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100+ Free FAA ARH Knowledge Test — Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter (135) Added Rating Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: FAA ARH Knowledge Test — Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter (135) Added Rating Exam

ARH

Test Code

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

50 Questions

Official Question Count

FAA ARH Exam Specification

2.5 Hours (150 mins)

Time Allowed

FAA PSI Testing Matrix

70%

Passing Score

FAA Airman Testing Standards

Prepare for the FAA ARH ATP Helicopter (135) Added Rating Knowledge Test with 100 practice questions covering Part 135 rules, turbine rotorcraft systems, COPTER instrument procedures, NVG operations, and aviation weather.

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

Try these sample questions to test your FAA ARH Knowledge Test — Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter (135) Added Rating exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under 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?
A.6 hours
B.8 hours
C.10 hours
D.12 hours
Explanation: According to 14 CFR Part 135.267(b), for single-pilot unscheduled helicopter operations, no certificate holder may schedule and no pilot may accept an assignment for flight time exceeding 8 hours in any 24 consecutive hours. This limitation ensures pilot fatigue is managed within acceptable safety thresholds during single-pilot operations.
2What 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?
A.8 consecutive hours
B.9 consecutive hours
C.10 consecutive hours
D.12 consecutive hours
Explanation: Per 14 CFR Part 135.267(d), each single-pilot unscheduled commercial operation must provide at least 10 consecutive hours of rest during the 24-hour period preceding the planned completion of the flight assignment. Rest must be continuous and free from all operational duty.
3What 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?
A.1/2 statute mile visibility, clear of clouds
B.1 statute mile visibility, 500 feet below clouds
C.3 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet above clouds
D.2 statute miles visibility, clear of clouds
Explanation: Under 14 CFR Part 135.205(a), no person may operate a helicopter under VFR in Class G airspace at an altitude of 1,200 feet or less AGL unless the flight visibility is at least 1/2 statute mile during the day and the helicopter is operated clear of clouds, provided the helicopter is operated at a speed that allows adequate opportunity to see and avoid other traffic and obstacles.
4What 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?
A.20 minutes at normal cruising speed
B.30 minutes at normal cruising speed
C.45 minutes at normal cruising speed
D.60 minutes at normal cruising speed
Explanation: Under 14 CFR Part 135.223(a), no person may operate a rotorcraft in IFR conditions unless it carries enough fuel to complete the flight to the first port of intended landing, fly from that airport to the alternate airport (if required), and fly thereafter for 30 minutes at normal cruising speed.
5Unless authorized by OpSpecs or published airport procedure, what is the standard Part 135 IFR takeoff visibility minimum for a multi-engine helicopter?
A.1/4 statute mile or RVR 1200
B.1/2 statute mile or RVR 2400
C.1 statute mile or RVR 5000
D.2 statute miles
Explanation: Under 14 CFR Part 135.225(f), unless otherwise authorized in the certificate holder's Operations Specifications (OpSpecs), standard takeoff minimums for rotorcraft with two engines or fewer operating under IFR are 1/2 statute mile visibility or RVR 2,400 feet.
6Under 14 CFR Part 135.211, a helicopter operated VFR over-the-top must maintain an altitude where the cloud ceiling is at least:
A.500 feet above the lowest altitude to be flown
B.1,000 feet above the lowest altitude to be flown
C.1,500 feet above the cloud layer
D.2,000 feet above ground level
Explanation: 14 CFR Part 135.211 specifies that VFR over-the-top operations for helicopters require carrying sufficient fuel and operating at an altitude where the reported ceiling is at least 1,000 feet above the lowest altitude to be flown, allowing visual descent under cloud layers if needed.
7Which helicopter operations under Part 135 mandate the installation and operation of an approved Digital Flight Data Recorder (FDR)?
A.All single-engine turbine helicopters carrying passengers
B.Multi-engine rotorcraft equipped with 10 or more passenger seats
C.Any helicopter operating IFR in controlled airspace
D.Only rotorcraft equipped for Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations
Explanation: Under 14 CFR Part 135.152, multi-engine rotorcraft having a passenger seating configuration of 10 to 19 seats must be equipped with an approved flight data recorder. Single-engine helicopters and smaller multi-engine rotorcraft are exempt unless specifically mandated by operating specs.
8When 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?
A.Fly the helicopter without restrictions if the item is not mentioned in the MEL
B.Confirm the item is deferred in accordance with approved MEL procedures and placards/logs are completed
C.Obtain verbal authorization from the FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI)
D.Cancel the flight immediately as unlisted items cannot be deferred under MEL
Explanation: Under Part 135.179, an approved MEL allows operation with inoperative equipment provided the specific item is listed in the MEL with allowable deferral conditions, proper deferral procedures (O & M procedures) are followed, and required logbook entries/placards are posted.
9What certificate and rating must a Pilot in Command (PIC) hold to conduct scheduled commuter helicopter operations under 14 CFR Part 135?
A.Commercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter and Instrument ratings
B.Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating
C.Commercial Pilot Certificate with Flight Instructor Instrument rating
D.Private Pilot Certificate with 1,500 total rotorcraft flight hours
Explanation: 14 CFR § 135.243(a)(2) is the helicopter-specific ATP trigger: no person may serve as pilot in command of a helicopter in a scheduled interstate air transportation operation by an air carrier within the 48 contiguous states unless that person holds an airline transport pilot certificate, appropriate type ratings, and an instrument rating. Outside that scheduled-carrier context, § 135.243(b) and (c) set commercial-level minimums for VFR and IFR helicopter work.
10How frequently must a Part 135 helicopter IFR PIC complete a pilot proficiency check (135.297) and a competency check (135.293)?
A.Competency check every 12 months; IFR proficiency check every 6 months
B.Competency check every 6 months; IFR proficiency check every 12 months
C.Both checks every 12 calendar months
D.Both checks every 24 calendar months
Explanation: Under 14 CFR Part 135.293, a pilot competency check must be passed within the preceding 12 calendar months. Under 14 CFR Part 135.297, an IFR pilot proficiency check must be passed within the preceding 6 calendar months for a pilot serving as PIC under IFR.

