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100+ Free FAA FIH Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Helicopter Practice Questions

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Key Facts: FAA FIH Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Helicopter Exam

FIH

Test Code

FAA Airman Testing Matrix

50 Questions

Official Questions

FAA Exam Specification

150 Minutes (2.5 Hours)

Time Allowed

FAA Exam Specification

$175

Test Fee

PSI Services Authorized Testing Center

Prepare for the FAA FIH (Flight Instructor Instrument Helicopter) Knowledge Test with 100 realistic practice questions covering regulations, endorsements, FOI principles, helicopter instrument aerodynamics, spatial disorientation, COPTER approaches, PinS, WAAS GPS, IFR weather minimums, and emergency procedures.

Sample FAA FIH Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Helicopter Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FAA FIH Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Helicopter 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 61.65(e), what is the minimum instrument flight time requirement for a pilot applying for an Instrument Rating - Helicopter?
A.40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including at least 15 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in helicopters.
B.50 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including at least 20 hours in helicopters.
C.30 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, of which 10 hours must be in a helicopter FTD.
D.40 hours of actual instrument time exclusively flown in actual IMC conditions.
Explanation: 14 CFR 61.65(e) mandates that an applicant for an Instrument-Helicopter rating must log at least 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time in the areas of operation listed, of which at least 15 hours must be instrument flight training from an authorized instructor (CFII-H) in a helicopter appropriate to the rating sought.
2To give instrument flight instruction to a student seeking an Instrument-Helicopter rating, what rating must a flight instructor hold under 14 CFR 61.195(c)?
A.A Flight Instructor Certificate with an Instrument-Helicopter rating on both their pilot and flight instructor certificates.
B.A Flight Instructor Certificate with Airplane Single-Engine and Instrument-Airplane ratings.
C.A Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument-Helicopter rating and any flight instructor certificate.
D.An Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with a Helicopter rating without instructor endorsements.
Explanation: Under 14 CFR 61.195(c), a flight instructor who provides instrument flight instruction for the issuance of an instrument rating or a type rating with instrument privileges must hold an instrument rating on their flight instructor certificate that is appropriate to the category and class of aircraft used (Instrument-Helicopter).
3Prior to endorsing a student for the Instrument Rating - Helicopter practical test, what logbook endorsement is required under 14 CFR 61.39(a)(6)?
A.An endorsement certifying that the student received flight training within the preceding 2 calendar months in preparation for the test, is prepared, and has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge.
B.An endorsement certifying that the student completed at least 100 hours of instrument cross-country time.
C.An endorsement from an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner authorizing the student to schedule the test.
D.An endorsement certifying that the student passed an Instrument Proficiency Check within the past 6 months.
Explanation: Under 14 CFR 61.39(a)(6), an applicant for a practical test must have a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the applicant received training within the preceding 2 calendar months in preparation for the practical test, is prepared for the practical test, and has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of subject areas.
4If a pilot's instrument currency in a helicopter has lapsed beyond the 6-month grace period (12 months total without currency), how must instrument currency be re-established under 14 CFR 61.57(d)?
A.By successfully completing an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) in a helicopter or approved flight simulator with a CFII-H, DPE, or FAA Inspector.
B.By logging 6 instrument approaches and a holding pattern with a safety pilot.
C.By completing 3 hours of dual instrument instruction with any certified flight instructor.
D.By passing the FAA FIH written knowledge exam again.
Explanation: Under 14 CFR 61.57(d), if a pilot fails to establish currency during the initial 6 calendar months or the subsequent 6-month grace period, the pilot may re-establish currency only by passing an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) administered by an authorized instructor (CFII-H), examiner, or FAA inspector.
5According to 14 CFR 61.57(c), what tasks must a helicopter pilot perform within the preceding 6 calendar months to maintain IFR PIC currency?
A.6 instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems in a helicopter or approved simulator.
B.6 instrument approaches, 3 hours of night instrument time, and 1 steep turn in actual IMC.
C.10 instrument approaches, 2 holds, and a 250 NM cross-country flight under IFR.
D.4 instrument approaches, 1 precision approach, and 2 hours of hooded flight with an instructor.
Explanation: 14 CFR 61.57(c) requires that within the preceding 6 calendar months, the pilot must have performed and logged in actual or simulated instrument conditions: 6 instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems.
6Under 14 CFR 91.109(c), what are the minimum qualifications for a person acting as a safety pilot during simulated instrument flight in a helicopter?
A.Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft being flown (Rotorcraft-Helicopter).
B.Hold a Commercial Flight Instructor Certificate with Instrument Helicopter rating.
C.Hold an Instrument Rating - Helicopter and a current First Class Medical Certificate.
D.Be an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner or authorized company check airman.
Explanation: 14 CFR 91.109(c) specifies that no person may operate a civil aircraft in simulated instrument flight unless the other control seat is occupied by a safety pilot who holds at least a Private Pilot Certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft being flown.
7Under 14 CFR 61.51(g), when may a pilot log instrument flight time?
A.Only for that time when the pilot operates the aircraft solely by reference to instruments under actual or simulated instrument flight conditions.
B.Whenever flying on an IFR flight plan, regardless of meteorological conditions.
C.Whenever flying at night in Class G airspace under visual flight rules.
D.Only when flying in actual IMC with an authorized flight instructor.
Explanation: 14 CFR 61.51(g) explicitly states that a person may log instrument time only for that flight time when the person operates the aircraft solely by reference to instruments under actual or simulated instrument flight conditions.
8How does the successful completion of an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) affect the requirement for a Flight Review under 14 CFR 61.56?
A.Passing an IPC satisfies the requirement for a flight review if completed within the 24-calendar-month period.
B.An IPC has no effect on flight review requirements and both must be completed separately.
C.Passing an IPC extends the flight review requirement for 36 calendar months.
D.An IPC satisfies the 1-hour ground training requirement but not the flight portion of a flight review.
Explanation: Under 14 CFR 61.56(d), a person who has passed a pilot proficiency check or practical test conducted by an examiner or authorized instructor (which includes an IPC under 61.57(d)) need not accomplish the flight review required by 61.56.
9Under 14 CFR 61.189, how long must a certified flight instructor retain records of endorsements given for knowledge and practical tests?
A.At least 3 years.
B.At least 1 year.
C.At least 5 years.
D.Indefinitely for the duration of the instructor certificate.
Explanation: 14 CFR 61.189(b) requires each certified flight instructor to retain a record of the name of each person endorsed for a knowledge test or practical test, including the test taken, date, and result, for at least 3 years.
10Under 14 CFR § 61.197, which of the following establishes the recent experience needed to exercise flight instructor privileges?
A.Completing an approved Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) within the preceding 3 calendar months.
B.Logging 50 hours of night PIC instrument flight time in helicopters.
C.Passing a written FAA knowledge exam for any pilot certificate.
D.Submitting a letter of recommendation from an FAA Flight Standards District Office.
Explanation: 14 CFR § 61.197(b)(2)(iii) counts an approved flight instructor refresher course completed within the preceding 3 calendar months as recent experience. Since December 1, 2024 the flight instructor certificate carries no expiration date, so the question is whether recent experience exists within the preceding 24 calendar months rather than whether the certificate is still valid.

