FAA PCH Knowledge Test — Private Pilot Helicopter Canadian Conversion

Under 14 CFR Part 61, what medical certificate is required for a pilot exercising the privileges of a Private Pilot Certificate with a helicopter rating, and what is its validity period for a pilot under 40 years of age?

• AThird-Class Medical Certificate, valid for 60 calendar months
• BThird-Class Medical Certificate, valid for 24 calendar months
• CSecond-Class Medical Certificate, valid for 12 calendar months
• DFirst-Class Medical Certificate, valid for 12 calendar months

According to 14 CFR § 91.151(b), what is the minimum VFR fuel reserve required for a helicopter flight during daytime conditions?

• A20 minutes at normal cruising speed
• B30 minutes at normal cruising speed
• C45 minutes at normal cruising speed
• D15 minutes at normal cruising speed

Under 14 CFR § 91.17, what is the maximum allowable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and the minimum elapsed time required between consuming alcohol and acting as a flight crewmember?

• ALess than 0.04 percent BAC and at least 8 hours after consuming alcohol
• B0.08 percent BAC and at least 12 hours after consuming alcohol
• CLess than 0.02 percent BAC and at least 24 hours after consuming alcohol
• D0.04 percent BAC and at least 12 hours after consuming alcohol

In the United States National Airspace System, what are the vertical boundaries of Class A airspace?

• A18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL 600 (60,000 feet MSL)
• B14,500 feet MSL up to 18,000 feet MSL
• C10,000 feet MSL up to FL 450
• D12,000 feet AGL up to FL 600

Under 14 CFR § 91.157, what flight visibility and cloud clearance are required for a helicopter operating under a Special VFR (SVFR) clearance in controlled airspace?

• AClear of clouds, with no minimum flight visibility required unless specified
• B1 statute mile flight visibility and 500 feet below clouds
• C3 statute miles flight visibility and clear of clouds
• D1/2 statute mile flight visibility and 1,000 feet ceiling

What is the typical airspeed range at which Effective Translational Lift (ETL) occurs in most helicopters?

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

How does operating In Ground Effect (IGE) increase rotor system efficiency during a hover?

• ABy reducing induced flow velocity and decreasing rotor tip vortices
• BBy increasing induced flow velocity and compressing air beneath the fuselage
• CBy eliminating main rotor torque reaction
• DBy increasing tail rotor authority due to ground reaction forces

Under 14 CFR § 91.103, what preflight action is required for a pilot prior to conducting a VFR flight not in the vicinity of an airport?

• ABecoming familiar with all available information concerning that flight, including weathe…
• BFiling an official FAA VFR flight plan with Air Traffic Control
• CObtaining a formal weather briefing directly from an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
• DCompleting a written weight and balance calculation signed by a certified mechanic

What aerodynamic condition causes Dissymmetry of Lift in a single-rotor helicopter during forward flight?

• AThe relative wind speed across the advancing blade is higher than across the retreating b…
• BThe engine produces unequal torque to the main rotor blades
• CThe tail rotor downwash disrupts airflow beneath the main rotor disc
• DRotor blade weight causes unequal centrifugal force across the rotor disc

What three conditions are necessary for dynamic rollover to occur in a helicopter?

• AA pivot point, a rolling moment, and exceeding the critical rollover angle
• BHigh gross weight, low rotor RPM, and tailwind landing
• CVortex ring state, full collective application, and left crosswind
• DLow-G condition, rapid forward cyclic input, and rotor disc tilt

Under 14 CFR § 91.215 and § 91.225, what equipment is required for a VFR helicopter operating within the 30-nautical-mile Mode C Veil surrounding a Class B airport from the surface up to 10,000 feet MSL?

• AAn operable Mode C or Mode S transponder and ADS-B Out equipment
• BAn operable radar altimeter and VOR receiver
• CAn emergency locator transmitter (ELT) and dual VHF radios
• DAn autopilot and instrument landing system (ILS) receiver

What is the definition of Pressure Altitude?

• AThe altitude indicated when the altimeter barometric scale is set to 29.92 inHg (1013.2 h…
• BThe height of the aircraft above the ground level (AGL)
• CThe altitude corrected for non-standard temperature variations
• DThe actual altitude of the aircraft above mean sea level (MSL)

Under 14 CFR § 61.113, may a Private Pilot act as pilot in command of a helicopter carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire?

