FAA RPH Knowledge Test — Recreational Pilot Helicopter

Under 14 CFR § 61.101, what is the maximum number of passengers a Recreational Pilot is authorized to carry on a flight?

• A1 passenger
• B2 passengers
• C3 passengers
• D4 passengers

According to 14 CFR § 61.101(e)(1)(iii), a recreational pilot may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft certificated with a powerplant exceeding what rating, and which category is excepted?

• A180 horsepower, except aircraft certificated in the rotorcraft category
• B180 horsepower, with no exceptions
• C200 horsepower, except gliders
• D250 horsepower, except multiengine airplanes

Under 14 CFR § 61.101, what is the maximum occupant seating capacity of an aircraft in which a Recreational Pilot may act as pilot in command?

• A4 seats
• B2 seats
• C5 seats
• D6 seats

Without a specific cross-country flight instructor endorsement, what is the maximum distance radius from the departure airport a Recreational Pilot is permitted to fly?

• A50 nautical miles
• B25 nautical miles
• C75 nautical miles
• D100 nautical miles

To obtain authorization to conduct cross-country flights beyond 50 nautical miles from the departure airport, a Recreational Pilot must:

• AReceive ground and flight training on cross-country procedures and obtain an instructor l…
• BObtain a Private Pilot certificate before flying beyond 50 nautical miles
• CFile an IFR flight plan with Air Traffic Control prior to departure
• DLog at least 100 hours of total flight time as pilot in command

Under 14 CFR § 61.101, a Recreational Pilot is prohibited from acting as pilot in command of an aircraft during which time period?

• ABetween sunset and sunrise
• BBetween official evening civil twilight and morning civil twilight
• CWhen flight visibility is less than 5 statute miles during day
• DWhen ceiling is below 3,000 feet AGL

What is required for a Recreational Pilot to operate an aircraft in Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace, or at an airport with an operating control tower?

• AGround and flight training in controlled airspace procedures and a logbook endorsement fr…
• BA Commercial Pilot certificate and a Class 1 medical certificate
• CAn Instrument Rotorcraft rating and an ATC clearance
• DPrior written permission from the FAA Regional Flight Standards District Office

A Recreational Pilot may NOT act as pilot in command of an aircraft carrying passengers or cargo if:

• AThe flight is conducted for compensation or hire or in furtherance of a business
• BThe passenger pays an equal pro-rata share of operating expenses
• CThe flight is conducted within 50 nautical miles of the departure airport
• DThe aircraft is equipped with a fixed landing gear system

Which operation is specifically prohibited for a Recreational Pilot under 14 CFR § 61.101?

• ATowing any object
• BFlying in Class G airspace during daylight hours
• CCarrying a passenger who pays a pro-rata share of fuel costs
• DOperating a helicopter with a single main rotor system

To maintain currency to carry a passenger, a Recreational Pilot in a helicopter must have accomplished at least 3 takeoffs and landings in a helicopter within the preceding:

• A90 days
• B60 days
• C30 days
• D12 calendar months

What medical certification requirement must a Recreational Pilot satisfy to exercise pilot in command privileges?

• AHold at least a Third-Class Medical Certificate or satisfy BasicMed requirements
• BHold a First-Class Medical Certificate renewed annually
• CHold a Second-Class Medical Certificate valid for 24 months
• DNo medical certification or driver's license is required

Under 14 CFR § 91.157, what are the Special VFR weather minimums for a helicopter operating within Class B, C, D, or E surface areas?

• 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 clear of clouds
• D5 statute miles flight visibility and 500 feet below clouds

Under 14 CFR § 91.151, what is the minimum VFR fuel reserve requirement for a rotorcraft during day operations?

• AEnough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising s…
• BEnough fuel to fly to the destination and fly for 30 minutes thereafter
• CEnough fuel to fly to the destination and fly for 45 minutes thereafter
• DEnough fuel to fly for 1 hour beyond destination

Regarding minimum safe altitudes under 14 CFR § 91.119, how are helicopters regulated compared to fixed-wing aircraft?

• AHelicopters may be operated at less than minimum altitudes if the operation is conducted…
• BHelicopters must always maintain at least 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle in conges…
• CHelicopters are restricted to flying no lower than 500 feet AGL over open water
• DHelicopters must follow identical minimum altitude restrictions as fixed-wing aircraft at…

Under 14 CFR § 91.103, preflight action for a flight not in the vicinity of an airport must include:

• AWeather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives available, and runway/heli…
• BFiling a formal flight plan with the nearest FSS and obtaining an ATC clearance
• CNotifying the airport manager at the destination airport 2 hours prior to takeoff
• DPerforming a complete engine teardown inspection

Under 14 CFR § 91.205(b), which instrument is mandatory for VFR day flight in a rotorcraft?

• AMagnetic direction indicator (compass)
• BGyroscopic attitude indicator (attitude horizon)
• CVHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) receiver
• DVertical speed indicator (VSI)

According to 14 CFR § 91.209, during what period must an aircraft operate lighted position lights?

