-looking infrared camera
• DAutopilot system and dual radar altimeters

When conducting HEMS IFR operations under 14 CFR Part 135.611 to an unapproved off-airport landing site, what weather requirement must be satisfied prior to descent?

• AThe pilot must verify that local weather meets approved visual flight rules (VFR) ceiling…
• BThe pilot may descend below MDA/DA regardless of visual contact if landing lights are ill…
• CThe site must have a certified automated weather observing system (AWOS-3)
• DThe operation can only be conducted during daylight hours

A Part 135 helicopter IFR flight is planned over a route distance of 165 NM at a planned groundspeed of 110 knots. The turbine engine fuel consumption is 50 gallons per hour. What is the minimum legal fuel required (trip + 30-min reserve)?

• A75 gallons
• B100 gallons
• C125 gallons
• D150 gallons

Which publications and documentation must be immediately accessible to the flight crew in the cockpit during a Part 135 helicopter flight per 14 CFR 135.83?

• ACockpit checklist, current aeronautical charts, rotorcraft flight manual (RFM), and instr…
• BAircraft engine logbooks and airframe maintenance history
• CPilot logbook and FAA Form 8410 evaluation records
• DCompany financial records and passenger manifest duplicates

Under 14 CFR Part 135.299, how often must a Pilot in Command (PIC) pass a line check in one of the aircraft types they fly?

• AEvery 6 calendar months
• BEvery 12 calendar months
• CEvery 24 calendar months
• DEvery 36 calendar months

Under 14 CFR Part 135.247, what are the night passenger carrying recency of experience requirements for a helicopter pilot?

• A3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop at night within the preceding 90 days in the sam…
• B5 night landings within the preceding 60 days in any rotorcraft
• C6 hours of night flight time including 3 instrument approaches within 6 months
• D1 takeoff and 1 landing at night within the preceding 30 days

A two-pilot Part 135 helicopter crew begins their duty day at 06:00. During the day, they log 7 hours of flight time. What is the latest time their duty period can end without exceeding the standard 14-hour maximum duty day limit?

• A18:00 (6:00 PM)
• B20:00 (8:00 PM)
• C22:00 (10:00 PM)
• D24:00 (12:00 AM)

Per 14 CFR 135.185, when operating a helicopter on an extended over-water flight (more than 50 NM from the nearest shoreline), which survival equipment is mandatory?

• AAn approved life preserver with survivor locator light for each occupant, approved life r…
• BLife preservers and a satellite telephone only
• CApproved life rafts and high-visibility dye markers only
• DA radar transponder and signal mirror only

What is the minimum VFR fuel reserve required for a helicopter operated under 14 CFR Part 135?

• A15 minutes at normal cruising speed
• B20 minutes at normal cruising speed
• C30 minutes at normal cruising speed
• D45 minutes at normal cruising speed

Under 14 CFR Part 135.607, all helicopter air ambulance (HEMS) operations must be conducted in aircraft equipped with an approved:

• AHelicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS)
• BSynthetic Vision Guidance System (SVGS)
• CAutomatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract (ADS-C)
• DGround Proximity Warning System (GPWS) designed for fixed-wing jet aircraft

A twin-turbine Part 135 helicopter has a Maximum Certificated Takeoff Weight of 6,800 lbs. The Aircraft Empty Weight is 4,100 lbs. If the mission requires 1,200 lbs of fuel, what is the maximum available payload (passengers + cargo)?

• A1,300 lbs
• B1,500 lbs
• C1,700 lbs
• D2,700 lbs

In a free-turboshaft helicopter engine, how is mechanical power transmitted from the gas generator section to the main rotor transmission?

• ADirect mechanical shaft drive connecting the compressor turbine directly to the main roto…
• BGas expansion from the gas generator driving an independent power turbine connected to th…
• CHydraulic torque converter connecting N1 and N2 shafts
• DPneumatic drive jets located at the main rotor blade tips

What primary operational feature distinguishes a dual-channel FADEC system on a modern turbine helicopter?

• AIt provides full electronic control of engine fuel flow and limits without mechanical bac…
• BIt requires continuous manual throttle adjustments by the pilot during collective inputs
• CIt controls only rotor RPM and leaves turbine temperature monitoring to manual mechanical…
• DIt operates only during engine start and disengages during flight

What are the primary indications of a compressor stall in a turboshaft engine, and what immediate action should the pilot take?

• ALoud popping/banging noise, sudden rise in ITT, and drop in N1 RPM; immediately lower col…
• BGradual decrease in oil pressure and increase in fuel flow; increase throttle to maximum
• CUncontrolled rotor overspeed; apply rotor brake immediately
• DEngine flameout with rapid drop in ITT; press starter button immediately without retardin…

During a turbine engine start, the Interstage Turbine Temperature (ITT) rapidly approaches the redline limit. What type of condition is occurring and what is the proper pilot action?

• AHung start; increase fuel flow via collective pump
• BHot start; immediately move fuel cutoff lever/twist grip to OFF and continue cranking eng…
• CNormal start thermal surge; monitor until generator engages
• DCompressor surge; push throttle to maximum power

How does a helicopter main rotor system naturally compensate for dissymmetry of lift in forward flight?