• ANo, except as specifically provided in § 61.113 such as sharing pro-rata operating expens…
• BYes, provided the pilot holds at least a Second-Class medical certificate
• CYes, if the compensation is limited to local flights within 25 nautical miles
• DYes, provided the passengers are family members or business associates

In a METAR surface weather report, what does the wind group entry `24015KT` signify?

• AWind from 240 degrees true at 15 knots
• BWind from 240 degrees magnetic at 15 knots
• CWind toward 240 degrees true at 15 knots
• DWind from 240 degrees true with gusts to 15 knots

Which primary flight control is adjusted by the pilot to maintain rotor RPM within normal operating limits during an autorotative descent?

• ACollective pitch control
• BCyclic pitch control
• CAnti-torque pedals
• DThrottle twist-grip only

What is the day VFR flight visibility and cloud clearance requirement for a helicopter operating in Class G airspace at 800 feet AGL under 14 CFR § 91.155?

• AClear of clouds, with a speed allowing seeing and avoiding other air traffic
• B3 statute miles visibility, 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above clouds
• C1 statute mile visibility, 1,000 feet above clouds
• D5 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet below clouds

Under 14 CFR § 61.56, what are the minimum requirements to complete a Flight Review to maintain pilot currency?

• A1 hour of ground instruction and 1 hour of flight instruction within the preceding 24 cal…
• B2 hours of flight instruction and a written exam every 12 calendar months
• C3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop within the preceding 90 days
• D1 hour of flight instruction and 3 night landings every 12 calendar months

What effect do high outside air temperature and high relative humidity have on density altitude and helicopter hover performance?

• AThey increase density altitude, which decreases air density and reduces helicopter hover…
• BThey decrease density altitude, which increases air density and improves hover performance
• CThey increase density altitude, which increases engine horsepower and rotor efficiency
• DThey have no effect on density altitude or hover performance

At what airspeed range does Transverse Flow Effect typically occur during helicopter acceleration into forward flight?

• A10 to 20 knots
• B30 to 40 knots
• C50 to 60 knots
• D0 to 5 knots

Under 14 CFR § 91.113(c), which aircraft has the right-of-way over all other air traffic?

• AAn aircraft in distress
• BA balloon or glider
• CAn air ambulance helicopter under ATC clearance
• DAn aircraft on final approach to land

What is the primary danger associated with an abrupt low-G condition in a helicopter equipped with a teetering two-bladed main rotor system?

• AMast bumping, which can lead to structural failure or separation of the main rotor head
• BVortex ring state, causing a rapid uncontrolled rate of descent
• CRetreating blade stall, causing an immediate pitching up of the nose
• DGround resonance, resulting in severe lateral oscillations

On a VFR Sectional Aeronautical Chart, how is Class E surface area airspace depicted?

• AA dashed magenta line
• BA solid blue line
• CA dashed blue line
• DA shaded magenta line with a fuzzy outer edge

What is the basic formula used to calculate the Center of Gravity (CG) location of a helicopter?

• ACenter of Gravity (CG) = Total Moment / Total Weight
• BCenter of Gravity (CG) = Total Weight / Total Moment
• CCenter of Gravity (CG) = Total Arm / Total Weight
• DCenter of Gravity (CG) = Total Moment × Total Weight

According to Newton's Third Law of Motion, what causes main rotor torque reaction, and how is it counteracted in a single main rotor helicopter?

• AEngine turning the main rotor creates an opposite turning force on the fuselage, countera…
• BRotor blade flapping produces lateral lift, counteracted by horizontal stabilizer downwar…
• CAir displacement beneath the rotor disc produces yaw, counteracted by cyclic trim controls
• DGround effect creates a rotational vortex, counteracted by anti-torque fin aerodynamic dr…

What are the standard sea-level temperature and pressure values used in International Standard Atmosphere (ISA)?

• A15°C (59°F) and 29.92 inHg (1013.2 hPa)
• B0°C (32°F) and 30.00 inHg (1016.0 hPa)
• C20°C (68°F) and 29.92 inHg (1013.2 hPa)
• D15°C (59°F) and 29.95 inHg (1014.2 hPa)

What is the typical vertical ceiling boundary of Class D airspace above airport elevation?

