FAA ATH Knowledge Test — Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter (135)

An applicant for an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with a Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating must logged at least how many total hours of flight time as a pilot under 14 CFR 61.161?

• A1,500 hours
• B1,200 hours
• C1,000 hours
• D800 hours

Under 14 CFR § 135.243, which pilot certificate and ratings are the minimum for a pilot to act as pilot in command of a helicopter under IFR in an on-demand Part 135 passenger-carrying operation?

• ACommercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter and Instrument ratings, plus at l…
• BAirline Transport Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating
• CCommercial Pilot Certificate with 1,000 hours total flight time
• DPrivate Pilot Certificate with an Instrument rating and a Part 135 check ride

Under 14 CFR 135.265 / 135.267, what is the maximum allowable scheduled flight time during any 24 consecutive hours for a single-pilot operating under Part 135 commercial charter?

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

What is the minimum flight visibility required under 14 CFR 135.205 for a helicopter operating under Day VFR in Class G airspace at an altitude of 1,200 feet AGL or less?

• A1/2 statute mile clear of clouds
• B1 statute mile and 500 feet below clouds
• C3 statute miles and 1,000 feet ceiling
• D1/4 statute mile and 200 feet clear of clouds

Under 14 CFR 135.223, what is the minimum required fuel supply for a helicopter operating under IFR conditions?

• AFuel to complete the flight to the first airport of intended landing, fly to the alternat…
• BFuel to fly to the destination, fly to the alternate, and thereafter fly for 45 minutes a…
• CFuel to fly to the destination and thereafter fly for 20 minutes at normal cruise speed i…
• DFuel to fly to the destination, plus 1 hour reserve regardless of alternate requirements

Under the baseline rule in 14 CFR 135.223(b), a destination has a standard instrument approach but no authorized circling approach. What forecast conditions throughout ETA minus 1 hour to ETA plus 1 hour permit omission of alternate-leg fuel?

• ACeiling at least 1,500 feet above the lowest published minimum or 2,000 feet above airpor…
• BCeiling 2,000 feet above airport elevation and visibility 3 miles in every case
• CWeather just above the destination landing minimums at ETA
• DCeiling 1,000 feet above airport elevation and visibility 2 miles at ETA

According to 14 CFR 135.181, a single-engine helicopter may carry passengers under IFR ONLY if which condition is met?

• AThe flight path allows safe autorotative landing to the surface at all times, or the oper…
• BThe helicopter carries dual independent main rotor systems
• CThe flight is restricted to daytime Class G airspace only
• DThe PIC holds an FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor certificate

Under 14 CFR 135.247, what recency of experience is required for a pilot to act as PIC of a helicopter carrying passengers?

• AAt least 3 takeoffs and 3 landings in a helicopter of the same category, class, and type…
• BAt least 6 instrument approaches within the preceding 6 calendar months
• CAt least 5 takeoffs and landings within the preceding 30 days
• DA complete 135.293 check ride within the preceding 30 days

How often must a Part 135 PIC complete an instrument proficiency check under 14 CFR 135.297?

• AEvery 6 calendar months
• BEvery 12 calendar months
• CEvery 24 calendar months
• DEvery 90 days

Under 14 CFR 135.167 and 135.183, emergency flotation gear and life rafts are required for extended over-water helicopter operations when flying beyond what distance from the nearest shoreline?

• ABeyond 50 nautical miles or 30 minutes flying time from shoreline (whichever is less)
• BBeyond 12 nautical miles from shoreline
• CBeyond 100 nautical miles from shoreline
• DBeyond 25 statute miles from shoreline

Under 14 CFR 91.119(d), how do minimum safe altitude regulations apply to helicopter operations?

• AHelicopters may operate at less than minimum safe altitudes if the operation is conducted…
• BHelicopters must maintain at least 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a 2,000-f…
• CHelicopters are exempt from all airspace and minimum altitude regulations under all opera…
• DHelicopters may fly below 500 feet only during emergency landing practice with an FAA exa…

What is the regulatory definition of 'Operational Control' under Part 135 operations (14 CFR 1.1 / 135.77)?

