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100+ Free FAA RPH Knowledge Test — Recreational Pilot Helicopter Practice Questions

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Key Facts: FAA RPH Knowledge Test — Recreational Pilot Helicopter Exam

RPH

Test Code

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

50 Questions

Official Question Count

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

2 Hours (120 Min)

Time Limit

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

70%

Passing Score

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

Prepare for the FAA RPH Recreational Pilot Helicopter Knowledge Test with 100 practice questions covering 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart D regulations, helicopter aerodynamics, hover performance, airspace, VFR weather minimums, weight & balance, and emergency procedures.

Sample FAA RPH Knowledge Test — Recreational Pilot Helicopter Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FAA RPH Knowledge Test — Recreational Pilot 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 § 61.101, what is the maximum number of passengers a Recreational Pilot is authorized to carry on a flight?
A.1 passenger
B.2 passengers
C.3 passengers
D.4 passengers
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.101(a)(1), a recreational pilot may not carry more than one passenger on any flight.
2According 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?
A.180 horsepower, except aircraft certificated in the rotorcraft category
B.180 horsepower, with no exceptions
C.200 horsepower, except gliders
D.250 horsepower, except multiengine airplanes
Explanation: Section 61.101(e)(1)(iii) bars a recreational pilot from an aircraft certificated with a powerplant of more than 180 horsepower, 'except aircraft certificated in the rotorcraft category.' A recreational pilot with helicopter privileges is therefore not held to the 180-horsepower ceiling, although the other § 61.101(e)(1) limits on occupants, number of powerplants, and retractable gear still apply.
3Under 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?
A.4 seats
B.2 seats
C.5 seats
D.6 seats
Explanation: Section 61.101(e)(1)(i) bars a recreational pilot from an aircraft certificated for more than four occupants. The same paragraph also rules out more than one powerplant, more than 180 horsepower except rotorcraft, and retractable landing gear.
4Without a specific cross-country flight instructor endorsement, what is the maximum distance radius from the departure airport a Recreational Pilot is permitted to fly?
A.50 nautical miles
B.25 nautical miles
C.75 nautical miles
D.100 nautical miles
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.101(c)(1), a recreational pilot may not act as pilot in command on a flight beyond 50 nautical miles from the departure airport without receiving specified cross-country training and a logbook endorsement.
5To obtain authorization to conduct cross-country flights beyond 50 nautical miles from the departure airport, a Recreational Pilot must:
A.Receive ground and flight training on cross-country procedures and obtain an instructor logbook endorsement for the specific route and airport
B.Obtain a Private Pilot certificate before flying beyond 50 nautical miles
C.File an IFR flight plan with Air Traffic Control prior to departure
D.Log at least 100 hours of total flight time as pilot in command
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.101(c), a recreational pilot may fly beyond 50 NM after receiving required cross-country ground and flight training and obtaining a logbook endorsement from an authorized flight instructor for the route and airports to be used.
6Under 14 CFR § 61.101, a Recreational Pilot is prohibited from acting as pilot in command of an aircraft during which time period?
A.Between sunset and sunrise
B.Between official evening civil twilight and morning civil twilight
C.When flight visibility is less than 5 statute miles during day
D.When ceiling is below 3,000 feet AGL
Explanation: Section 61.101(e)(6) bars a recreational pilot from acting as pilot in command between sunset and sunrise, with no training or endorsement that lifts it. The only way to fly at night is to obtain at least a private pilot certificate. Note the wording is sunset to sunrise, which is broader than the § 1.1 definition of night.
7What 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?
A.Ground and flight training in controlled airspace procedures and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor
B.A Commercial Pilot certificate and a Class 1 medical certificate
C.An Instrument Rotorcraft rating and an ATC clearance
D.Prior written permission from the FAA Regional Flight Standards District Office
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.101(d), a recreational pilot must receive ground and flight training on operations in Class B, C, and D airspace and receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor within the preceding 90 days.
8A Recreational Pilot may NOT act as pilot in command of an aircraft carrying passengers or cargo if:
A.The flight is conducted for compensation or hire or in furtherance of a business
B.The passenger pays an equal pro-rata share of operating expenses
C.The flight is conducted within 50 nautical miles of the departure airport
D.The aircraft is equipped with a fixed landing gear system
Explanation: Three consecutive paragraphs cover this: § 61.101(e)(3) bars carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire, § 61.101(e)(4) bars acting as pilot in command for compensation or hire, and § 61.101(e)(5) bars flight in furtherance of a business.
9Which operation is specifically prohibited for a Recreational Pilot under 14 CFR § 61.101?
A.Towing any object
B.Flying in Class G airspace during daylight hours
C.Carrying a passenger who pays a pro-rata share of fuel costs
D.Operating a helicopter with a single main rotor system
Explanation: Section 61.101(e)(14) prohibits a recreational pilot from acting as pilot in command of an aircraft that is towing any object.
10To 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:
A.90 days
B.60 days
C.30 days
D.12 calendar months
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.57(a), to carry passengers, a pilot must have completed at least 3 takeoffs and landings in the same category and class of aircraft within the preceding 90 days.