• A2,500 feet AGL
• B4,000 feet AGL
• C1,200 feet AGL
• D3,000 feet AGL

Under 14 CFR § 91.203, what documents must be on board an aircraft during flight?

• AAirworthiness Certificate, Registration Certificate, Approved Flight Manual/Operating Lim…
• BPilot Logbook, Medical Certificate, Radio Station License, and Maintenance Logs
• CPrivate Pilot Certificate, Chart Supplement, Sectional Chart, and Preflight Checklist
• DAirworthiness Certificate, Pilot Medical Certificate, Bill of Sale, and Engine Maintenanc…

What aerodynamic factor causes retreating blade stall in forward flight at high airspeed?

• AExceeding the critical angle of attack on the retreating blade due to low relative wind v…
• BExcessive rotor RPM causing shockwaves on the advancing blade tip
• CVortex formation reducing collective pitch response on the main rotor
• DTail rotor thrust imbalance stalling the main rotor control linkages

Why is rotor wash (main rotor downwash) from a hovering heavy helicopter a hazard to light aircraft on the ground or in low-altitude hover?

• AIt produces high-velocity turbulent downwash and vortices that can exceed control authori…
• BIt creates an extreme low-pressure zone that causes immediate engine flameout in nearby a…
• CIt generates static electricity that damages avionics equipment
• DIt disrupts VHF radio signals within 500 feet of the helicopter

What is the meteorological definition of Dew Point?

• AThe temperature to which air must be cooled at constant pressure to become fully saturated
• BThe temperature at which moisture freezes into ice crystals on airframe surfaces
• CThe difference between ambient air temperature and sea level standard temperature
• DThe maximum temperature at which fog can form during daylight hours

Given: Pressure Altitude = 4,000 feet MSL, Outside Air Temperature (OAT) = +30°C. Standard ISA temperature at 4,000 feet is +7°C. Using the standard rule of thumb [DA = PA + 120 × (OAT - ISA)], what is the approximate Density Altitude?

• A6,760 feet MSL
• B4,000 feet MSL
• C5,200 feet MSL
• D7,480 feet MSL

Under 14 CFR § 61.57(a), what recent flight experience is required for a Private Pilot to act as pilot in command of a helicopter carrying passengers?

• ALogged 3 takeoffs and 3 landings in a rotorcraft/helicopter within the preceding 90 days
• BLogged 5 takeoffs and 5 landings to a full stop within the preceding 60 days
• CCompleted a flight review and 10 hours of solo flight time within the preceding 12 calend…
• DLogged 3 night takeoffs and landings to a full stop within the preceding 180 days

What are the basic VFR weather minimums (flight visibility and distance from clouds) for operating a helicopter in Class C airspace under 14 CFR § 91.155?

• A3 statute miles flight visibility; 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizonta…
• B3 statute miles flight visibility; clear of clouds
• C1 statute mile flight visibility; 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal…
• D5 statute miles flight visibility; 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 statute mile hor…

Which combination of flight conditions creates the greatest risk of entering Vortex Ring State (Settling with Power)?

• ADescent rate exceeding 300 fpm, airspeed below Effective Translational Lift (ETL), and 20…
• BHigh forward airspeed, steep bank angle, and low rotor RPM
• CAutorotative descent at 60 knots airspeed with throttle at idle
• DHovering in ground effect into a 25-knot headwind

Given: A helicopter has a baggage compartment located at station +110.0 inches. A 50 lb cargo item is moved from the forward cabin area at station +50.0 inches to the baggage compartment. What is the change in total aircraft moment?

• A+3,000 lb-in aft moment shift
• B+5,500 lb-in aft moment shift
• C+2,500 lb-in aft moment shift
• D-3,000 lb-in forward moment shift

Under 14 CFR § 91.407, what requirement must be met before an aircraft that has undergone maintenance or alteration may be operated with passengers?

• AIt must be approved for return to service by an authorized person and an appropriate main…
• BIt must undergo a 100-hour inspection by an FAA Designated Airworthiness Representative
• CThe pilot must complete a 30-minute test flight with a certified mechanic on board
• DA new Airworthiness Certificate must be issued by the local FSDO

Unlike airplane pilots, what special exception applies to helicopter pilots conducting Special VFR (SVFR) operations at night under 14 CFR § 91.157?

