FAA HIF Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Helicopter (Added Rating)

To be eligible to add an Instrument-Helicopter rating to an existing Flight Instructor Certificate under 14 CFR Part 61, an applicant must hold at least a Commercial Pilot Certificate with a helicopter rating and:

• AAn Instrument Rating - Helicopter.
• BAn Instrument Rating in any category, plus 15 hours of instrument flight time in helicopt…
• CAt least 50 hours of night cross-country instrument time in rotorcraft.
• DAn Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with multi-engine ratings.

Under 14 CFR 61.195, a certificated flight instructor with an instrument helicopter rating is authorized to give instrument training for:

• AThe issuance of an instrument rating, a flight instructor instrument rating, and instrume…
• BAny category of aircraft provided the instructor has logged 5 hours of instrument hood ti…
• CInstrument flight instruction only to private pilots, but not commercial pilot candidates.
• DHelicopters only if the instruction is conducted under 14 CFR Part 141 approved curriculu…

Under 14 CFR 91.167, what is the minimum required fuel reserve for a helicopter operating under IFR after flying to the first airport of intended landing and the alternate airport?

• A30 minutes at normal cruising speed.
• B45 minutes at normal cruising speed.
• C20 minutes at maximum endurance speed.
• D15 minutes at holding speed.

A Part 91 helicopter IFR destination has an approved instrument approach. What forecast conditions satisfy the no-alternate exception in 14 CFR 91.169(b)?

• AAt ETA and for 1 hour afterward, ceiling at least 1,000 feet above airport elevation or 4…
• BOnly at ETA, a 1,000-foot ceiling and 2 SM visibility, with no forecast needed afterward
• CAt ETA and for 1 hour afterward, ceiling 400 feet above airport elevation and visibility…
• DAt ETA only, weather above the destination approach landing minimums

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

A Part 91 helicopter IFR flight requires 80 minutes to the destination and 25 minutes to a required alternate. Using 42 gallons per hour for all flight segments and reserve, and excluding taxi fuel, what minimum usable fuel is required at takeoff (rounded to 0.1 gallon)?

• A94.5 gallons
• B73.5 gallons
• C105.0 gallons
• D77.0 gallons

To act as pilot-in-command of a helicopter under IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed for VFR, a pilot must have accomplished which of the following within the preceding 6 calendar months under 14 CFR 61.57(c)?

• AIn the same category of aircraft, logged at least 6 instrument approaches, holding proced…
• BLogged 6 hours of instrument flight time including 3 approaches in any aircraft category.
• CPassed an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) given by a DPE or CFII every 6 months regard…
• DCompleted 12 instrument approaches in a helicopter and 2 hours of hooded night cross-coun…

If a helicopter pilot allows their instrument currency to lapse beyond the 6-month currency period and the subsequent 6-month grace period (totaling 12 calendar months without currency), how must instrument currency be reestablished under 14 CFR 61.57(d)?

• ABy completing an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) in a helicopter, approved flight simu…
• BBy logging 6 instrument approaches under the hood with a safety pilot.
• CBy completing a standard Flight Review (BFR) under 14 CFR 61.56.
• DBy passing the FAA FIH or HIF knowledge test again.

Under 14 CFR 91.205(d), which of the following instruments is specifically required for IFR flight in a helicopter in addition to standard VFR daylight equipment?

• AGyroscopic pitch and roll indicator (attitude indicator), gyroscopic direction indicator…
• BA radar altimeter and dual VHF omnirange (VOR) receivers.
• CAn autopilot with altitude hold capability and a de-icing system for the main rotor blade…
• DA ground proximity warning system (GPWS) and clear view windshield wiper system.

What is the inspection interval required by 14 CFR 91.411 for the static pressure system, altimeter instrument, and automatic altitude reporting system of a helicopter operated under IFR?

• AWithin the preceding 24 calendar months.
• BWithin the preceding 12 calendar months.
• CWithin the preceding 100 hours of time in service.
• DWithin the preceding 6 calendar months.

Prior to endorsing an applicant for the Instrument-Helicopter practical test under 14 CFR 61.65, a flight instructor must verify that the applicant has received and logged at least how many hours of instrument flight time?

• A40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, of which at least 15 hours must be fligh…
• B50 hours of actual instrument time in helicopters, with 30 hours from a CFII.
• C30 hours of instrument time, including 10 hours in fixed-wing aircraft and 20 hours in he…
• D25 hours of simulated instrument instruction in an approved FTD.