• AThe exercise of authority over initiating, conducting, or terminating a flight
• BThe physical manipulation of flight controls by the Pilot in Command
• CThe maintenance sign-off performed by an A&P mechanic
• DThe tactical radar separation service provided by Air Traffic Control

Under 14 CFR 135.87, passenger carry-on baggage and cargo must be stowed in a manner that ensures it:

• ADoes not exceed weight and balance limits, obstruct emergency exits, or block passenger a…
• BIs placed exclusively in external cargo pods
• CIs weighed by an FAA inspector prior to loading
• DIs wrapped in flame-retardant plastic blankets

Under 14 CFR 135.415, a Part 135 certificate holder must submit a Mechanical Reliability Report to the FAA following specific aircraft failures within what timeframe?

• AWithin 96 hours of occurrence
• BWithin 12 hours of occurrence
• CWithin 24 hours of occurrence
• DWithin 10 days of the end of the month

Under 14 CFR 61.23, a First-Class Medical Certificate remains valid for exercising Airline Transport Pilot PIC privileges for how long if the pilot is age 40 or older?

• A6 calendar months
• B12 calendar months
• C24 calendar months
• D36 calendar months

Under 14 CFR 135.225, a pilot may NOT initiate an instrument approach procedure at an airport unless:

• AThe latest weather report issued by an authorized weather reporting facility indicates we…
• BThe PIC has executed a visual inspection of the landing helideck from 500 feet AGL
• CThe airport has an operating Control Tower
• DThe ceiling is reported at least 1,000 feet AGL regardless of published visibility

Under Part 135 Subpart L (14 CFR 135.617), what preflight requirement must be completed by a Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) PIC prior to conducting any HAA flight?

• AA documented preflight risk analysis approved by the certificate holder, signed by the PIC
• BA formal 30-minute flight plan briefing with the local FAA FSDO duty officer
• CA complete static rotor blade balance inspection
• DA written authorization signed by the attending hospital emergency physician

Under 14 CFR 135.605, all Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) operations must equip their helicopters with which specific terrain safety system?

• AHelicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS)
• BTCAS II Version 7.1
• CGround Proximity Warning System (GPWS) Class A only
• DSynthetic Vision System (SVS) display

Under 14 CFR 135.157, supplemental oxygen must be used by required flight crew members in unpressurized helicopters at cabin pressure altitudes above:

• A10,000 feet MSL up to 12,000 feet MSL for any portion of the flight exceeding 30 minutes,…
• B12,000 feet MSL continuously, and above 14,000 feet MSL for passengers
• C8,000 feet MSL for night flights and 10,000 feet MSL for day flights
• D14,000 feet MSL continuously, with no oxygen required below 14,000 feet

Under 14 CFR 91.157, what are the Special VFR (SVFR) weather minimums for a helicopter operating within controlled airspace?

• AClear of clouds, with no minimum flight visibility requirement (unless specified by local…
• B1 statute mile flight visibility and 1,000 feet ceiling
• C3 statute miles flight visibility and 500 feet below clouds
• D1/2 statute mile flight visibility and instrument rating required for the PIC

Under 14 CFR 135.79, if an FAA flight plan is NOT filed with ATC, what flight locating procedure must a Part 135 operator maintain?

• AAn approved flight locating system that establishes the location, schedule, and expected…
• BContinuous VHF two-way voice communication with the nearest FAA FSDO
• CSatellite ADS-B Out tracking visible to the public internet at all times
• DAn automated SMS text message sent to the local sheriff's department

Under 14 CFR 135.415, an in-flight engine failure resulting in a complete shutdown on a multi-engine helicopter requires reporting to the FAA within what timeframe?

• A96 hours
• B24 hours
• C12 hours
• D30 days

Under 14 CFR 61.51(g), a pilot may log instrument flight time ONLY:

• AFor that time the pilot operates the aircraft solely by reference to instruments under ac…
• BWhenever flying under an IFR flight plan regardless of weather conditions
• CWhenever flying at night above 3,000 feet AGL in clear skies
• DWhenever using the autopilot during cruise flight under VFR

Under NTSB Part 830.5, which incident involving a helicopter requires IMMEDIATE notification to the nearest NTSB field office?

• ADamage to main rotor blades requiring major repair or replacement of more than one blade
• BA minor ground collision with a fuel truck resulting only in cosmetic paint scratches
• CAn unexpected delay of 15 minutes due to ATC holding
• DA precautionary engine shutdown on the ground prior to taxi

Under 14 CFR 135.105, an approved autopilot system may be used in lieu of a Second-in-Command (SIC) during passenger-carrying IFR operations ONLY if the autopilot:

• AIs fully functioning and approved for 3-axis control, and the PIC holds appropriate autho…
• BIs manufactured within the last 5 calendar years
• CIs coupled to a ground-based VOR beacon at all times
• DIncludes a mechanical hand-crank backup system

Under 14 CFR 135.117, prior to takeoff, the PIC or crew member must ensure all passengers are orally briefed on:

• AUse of seatbelts, location and operation of emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and emer…
• BRotor blade balancing procedures and turbine engine operating temperatures
• CATC vectoring rules and IFR departure procedures
• DThe pilot's personal flight log history and medical certificate expiration

What is the primary operational distinction of a Category A rotorcraft under 14 CFR Part 29 / Part 135 operations?