About the FAA RPH Knowledge Test — Recreational Pilot Helicopter Exam

The FAA RPH Knowledge Test evaluates applicants seeking a Recreational Pilot Certificate with a Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating. Candidates are tested on 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart D recreational pilot privileges and limitations, helicopter aerodynamics, hover performance, airspace rules, VFR weather minimums, weight and balance calculations, and helicopter emergency procedures.

Assessment

50 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering FAA Part 61 Subpart D regulations, helicopter aerodynamics, airspace, weather, performance, weight & balance, and emergency procedures.

Time Limit

2 hours (120 minutes)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

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

FAA RPH Knowledge Test — Recreational Pilot Helicopter Exam Content Outline

30%

14 CFR Part 61 Subpart D Regulations & Flight Limits

Recreational pilot privileges, passenger limits (1 passenger), aircraft power/seat limits (180 HP max, 4 seats max), 50 NM distance radius without endorsement, airspace endorsements (Class B/C/D), night flight restrictions, tow/compensation prohibitions, and medical requirements.

25%

Helicopter Aerodynamics & Flight Principles

Rotor blade aerodynamics, collective/cyclic pitch control, anti-torque tail rotor, gyroscopic precession, effective translational lift (ETL), transverse flow, vortex ring state (settling with power), dissymmetry of lift, mast bumping, and autorotation entry/glide dynamics.

25%

National Airspace System, Weather & Airport Operations

Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace rules, cloud clearance and visibility minimums, Special VFR for helicopters, airport traffic pattern entry/exit, tower light gun signals, CTAF/UNICOM radio procedures, and METAR/TAF weather reports.

20%

Flight Performance, Weight & Balance, and Emergency Procedures

Density altitude calculation, pressure altitude, HIGE/HOGE hover performance charts, CG envelope calculations, weight shift, fuel reserves (20 min VFR), autorotation landing technique, low rotor RPM recovery, tail rotor failure, and aeromedical factors.

How to Pass the FAA RPH Knowledge Test — Recreational Pilot Helicopter Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 50 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering FAA Part 61 Subpart D regulations, helicopter aerodynamics, airspace, weather, performance, weight & balance, and emergency procedures.
  • Time limit: 2 hours (120 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 RPH Knowledge Test — Recreational Pilot Helicopter Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study 14 CFR § 61.101 limitations thoroughly, including passenger limits, distance limits, airspace endorsement requirements, and aircraft power/seat restrictions.
2Understand key helicopter aerodynamic phenomena: Effective Translational Lift (16-24 knots), Vortex Ring State (settling with power conditions: low airspeed, partial power, descent rate > 300 fpm), Transverse Flow Effect, Dissymmetry of Lift, and Gyroscopic Precession.
3Practice exact weight & balance center of gravity (CG) calculations and moment computations.
4Master density altitude calculations using pressure altitude and outside air temperature (OAT).
5Memorize FAA VFR weather minimums for helicopters, including Class G cloud clearance and Special VFR clear-of-clouds requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAA RPH Knowledge Test?

The FAA RPH Knowledge Test is the official FAA written examination required to obtain a Recreational Pilot Certificate with a Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating.

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

The official RPH exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour (120 minutes) time limit. The passing score is 70% (at least 35 correct answers out of 50).

What are the major limitations placed on a Recreational Pilot flying a helicopter?

Under 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart D, a recreational pilot may not carry more than 1 passenger, fly helicopters with engines exceeding 180 HP, fly helicopters with more than 4 seats, fly further than 50 NM from the departure airport without specific flight instructor endorsement, fly at night, fly in Class B, C, or D airspace without an endorsement, or fly for compensation or hire.

Where is the exam taken and how much does it cost?

The test is administered on computer at authorized PSI testing centers. The test fee is $175.