• AFrom sunset to sunrise
• BFrom 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise
• CFrom evening civil twilight to morning civil twilight
• DWhen visibility falls below 3 statute miles

Under 14 CFR § 91.213(d), an inoperative instrument or item of equipment not required by 91.205 or an Airworthiness Directive may be placarded inoperative and deactivated provided:

• AThe pilot or certificated mechanic determines it does not constitute a hazard to safe fli…
• BThe flight is conducted strictly under Instrument Flight Rules
• CThe FAA Safety Team grants a verbal exemption prior to engine start
• DThe aircraft is flown only within 10 nautical miles of home airport

Under 14 CFR § 91.3, who is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of an aircraft?

• AThe Pilot in Command (PIC)
• BThe Air Traffic Controller on duty
• CThe certificated flight instructor who endorsed the logbook
• DThe FAA Designated Pilot Examiner

Under 14 CFR § 91.113, when two aircraft are approaching head-on, or nearly so, each pilot shall:

• AAlter course to the right
• BAlter course to the left
• CIncrease altitude by at least 500 feet
• DDecrease speed and maintain heading

According to NTSB Part 830, which occurrence requires immediate notification to the nearest NTSB field office?

• AInflight flight control system malfunction or failure
• BA flat tire during landing rollout
• CA minor ground collision with a hangar wall resulting in less than $100 damage
• DPrecautionary shutdown of an engine during hover practice with no damage

Under NTSB Part 830, within how many days must an operator file a formal accident report following an aircraft accident?

• A10 days
• B7 days
• C14 days
• D30 days

Under 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart D, a Recreational Pilot certificate with a Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating permits the holder to operate:

• ASingle-engine helicopters certificated for 4 seats or less with an engine rating of 180 H…
• BMulti-engine turbine helicopters certified for up to 6 seats
• CAny rotorcraft carrying up to 3 passengers for compensation
• DHelicopters operating under Instrument Flight Rules in Class B airspace

Under 14 CFR § 61.31(f), what defines a high-performance aircraft requiring specific ground and flight training and a logbook endorsement?

• AAn aircraft with an engine of more than 200 horsepower
• BAn aircraft capable of cruising speeds exceeding 150 knots
• CAn aircraft equipped with a turbine engine
• DAn aircraft with a maximum gross takeoff weight exceeding 12,500 pounds

Under 14 CFR § 91.155, what is the VFR day minimum visibility and cloud clearance for a helicopter in Class G airspace at 1,200 feet AGL or less?

• A1/2 statute mile visibility (or clear of clouds if operated at a speed allowing adequate…
• B3 statute miles visibility and 1,000 feet above clouds
• C1 statute mile visibility and 500 feet below clouds
• D5 statute miles visibility and clear of clouds

Under 14 CFR § 61.101(e)(9), a Recreational Pilot is prohibited from acting as pilot in command when flight or surface visibility is less than:

• A3 statute miles during day operations
• B1 statute mile during day operations
• C5 statute miles during day operations
• D1/2 statute mile during day operations

Under 14 CFR § 61.101(e)(8), a Recreational Pilot is prohibited from acting as pilot in command at an altitude of more than:

• A10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher
• B5,000 feet MSL or 1,000 feet AGL
• C12,500 feet MSL regardless of terrain clearance
• D18,000 feet MSL (the floor of Class A airspace)

Under 14 CFR § 91.211, supplemental oxygen must be used by the required minimum flight crew during that part of the flight at cabin pressure altitudes above 12,500 feet MSL up to and including 14,000 feet MSL that is of more than:

• A30 minutes duration
• B15 minutes duration
• C45 minutes duration
• D60 minutes duration

In a helicopter, what is the primary aerodynamic function of the collective pitch control?

• ATo change the pitch angle of all main rotor blades simultaneously to vary total rotor thr…
• BTo tilt the main rotor disc laterally and longitudinally for directional movement
• CTo control anti-torque thrust produced by the tail rotor system
• DTo govern engine RPM automatically without pilot intervention

What is the primary function of the cyclic pitch control in a helicopter?

• ATo tilt the rotor disc, thereby directing total rotor thrust in the desired direction of…
• BTo alter the blade pitch angle of all main rotor blades simultaneously
• CTo control tail rotor pitch angle to adjust helicopter heading
• DTo adjust fuel-air mixture delivered to the engine cylinder heads

What primary purpose do anti-torque pedals serve in a single main rotor helicopter?

• ATo vary tail rotor thrust to counteract main rotor torque and control heading (yaw)
• BTo increase main rotor RPM during rapid climb maneuvers
• CTo control the tilt of the main rotor tip-path plane during turns
• DTo feather the main rotor blades during autorotation descent

What is gyroscopic precession as applied to a helicopter main rotor system?

• AA force applied to a rotating body manifests 90 degrees later in the direction of rotation
• BThe increase in rotor efficiency resulting from forward airspeed
• CThe tendency of the rotor disc to tilt upward at the tail during hover
• DThe loss of rotor RPM when engine power is suddenly reduced

What causes dissymmetry of lift in forward helicopter flight?