• AIt is certified with isolated engine and systems performance capability such that a criti…
• BIt is limited to single-engine operations below 3,000 feet gross weight
• CIt requires a minimum crew of three pilots at all times
• DIt is prohibited from operating in instrument meteorological conditions

For a Part 91 helicopter IFR flight, what forecast weather is required at the alternate ETA when the alternate has an approved instrument approach and no different FAA authorization applies?

• ACeiling at least 200 feet above the minimum for the approach to be flown; visibility at l…
• BA fixed 400-foot ceiling and 3/4 SM visibility for every approach
• CA fixed 600-foot ceiling and 2 SM visibility for every helicopter approach
• DWeather merely at the approach landing minimums

Under 14 CFR 91.17 and Part 120, a pilot may NOT act as a crew member of a commercial helicopter within how many hours after consuming alcohol, or with what blood alcohol concentration?

• AWithin 8 hours after consumption of alcohol, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.0…
• BWithin 12 hours after consumption, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or grea…
• CWithin 24 hours after consumption, or with any detectable trace of caffeine
• DWithin 4 hours after consumption, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02% or great…

Under 14 CFR 135.267, what is the maximum allowable duty period in a 24-consecutive-hour period for a two-pilot crew operating an un-augmented Part 135 flight operation?

• A14 hours maximum duty period, requiring at least 10 consecutive hours of rest
• B18 hours maximum duty period, requiring at least 6 consecutive hours of rest
• C12 hours maximum duty period, requiring at least 12 consecutive hours of rest
• D16 hours maximum duty period, requiring at least 8 consecutive hours of rest

Which combination of flight conditions is REQUIRED for a helicopter to enter Vortex Ring State (Settling with Power)?

• AAirspeed less than Effective Translational Lift (10-15 knots), rate of descent greater th…
• BAirspeed greater than 80 knots, flat collective pitch, andautorotation entry
• CZero wind, hover Out of Ground Effect, and minimum collective pitch with engine shut down
• DHigh forward speed, steep turn, and low rotor RPM

What are the primary flight control inputs for the Vuichard Recovery Technique from Vortex Ring State in a counterclockwise main rotor helicopter?

• AApply right cyclic, left pedal (to maintain heading), and increase collective power simul…
• BFull forward cyclic and lower collective pitch completely to zero
• CFull left cyclic, right pedal, and lower collective pitch to flat pitch
• DAft cyclic to flare, followed by neutral pedals and engine shutdown

Main rotor disc vortex interference is a primary cause of Loss of Tail Rotor Effectiveness (LTE). For a U.S. counterclockwise main rotor, relative wind from which azimuth is most critical for main rotor disc vortex interference?

• A285° to 330° (left quartering headwind)
• B120° to 240° (tailward wind)
• C045° to 090° (right quartering headwind)
• D180° to 210° (direct tailwind)

What is the IMMEDIATE flight control action required to recover from an onset of Dynamic Rollover during a slope landing or hover?

• ASmoothly lower the collective pitch to reduce total lift vector below the critical rollov…
• BAbruptly pull full up collective to jump off the ground
• CApply full cyclic into the direction of the roll
• DApply full opposite rudder pedal while maintaining constant collective

If severe Ground Resonance vibrations occur upon touchdown and the main rotor RPM is within normal operating limits, what is the CORRECT corrective action?

• AImmediately lift off into a hover to decouple the landing gear from the ground
• BLower collective to flat pitch and apply full rotor brake immediately while operating at…
• CMove cyclic rapidly in a circular pattern to damp out mechanical lead-lag oscillations
• DIncrease collective to maximum power while staying firmly on the skids

What aerodynamic events mark the onset of Retreating Blade Stall, and what is the proper recovery sequence?

• ANose pitches up and helicopter rolls toward the retreating blade side; recover by lowerin…
• BNose pitches down and helicopter rolls toward advancing blade; recover by pulling aft cyc…
• CSevere high-frequency tail rotor vibration; recover by applying full right pedal and adva…
• DSudden rapid loss of rotor RPM; recover by lowering collective and turning into wind

How does a helicopter main rotor system equalize lift across the rotor disc to compensate for Dissymmetry of Lift in forward flight?