A helicopter consumes 360 pounds of fuel per hour. The planned IFR route to the destination requires 1 hour 15 minutes, and the flight to the alternate airport requires 15 minutes. Under 14 CFR 91.167, what is the minimum weight of fuel required at departure?

• A720 pounds
• B600 pounds
• C810 pounds
• D540 pounds

Under 14 CFR 61.195(a), what is the maximum number of hours of flight instruction a certificated flight instructor may conduct in any 24-consecutive-hour period?

• A8 hours
• B10 hours
• C6 hours
• D12 hours

Under the flight instructor rules in effect since December 1, 2024, how long is a flight instructor certificate valid?

• AIt does not expire; the holder must instead meet the § 61.197 recent experience requireme…
• B24 calendar months
• C12 calendar months
• D36 calendar months

Under 14 CFR 91.175, an instrument pilot on a helicopter approach may not descend below the Decision Altitude (DA) or Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) unless the aircraft is continuously in a position to land and:

• AAt least one of the specified visual references for the intended runway or landing area i…
• BThe flight instructor confirms ground contact visually through night vision goggles.
• CATC grants explicit clear-to-land clearance regardless of flight visibility.
• DThe helicopter radar altimeter indicates less than 100 feet AGL.

When operating a helicopter under an ATC clearance of 'VFR-on-Top' under Part 91, the pilot must maintain:

• AVFR weather minimums appropriate to the altitude and airspace class, including cloud clea…
• BIFR minimum vectoring altitudes regardless of cloud proximity.
• CA fixed cruise altitude ending in 000 feet MSL at all headings.
• DDirect radio communication with FSS every 15 minutes.

Under 14 CFR 61.65(e), what is the maximum number of hours of instrument training in an approved Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) that may be credited toward the 40 hours of instrument time required for an Instrument-Helicopter rating?

• A20 hours
• B10 hours
• C30 hours
• D15 hours

Under 14 CFR 91.109(c), when a flight instructor conducts simulated instrument flight instruction in a helicopter using a view-limiting device, the safety pilot occupant seat must be equipped with:

• AFully functioning dual controls, or a pitch/roll control system accessible to the safety…
• BAn dual-channel autopilot override button on the flight control stick.
• CA secondary attitude indicator on the copilot instrument panel.
• DA safety harness connected directly to the main rotor gearbox attachment.

On an IFR Enroute Low Altitude chart, what does a Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude (MOCA) guarantee for a helicopter flying an airway?

• AObstacle clearance along the entire route segment and acceptable navigation signal covera…
• BContinuous two-way VHF voice communication coverage with ATC across the entire segment.
• CRotorcraft autorotation landing site availability every 5 nautical miles.
• DObstacle clearance and navigation signal reception up to 100 nautical miles from the VOR.

Under 14 CFR 91.157, what are the flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements for a helicopter operating under a Special VFR (SVFR) clearance within Class D airspace at day or night?

• AClear of clouds, with no minimum flight visibility required (unless specified by local ai…
• B1 statute mile flight visibility and 1,000 feet below clouds.
• C3 statute miles visibility and 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above clouds.
• DClear of clouds, with a mandatory minimum 2 statute miles flight visibility.

During an IFR flight in IMC, a helicopter experiences total two-way radio failure. Under 14 CFR 91.185, what altitude should the pilot maintain while flying the route designated in the clearance?

• AThe highest of the altitude assigned in the last clearance, the minimum altitude for IFR…
• BThe Minimum Vectoring Altitude (MVA) plus 500 feet.
• CThe lowest published Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude (MOCA) on the route.
• DAlways climb immediately to the Minimum Enroute Altitude (MEA) regardless of assigned alt…

Under Part 91, if a helicopter departs an airport under IFR with weather below published landing minimums for that airport, what requirement applies regarding a takeoff alternate?

• APart 91 does not mandate a takeoff alternate for private operations, but sound safety man…
• B14 CFR Part 91 strictly prohibits any IFR departure when weather is below landing minimum…
• CA takeoff alternate must be located within 15 minutes at normal cruising speed for single…
• DA takeoff alternate is only required if the departure airport has a single runway.

Under 14 CFR 61.195(h), to give flight training to a student for an initial Flight Instructor Certificate with an Instrument-Helicopter rating, the flight instructor must have held a flight instructor certificate for at least:

• A24 calendar months and given at least 200 hours of flight instruction (or 80 hours if und…
• B12 calendar months and logged 100 hours of instrument instruction in helicopters.
• C36 calendar months and completed an FAA master instructor evaluation.
• D6 calendar months and logged 50 hours of night instrument time.