About the FAA FIH Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Helicopter Exam

The FAA Flight Instructor Instrument Helicopter (FIH) Knowledge Test evaluates candidate flight instructors on advanced instrument flight principles, rotorcraft aerodynamics in IMC, COPTER/PinS approach procedures, WAAS GPS, weather minimums, emergency procedures, and 14 CFR Part 61/91 regulations alongside Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) applied to instrument helicopter training.

Questions

50 scored questions

Time Limit

2.5 hours (150 minutes)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$175 (Federal Aviation Administration (FAA))

FAA FIH Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Helicopter Exam Content Outline

30%

14 CFR Part 61 / 91 Regulations, Instrument Endorsement Privileges, FOI Principles applied to IFR Helicopter Flight

Instrument rating requirements, CFII-H privileges and limitations, logbook endorsements, instrument proficiency checks (IPC), 14 CFR Part 91 IFR operations, and FOI instructional techniques.

25%

Helicopter Instrument Flight Dynamics, Spatial Disorientation, IMC Recovery, Spatial Illusion Hazards

Helicopter instrument aerodynamics, rotor response under instrument conditions, vestibular/somatogyral illusions, spatial disorientation prevention/recovery, and instrument scan technique.

25%

Helicopter IFR Navigation, COPTER Instrument Approaches, Point-in-Space (PinS) Approaches, WAAS GPS

COPTER approaches, steep glidepath angles, Point-in-Space (PinS) proceed VFR / proceed visual procedures, LNAV/VNAV, LPV, WAAS GPS navigation, and holding patterns.

20%

IFR Weather Minimums, Icing Hazards, Microburst Avoidance, IMC Emergency Procedures

Helicopter IFR takeoff/alternate minimums under 14 CFR 91.167/91.169, rotorcraft icing hazards, inadvertent IMC entry recovery, engine failure in IMC, and lost communications.

How to Pass the FAA FIH Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Helicopter Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 50 questions
  • 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 FIH Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Helicopter Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master 14 CFR 61.65 (Instrument rating requirements) and 14 CFR 61.195 (Flight instructor privileges and limitations).
2Practice rate of descent calculations for COPTER approaches with steep glidepaths (e.g. 5° descent angles at 60–90 KIAS).
3Thoroughly review FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook Chapter 7 (Helicopter Instrument Procedures) focusing on PinS approach proceed-VFR vs proceed-visual segments.
4Understand helicopter IFR fuel reserve requirements under 14 CFR 91.167(a)(3) (fly to destination + alternate + 45 minutes).
5Apply FOI concepts to instrument training, such as identifying student fixation, omission, and emphasis errors during instrument scanning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the FAA FIH exam?

The passing score is 70%, which requires correctly answering at least 35 of the 50 official exam questions within the 2.5-hour time limit.

What prerequisites are required to take the FIH exam?

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with a Helicopter rating, and an Instrument-Helicopter rating (or meet equivalent experience requirements under 14 CFR 61.183).

What unique helicopter IFR concepts are tested on the FIH exam?

The FIH exam specifically tests COPTER instrument approach procedures (IAP), Point-in-Space (PinS) approaches, steep glidepath calculations (e.g. 5 degrees vs standard 3 degrees), helicopter holding speed limits (90 KIAS max unless noted), helicopter Part 91 IFR alternate minimums (200 ft / 1 SM), and rotorcraft-specific spatial disorientation and vortex ring state under instrument conditions.

How long is the FIH test score report valid?

An FAA knowledge test report is valid for 24 calendar months from the date the test was taken.

Does the FAA publish topic weightings for the FIH 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.