• AHigher relative wind speed on the advancing blade compared to lower relative wind speed o…
• BRotor blade weight imbalance between opposite sides of the hub
• CIncreased ground effect on the left side of the rotor disc
• DTail rotor thrust creating unequal lateral lift distribution

How does blade flapping automatically equalize dissymmetry of lift in forward flight?

• AThe advancing blade flaps up, decreasing its angle of attack, while the retreating blade…
• BThe advancing blade flaps down to increase lift while the retreating blade flaps up
• CBoth main rotor blades flap upward simultaneously to maintain constant lift
• DBlade pitch is modified strictly by mechanical linkages without aerodynamic blade movement

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

• A16 to 24 knots
• B5 to 10 knots
• C35 to 45 knots
• D60 to 70 knots

As a helicopter accelerates through Effective Translational Lift (ETL), what flight characteristic and control corrections should the pilot expect?

• AThe nose pitches up and the aircraft rolls right, requiring forward cyclic and left pedal…
• BThe nose pitches down and rolls left, requiring aft cyclic and right pedal correction
• CRotor RPM decreases rapidly, requiring immediate collective lowering
• DTail rotor authority drops completely, causing an uncontrolled left yaw

What aerodynamic phenomenon causes a right rolling tendency and vibration in a helicopter operating between 10 and 20 knots airspeed?

• ATransverse flow effect
• BVortex ring state
• CRetreating blade stall
• DDynamic rollover

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

• AThe ground surface restricts airflow downwash and reduces blade tip vortices, decreasing…
• BGround effect increases engine compression and thermal efficiency
• CTail rotor thrust requirement drops to zero near the ground
• DRotor blade weight is supported by air density cushions trapped under the fuselage

Compared to Out of Ground Effect (OGE) hover, hovering In Ground Effect (IGE) at the same gross weight results in:

• ALower manifold pressure and power required
• BHigher pitch angle and higher manifold pressure required
• CIncreased rate of descent
• DIncreased rotor tip vortex strength

Maximum In Ground Effect (IGE) hover efficiency is typically realized at hover altitudes up to approximately:

• AOne main rotor diameter above the surface
• BThree main rotor diameters above the surface
• C50 feet AGL regardless of rotor size
• DHalf the tail rotor height above the surface

Which three simultaneous conditions are required for a helicopter to enter Vortex Ring State (Settling with Power)?

• ADescent rate greater than 300 fpm, airspeed slower than ETL, and power applied (20-100%)
• BAirspeed above 60 knots, autorotation entry, and zero main rotor RPM
• CHover in ground effect, zero wind, and engine failure
• DSteep turn banking beyond 60 degrees, high airspeed, and low gross weight

What is the recommended flight recovery technique when a pilot encounters Vortex Ring State (Settling with Power)?

• AApply forward cyclic or lateral cyclic (or Vuichard technique) while lowering collective…
• BPull full collective upward while pulling back on the cyclic control stick
• CApply full left pedal and maintain high collective pitch until descent stops
• DCut engine throttle immediately and perform an emergency autorotation landing

What defines the aerodynamic state of an autorotation in a helicopter?

• AThe engine is disengaged from the main rotor system, and upward airflow through the rotor…
• BEngine power is increased to maximum allowable manifold pressure during a steep approach
• CThe tail rotor drives the main rotor system backward to cushion landing touchdown
• DThe rotor blades lock in place to glide like a fixed-wing glider

During a steady-state autorotational descent, what three aerodynamic regions exist along each main rotor blade from root to tip?

• AStall region (root), driving region (middle), driven region (tip)
• BDriving region (root), stall region (middle), driven region (tip)
• CDriven region (root), driving region (middle), stall region (tip)
• DConing region (root), flapping region (middle), feathering region (tip)

If the engine fails during cruise flight in a helicopter, what immediate control action must the pilot take?

• ALower the collective pitch control fully to preserve main rotor RPM
• BRaise the collective pitch control to maintain flight altitude
• CPull the cyclic stick fully back to initiate a rapid steep climb
• DApply full left pedal to increase tail rotor thrust

What is the primary purpose of executing a flare at the bottom of an autorotational descent prior to touchdown?

• ATo reduce forward groundspeed and rate of descent while temporarily increasing rotor RPM
• BTo restart the engine using windmilling airflow
• CTo increase tail rotor authority for steep turn maneuvers
• DTo lock the swashplate in neutral position for ground landing

What aerodynamic condition causes retreating blade stall in high-speed helicopter flight?

• AThe retreating blade requires a high angle of attack to equalize lift due to low relative…
• BThe advancing blade exceeds the speed of sound at blade tip
• CTail rotor downwash forces the retreating blade downward into stalled air
• DExcessive rotor RPM causes flow separation across the entire rotor disc

Which combination of operating conditions most strongly promotes the onset of retreating blade stall?

• AHigh gross weight, high density altitude, high forward speed, low rotor RPM, and turbulen…
• BLow gross weight, sea level density altitude, low airspeed, and high rotor RPM
• CHovering in ground effect at cold temperatures with light gross weight
• DDescending autorotation at 40 knots with engine idling