Which of the following events requires an immediate mandatory report to ATC by an IFR helicopter pilot without a specific request from ATC?

• AAny unforecasted hazardous weather condition encountered, or the loss of any navigation o…
• BEvery change in rotor RPM exceeding 2 percent during en-route cruise.
• CCrossing every en-route fix when operating under radar contact.
• DAny change in fuel flow rate exceeding 5 gallons per hour.

A helicopter is flying an IFR flight plan at a cruise groundspeed of 90 knots and burning 38 gallons of fuel per hour. The distance to the destination is 120 nautical miles. The designated alternate is 18 nautical miles from the destination. Under 14 CFR 91.167, what is the minimum fuel required for the flight?

• A77.3 gallons
• B57.0 gallons
• C80.5 gallons
• D63.3 gallons

An Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) conducted for a helicopter pilot must include tasks selected from which authoritative FAA publication?

• AThe current FAA Instrument Rating - Helicopter Airman Certification Standards (ACS).
• BThe Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK).
• CThe Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) Chapter 1.
• DThe Federal Aviation Regulations Part 135 Appendix G.

Under 14 CFR 91.177, what is the minimum IFR altitude over designated mountainous terrain unless otherwise authorized by ATC?

• A2,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 4 nautical miles fr…
• B1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 5 nautical miles.
• C1,500 feet above the terrain within 10 nautical miles.
• D500 feet above the highest obstacle within 2 nautical miles.

A turbine helicopter has a fuel consumption rate of 400 pounds per hour. The planned en-route flight time to the destination is 1 hour 30 minutes, and the flight time to the alternate airport is 18 minutes. Under 14 CFR 91.167, what is the total minimum fuel weight required at takeoff?

• A920 pounds
• B800 pounds
• C1,020 pounds
• D720 pounds

Under 14 CFR 61.189, how long must a flight instructor retain a record of each endorsement given for a knowledge or practical test, or instrument solo endorsement?

• AAt least 3 years.
• BAt least 1 year.
• CAt least 5 years.
• DIndefinitely.

Which of the following flight instruments is required for VFR day flight in a helicopter under 14 CFR 91.205(b) and serves as a fundamental base for instrument flight?

• AAirspeed indicator, altimeter, and magnetic direction indicator (magnetic compass).
• BAttitude indicator and vertical speed indicator.
• CTurn coordinator and slip-skid indicator.
• DDual VOR receivers and distance measuring equipment (DME).

When teaching instrument flight in a helicopter using the primary and supporting instrument method, how are instruments categorized?

• AInstruments are categorized as primary or supporting depending on which instrument provid…
• BPrimary instruments always refer to gyroscopic instruments, while supporting instruments…
• CPrimary instruments are mounted in the center of the panel, while supporting instruments…
• DSupporting instruments are checked only during unusual attitude recoveries.

In the control-and-performance method of instrument flight instruction, what formula describes how the pilot establishes desired aircraft performance?

• AControl Attitude + Control Power = Performance
• BPrimary Pitch + Primary Bank = Airspeed
• CManifold Pressure + Rotor RPM = Altitude
• DHeading + Vertical Speed = Torque

During instrument scan instruction, a student pilot stares continuously at the attitude indicator while failing to notice a gradual altitude loss on the altimeter. What classic scanning error is the student exhibiting?

• AFixation
• BOmission
• CEmphasis
• DInversion

When teaching a student to increase power during an instrument climb in a single-rotor helicopter, what aerodynamic reaction must the student anticipate to maintain heading under instruments?

• AIncreased main rotor torque causing a yaw to the right (in counter-clockwise rotor system…
• BDecreased tail rotor thrust causing an immediate roll to the right.
• CPitch-down pitching moment caused by gyroscopic precession.
• DImmediate left roll due to transverse flow effect.

In straight-and-level unaccelerated instrument flight at a constant altitude, which instrument is the primary pitch instrument under the primary/supporting scan method?

• AAltimeter
• BAttitude Indicator
• CVertical Speed Indicator (VSI)
• DAirspeed Indicator

During a constant-airspeed standard rate turn under instrument conditions, which instrument is primary for bank control?

• ATurn coordinator (or turn-and-slip indicator).
• BAttitude Indicator.
• CHeading Indicator / HSI.
• DMagnetic Compass.

During partial panel instrument flight instruction following a total failure of the vacuum/gyroscopic system, which instruments remain available to control pitch, bank, and power?