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

The FAA ARH Knowledge Test evaluates commercial helicopter pilots seeking an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with a Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating under 14 CFR Part 135. Candidates are tested on Part 135 flight time and weather requirements, turbine engine systems, advanced rotor dynamics, COPTER IFR procedures, NVG operations, and adverse weather mitigation.

Assessment

50 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers

Time Limit

2.5 hours (150 minutes)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$175 (Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) / PSI Services)

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

30%

14 CFR Part 135 Helicopter Operations

Flight time and duty period limitations, VFR/IFR weather minimums, alternate airport criteria, over-the-top/over-water rules, and required equipment.

25%

Helicopter Systems & Performance

Turbine engines, rotor aerodynamics, vortex ring state, autorotation dynamics, HIGE/HOGE performance, and weight & balance calculations.

25%

Instrument Procedures & Navigation

COPTER RNAV/ILS approaches, departure procedures, spatial disorientation, night vision goggle (NVG) Part 135 operational requirements.

20%

Aviation Weather, Icing, Microbursts & Mountain Operations

Rotorcraft icing hazards, microburst encounter procedures, mountain wave activity, low-level wind shear, and density altitude calculations.

How to Pass the FAA ARH Knowledge Test — Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter (135) Added Rating Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 50 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers
  • Time limit: 2.5 hours (150 minutes)
  • Exam fee: $175

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

FAA ARH Knowledge Test — Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter (135) Added Rating Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize 14 CFR Part 135 flight time and duty period limitations for single-pilot vs. two-pilot helicopter operations.
2Practice COPTER approach descent rate and CG position calculations using standard flight computer formulas.
3Understand rotorcraft aerodynamic phenomena such as vortex ring state, loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE), and retreating blade stall in depth.
4Review Night Vision Goggle (NVG) currency and equipment requirements specified in 14 CFR Part 135.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAA ARH Knowledge Test?

The ARH test code corresponds to the FAA Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter (135) Added Rating Knowledge Test. It is designed for pilots who already hold an ATP rating or Commercial Pilot Certificate and are adding an ATP Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating under 14 CFR Part 135.

How many questions are on the official FAA ARH exam and what is the passing score?

The official FAA ARH exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. The passing score is 70%, and candidates are allowed 2.5 hours (150 minutes) to complete the exam.

What topics carry the highest weight on the ARH exam?

14 CFR Part 135 Helicopter Operations accounts for approximately 30% of the exam, followed by Helicopter Systems & Performance (25%), Instrument Procedures & Navigation (25%), and Aviation Weather & Operations (20%).

How long is the FAA ARH Knowledge Test result valid?

The official FAA Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) is valid for 24 calendar months from the date the test was taken.

Does the FAA publish topic weightings for the ARH knowledge test?

No. The FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix publishes the test code, question count, minimum age, allotted time and passing score, but no percentage breakdown by subject. The content outline and percentages shown on this page describe how this free practice bank distributes its questions across the knowledge areas drawn from the applicable FAA testing supplement, Airman Certification Standards or Practical Test Standards, and the FAA handbooks for this test.