• AHelicopter pilots do not need an instrument rating or an IFR-equipped aircraft to conduct…
• BHelicopter pilots may operate night SVFR without establishing two-way radio communication…
• CHelicopter pilots may fly night SVFR inside Class A airspace
• DHelicopter pilots are exempt from remaining clear of clouds during night SVFR

How does a helicopter rotor system automatically equalize lift between advancing and retreating blades in forward flight?

• AThrough blade flapping: the advancing blade flaps up decreasing its angle of attack, and…
• BThrough engine governor adjustment of main rotor shaft torque
• CThrough centrifugal force expanding the diameter of the advancing rotor disc
• DThrough automatic horizontal stabilizer elevator trim deflection

Given: Runway 18 is selected for landing. Surface wind is reported as 210 degrees at 20 knots. What is the crosswind component acting on the helicopter?

• A10 knots crosswind
• B17 knots crosswind
• C20 knots crosswind
• D14 knots crosswind

Under 14 CFR § 91.119(d), what is the minimum altitude requirement for helicopters operating over congested or non-congested areas?

• AHelicopters may operate at less than standard minimum altitudes if the operation is condu…
• BHelicopters must always maintain at least 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 2,…
• CHelicopters are restricted to a minimum altitude of 500 feet AGL over open water and spar…
• DHelicopters must maintain at least 2,000 feet AGL over designated national parks and wild…

In a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF), what does the code `P6SM` mean in the visibility section?

• AForecast visibility is greater than 6 statute miles
• BForecast visibility is exactly 6 statute miles with precipitation
• CForecast visibility is 6 statute miles plus or minus 1 mile
• DForecast visibility is prevailing 6 statute miles under Special VFR

What is the primary emergency recovery procedure for a pilot who encounters Vortex Ring State (Settling with Power) at a safe altitude?

• AApply forward cyclic (or lateral cyclic) to transition into clean airflow and decrease co…
• BPull full collective pitch up to stop the sink rate and maintain tail rotor pedal input
• CShut down engine governor and enter immediate autorotation
• DFull aft cyclic to pitch nose up and increase main rotor disc tilt

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

• AOGE hover produces higher induced flow velocity and larger blade tip vortices, increasing…
• BOGE hover experiences higher skin friction drag due to increased forward velocity
• COGE hover requires higher engine RPM to maintain main rotor stability
• DOGE hover increases fuselage parasitic drag against the tail rotor downwash

Given: Total usable fuel = 40 gallons. Cruise fuel consumption rate = 12 gallons/hour. Day VFR flight. Under 14 CFR § 91.151(b), what is the maximum en route flight time permitted, excluding mandatory reserve fuel?

• A3 hours 00 minutes
• B2 hours 30 minutes
• C3 hours 20 minutes
• D2 hours 15 minutes

Under 14 CFR § 91.207, what ELT carriage requirement applies to a helicopter?

• ANone. Section 91.207(a) is written for airplanes, so a helicopter is not required by that…
• BRotorcraft must carry an ELT only when flying over water beyond 50 NM from shore
• CRotorcraft must equip an ELT only if operated at night carrying passengers
• DRotorcraft must carry an ELT if operating above 10,000 feet MSL

Under 14 CFR § 91.131, what ATC communication requirement must be satisfied before a VFR helicopter enters Class B airspace?

• AThe pilot must receive an explicit clearance stating 'cleared to enter Class B airspace'…
• BThe pilot must establish two-way radio contact and hear ATC state the aircraft callsign
• CThe pilot must file an IFR flight plan 1 hour prior to entry
• DThe pilot must request entry and wait 3 minutes before crossing the boundary

If a helicopter begins an involuntary roll during a slope landing, what is the immediate correct flight control response to prevent dynamic rollover?

• ASmoothly lower the collective pitch control to return the helicopter firmly to the ground
• BAbruptly pull full collective upward to fly away from the slope
• CApply full opposite pedal input to trim anti-torque thrust
• DApply aggressive cyclic into the direction of the roll to level the rotor disc

On a Sectional Aeronautical Chart, what does the Maximum Elevation Figure (MEF) inside a quadrangle represent?

• AThe elevation of the highest known feature (natural or man-made) within that quadrangle,…
• BThe recommended minimum cruising altitude for VFR night operations in that sector
• CThe highest elevation of natural terrain only, excluding tall man-made radio towers
• DThe ceiling of controlled airspace within that geographical box