• AThrough automatic main rotor transmission tilting
• BThrough blade flapping and cyclic pitch variation (feathering)
• CBy increasing tail rotor RPM proportionally to forward speed
• DBy altering engine N1 fuel flow between left and right sides

At approximately what forward airspeed range does a helicopter transition into Effective Translational Lift (ETL)?

• A5 to 10 knots
• B16 to 24 knots
• C35 to 45 knots
• D60 to 70 knots

Which combination of operational conditions leads directly to Vortex Ring State (Settling with Power) in a helicopter?

• AHigh forward airspeed, zero rate of descent, low engine power
• BRate of descent greater than 300 fpm, airspeed slower than ETL, and 20% to 100% engine po…
• CAutorotation descent at 60 knots with collective fully down
• DSteep turn at high airspeed with high rotor RPM

In the Vuichard recovery technique for Vortex Ring State, what control inputs are applied to escape the rotor downwash column efficiently with minimal altitude loss?

• ACollective fully down, forward cyclic, and neutral pedals
• BApply cyclic laterally toward the side of tail rotor thrust (right cyclic for U.S. counte…
• CAft cyclic and full right pedal while reducing throttle
• DMaintain neutral cyclic, reduce collective, and lower gear

Which relative wind azimuth relative to the helicopter nose is most conducive to Main Rotor Disc Vortex Interference LTE (Loss of Tail Rotor Effectiveness)?

• ADirectly on the nose (060° to 300°)
• BWinds from 280° to 330° (left front quadrant)
• CDirectly from the tail (180°)
• DWinds from 030° to 060° (right front quadrant)

If an uncommanded right yaw occurs due to Loss of Tail Rotor Effectiveness (LTE) in a counter-clockwise main rotor helicopter, what is the primary initial recovery action?

• AApply full left anti-torque pedal, forward cyclic to gain airspeed, and reduce collective…
• BApply full right pedal and pull up on collective immediately
• CApply aft cyclic and maintain high hover power
• DShut down the turbine engine and enter autorotation

During a steady-state autorotation, which section of the main rotor blade provides the driving force that maintains rotor RPM?

• AThe driven region located at the blade tip (outer 30%)
• BThe driving (autorotative) region located between 25% and 70% of the blade radius
• CThe stall region located at the blade root (inner 25%)
• DThe entire blade span provides equal driving force

How do airspeed selection and main rotor RPM affect glide distance and sink rate during an autorotative descent?

• AMaximum airspeed yields the slowest rate of descent
• BMinimum rate of descent airspeed provides the longest time aloft; maximum glide distance…
• CHigher rotor RPM always increases horizontal glide distance
• DZero airspeed results in the furthest horizontal glide distance

What operational danger is represented by the shaded avoid area of a helicopter Height-Velocity (H-V) Diagram?

• ACombinations of height and airspeed from which a safe autorotative landing cannot be assu…
• BAltitudes where turbine engine compressor stalls automatically occur
• CAirspeeds that induce severe tail rotor flutter and structural failure
• DRegions where main rotor blade icing is guaranteed

Why does Hover Out of Ground Effect (HOGE) require significantly higher engine power than Hover In Ground Effect (HIGE)?

• AGround surface interference reduces rotor tip vortices and downwash velocity in HIGE, red…
• BTail rotor efficiency decreases near the ground
• CAir density is lower near the surface
• DTransmission gear ratios change automatically outside ground effect

Which factor drastically reduces the critical angle of dynamic rollover when a helicopter skid or wheel pivots on the ground?

• ARapid application of upward collective pitch
• BSmooth lowering of collective pitch to the bottom stop
• CHeadwind aligned directly with the nose
• DDecreasing main rotor RPM to zero

What flight conditions promote retreating blade stall in a helicopter, and what are its primary symptoms?

• AHigh forward speed, high gross weight, steep turns, and high density altitude; indicated…
• BLow airspeed and low gross weight; indicated by tail rotor vibration only
• CVertical descent in autorotation; indicated by rotor overspeed
• DHovering in ground effect at low elevation; indicated by engine flameout

Calculate the loaded CG for a turbine helicopter with the following parameters: - Empty Weight: 3,200 lbs @ arm 125.0 in - Pilot & Co-pilot: 340 lbs @ arm 65.0 in - Passengers: 340 lbs @ arm 104.0 in - Fuel: 800 lbs @ arm 130.0 in What is the total weight and loaded CG position?

• ATotal Weight: 4,680 lbs; loaded CG: 119.97 in
• BTotal Weight: 4,500 lbs; loaded CG: 122.50 in
• CTotal Weight: 4,680 lbs; loaded CG: 125.00 in
• DTotal Weight: 4,800 lbs; loaded CG: 115.20 in

A helicopter loaded at a gross weight of 4,500 lbs has a CG at station 122.0 inches (aft limit is 121.0 inches). How far forward must a 200 lb cargo box be moved from station 140.0 inches to bring the CG to exactly 120.0 inches?

• A30.0 inches
• B45.0 inches
• C60.0 inches
• D75.0 inches