• AAltimeter, VSI, Airspeed Indicator (pitch/power), Turn Coordinator and Magnetic Compass (…
• BAttitude Indicator and Heading Indicator only.
• CVertical Speed Indicator and Radar Altimeter only.
• DGPS Moving Map and Autopilot Flight Director.

When teaching magnetic compass turns on partial panel in the Northern Hemisphere, what acceleration error occurs when accelerating a helicopter on an East or West heading (ANDS)?

• AThe compass indicates a turn toward the North when accelerating, and toward the South whe…
• BThe compass indicates a turn toward the South when accelerating, and toward the North whe…
• CThe compass freezes on East or West regardless of acceleration.
• DThe compass swings wildly between East and West due to main rotor vibration.

When instructing a student to roll out of a compass turn onto a North heading in the Northern Hemisphere, why must the roll-out be initiated prior to reaching the North heading (UNOS rule)?

• AMagnetic dip causes the compass card to lead the turn when turning through North, so the…
• BMagnetic dip causes the compass card to lag behind when turning through North.
• CCentrifugal force causes the compass fluid to drag the compass card past North.
• DMain rotor torque forces the airframe to turn faster than indicated.

What is the proper sequence of control inputs for recovering from a nose-high, low-airspeed unusual attitude in a helicopter under IMC?

• AApply forward cyclic to lower the pitch attitude, level the wings with lateral cyclic, an…
• BPull collective up immediately, apply aft cyclic, and push left pedal.
• CApply full aft cyclic, reduce power to idle, and enter autorotation.
• DLevel wings first with rudder pedals, then pull collective to maximum torque.

What is the proper sequence of control inputs for recovering from a nose-low, high-airspeed steep spiral in a helicopter under IMC?

• AReduce collective power, level the wings using lateral cyclic, then smoothly apply aft cy…
• BApply full aft cyclic immediately while maintaining high collective power.
• CPush forward cyclic to unload the main rotor, then apply right rudder pedal.
• DPull collective up to maximum torque while holding full bank.

Why is abrupt forward cyclic movement (low-G push-over) extremely hazardous in semi-rigid rotor helicopters operating in IMC, and what is the proper recovery?

• ALow G reduces main rotor thrust, causing loss of cyclic roll control and risking main rot…
• BLow G causes immediate main rotor overspeed; recovery requires pulling collective to maxi…
• CLow G causes anti-torque pedal lockup; recovery requires full right pedal input.
• DLow G causes immediate engine flameout due to fuel starvation; recovery requires autorota…

If the pitot tube ram air intake and drain hole become completely blocked by ice while the static port remains open, how will the airspeed indicator behave during a climb?

• AThe airspeed indicator will act like an altimeter, falsely showing an increase in airspee…
• BThe airspeed indicator will drop immediately to zero.
• CThe airspeed indicator will freeze at the exact airspeed where blockage occurred.
• DThe airspeed indicator will show a continuous decrease in airspeed as altitude increases.

If the static pressure port becomes completely blocked while the pitot tube remains clear, what indications will occur on the altimeter, VSI, and airspeed indicator during a descent?

• AAltimeter freezes at the blocked altitude, VSI reads zero, and airspeed indicator falsely…
• BAltimeter reads zero, VSI indicates maximum descent, and airspeed drops to zero.
• CAltimeter indicates double the actual descent rate, VSI freezes, and airspeed reads lower…
• DAll pitot-static instruments continue to function normally using internal cabin pressure.

What angle of bank is required to execute a standard rate turn (3 degrees per second) in a helicopter flying at a True Airspeed (TAS) of 80 knots?

• AApproximately 15 degrees
• BApproximately 22 degrees
• CApproximately 10 degrees
• DApproximately 28 degrees

When executing a timed turn on partial panel, how many seconds are required to turn a helicopter through a heading change of 120 degrees at a standard rate of turn?

• A40 seconds
• B60 seconds
• C30 seconds
• D20 seconds

When instructing a student to perform a constant-rate climb under instruments in a helicopter, what primary instruments are monitored for pitch and power?

• APrimary pitch instrument is the Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI), and primary power instrum…
• BPrimary pitch instrument is the Attitude Indicator, and primary power instrument is the A…
• CPrimary pitch instrument is the Airspeed Indicator, and primary power instrument is the T…
• DPrimary pitch instrument is the Heading Indicator, and primary power instrument is the Ro…

During straight-and-level cruise flight at a constant altitude under instruments, what is the primary instrument for power control?

• AAirspeed Indicator
• BTorque Meter / Manifold Pressure Gauge
• CAttitude Indicator
• DEngine Tachometer