• AAdvancing blade flaps upward (reducing angle of attack) and retreating blade flaps downwa…
• BAdvancing blade flaps downward (increasing angle of attack) and retreating blade flaps up…
• CEngine automatically increases RPM on the retreating side
• DTail rotor thrust automatically shifts laterally by 45 degrees

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

• A16 to 24 knots
• B5 to 10 knots
• C35 to 45 knots
• D50 to 60 knots

Transverse Flow Effect occurs between 10 and 20 knots airspeed and manifests as:

• AA right roll and vibration caused by greater downward induced flow in the aft half of the…
• BA severe pitch-down motion due to tail rotor downwash hitting the horizontal stabilizer
• CLeft yaw rotation caused by main rotor torque overload
• DHigh-frequency blade tip chatter during autorotative flare

During a steady vertical autorotation, what three concentric aerodynamic regions exist along the span of each main rotor blade?

• ADriven region at the blade tip, Driving region in the middle span, and Stall region near…
• BStall region at the blade tip, Driven region in the middle, and Driving region at the root
• CDriving region at the tip, Stall region in the middle, and Driven region at the root
• DLaminar region at the tip, Vortex region in the middle, and Turbulent region at the root

What operational hazard is depicted by the shaded avoid areas of the Height-Velocity (H-V) Diagram?

• ACombinations of airspeed and altitude from which a safe autorotative landing cannot be gu…
• BAirspeeds at which structural blade flutter causes catastrophic rotor mast failure
• CAltitudes where turbine engine compressor stall is guaranteed during steep turns
• DVFR visibility minimums required for low-altitude obstacle clearance

Why does hovering In Ground Effect (IGE) require LESS power than hovering Out of Ground Effect (OGE)?

• AThe ground surface reduces rotor tip vortices and decreases induced flow, resulting in a…
• BGround effect increases engine compressor intake air density by 30%
• CThe tail rotor requires zero power when within 10 feet of the ground surface
• DAir cushion beneath the skids creates static air pressure that mechanically pushes up on…

Gyroscopic Precession dictates that when a force is applied to a spinning main rotor disc, the maximum resultant deflection occurs:

• AApproximately 90 degrees later in the direction of rotation
• BImmediately at the point where force was applied
• C180 degrees opposite the point of application
• D45 degrees prior to the point of application

How does the Coriolis Effect affect a main rotor blade as it flaps upward in a fully articulated rotor system?

• AAs the blade flaps upward, its center of mass moves closer to the axis of rotation, causi…
• BAs the blade flaps upward, its center of mass moves away from the axis of rotation, causi…
• CFlapping upward increases blade pitch angle automatically via mechanical pitch-steepening…
• DFlapping upward eliminates all drag forces on the advancing blade

Translational Tendency (Tail Rotor Drift) causes a single main rotor counterclockwise helicopter to drift to the right during hover. How do designers and pilots compensate for this drift?

• ABy rigging the main rotor transmission mast with a slight left tilt, or using left cyclic…
• BBy adding weight to the right skid landing gear
• CBy angling the tail rotor 45 degrees upward
• DBy increasing main rotor RPM by 10%

Mast Bumping in a semirigid teetering main rotor system is most likely triggered by what flight condition, and what is the proper IMMEDIATE recovery action?

• ALow-G maneuver causing loss of disc control authority; recover by gently applying aft cyc…
• BHigh-G steep turn; recover by pulling full aft cyclic and lowering collective
• CHigh-speed autorotation flare; recover by pushing forward cyclic rapidly
• DHovering in tailwind; recover by applying full right pedal

What aerodynamic phenomenon limits high-speed forward flight on the advancing main rotor blade tip as local air velocity approaches Mach 1.0?

• ACompressibility effects leading to shock wave formation, high drag divergence, severe vib…
• BVortex ring recirculation along the blade spar
• CComplete loss of tail rotor drive shaft torque
• DBoundary layer separation caused by laminar airflow reversal

In rotorcraft aerodynamic design, Rotor Solidity is defined as the ratio of:

• ATotal main rotor blade planform area to total main rotor disc area
• BTail rotor diameter to main rotor diameter
• CEmpty weight of rotor blades to total aircraft gross weight
• DEngine shaft horsepower to rotor disk loading