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Free Practice Questions for FAA SHF Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Helicopter – Simplified Flight Controls

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Exam Review

Key Facts: FAA SHF Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Helicopter – Simplified Flight Controls Exam

SHF

Test Code

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

40 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 SHF Sport Pilot Helicopter Knowledge Test with 100 practice questions covering 14 CFR Part 61/91, fly-by-wire simplified flight control systems, helicopter aerodynamics, VFR airspace, METAR/TAF weather, and weight & balance calculations. Test consists of 40 questions with a 2-hour limit and 70% passing threshold.

Sample FAA SHF Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Helicopter – Simplified Flight Controls Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the FAA SHF Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Helicopter – Simplified Flight Controls exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under 14 CFR § 61.303, what medical qualification is required for a pilot to exercise Sport Pilot privileges in a light-sport helicopter equipped with simplified flight controls?
A.A valid US driver's license, provided the pilot has not been denied an FAA medical certificate or had their most recent FAA medical suspended or revoked
B.A minimum of a Third-Class FAA Medical Certificate is required for all rotorcraft operations
C.A valid US driver's license, regardless of any prior FAA medical certificate denials
D.A BasicMed qualification certified by a licensed physician within the last 48 calendar months
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.303, a pilot exercising sport pilot privileges in a light-sport aircraft (including a helicopter with simplified flight controls) may use a valid US driver's license as proof of medical eligibility, provided the pilot's most recent FAA medical certificate application was not denied and their most recent medical certificate was not revoked or suspended.
2How many passengers may a sport pilot carry in a helicopter with simplified flight controls, and what seating capacity does 14 CFR § 61.316 allow that helicopter to have?
A.One passenger, in a helicopter with a maximum seating capacity of two persons
B.Two passengers, in a helicopter with a maximum seating capacity of three persons
C.One passenger, in a helicopter with a maximum seating capacity of four persons
D.No passengers are ever permitted under sport pilot rules
Explanation: Two separate rules apply. Section 61.315(c)(4) limits a sport pilot to one passenger, and § 61.316(a)(2) limits the aircraft to a maximum seating capacity of two persons for everything except airplanes, which may seat four. A helicopter is not an airplane, so it is capped at two seats.
3Under 14 CFR § 61.315, what is the maximum altitude above mean sea level (MSL) or ground level (AGL) at which a sport pilot may operate a light-sport helicopter?
A.10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher
B.12,500 feet MSL regardless of terrain elevation
C.18,000 feet MSL (the base of Class A airspace)
D.5,000 feet MSL or 1,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.315(c)(11), a sport pilot may not operate an aircraft at an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher.
4Under 14 CFR §§ 61.315 and 61.329, what must a sport pilot complete before acting as pilot in command of a helicopter with simplified flight controls at night?
A.3 hours of night flight training in that category and class including a night cross-country and 10 night takeoffs and full-stop landings, an instructor endorsement, and either a medical certificate or the § 61.113(i) BasicMed conditions
B.Nothing; sport pilots may never act as pilot in command at night
C.Installation of position and anti-collision lights, with no additional training required
D.A separate night rating issued by the FAA Airman Certification Branch
Explanation: The MOSAIC amendments effective October 22, 2025 changed § 61.315(c)(5) to prohibit night flight only 'except as provided in § 61.329.' Section 61.329 requires 3 hours of night flight training in the specific category and class, including one night cross-country with a landing at least 25 NM away (powered parachutes excepted) and 10 night takeoffs and landings to a full stop, an instructor endorsement, and either a part 67 medical certificate or compliance with the § 61.113(i) conditions.
5What logbook endorsement is required under 14 CFR § 61.325 for a sport pilot to operate in Class B, C, or D airspace, or at an airport located within Class B, C, or D airspace?
A.Ground and flight training from an authorized instructor and a specific logbook endorsement authorizing Class B, C, or D airspace operations
B.A Class B airspace rating issued directly by the FAA Airman Certification Branch
C.No endorsement is required if the pilot maintains continuous radio contact with ATC
D.An endorsement from an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner following an additional practical flight test
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.325, a sport pilot must receive ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on Class B, C, and D airspace procedures and operational requirements, and receive a specific logbook endorsement prior to operating in controlled airspace or at controlled airports.
6Under 14 CFR § 61.56, what requirement must a sport pilot fulfill every 24 calendar months to maintain pilot-in-command privileges in a light-sport helicopter?
A.Complete a Flight Review consisting of at least 1 hour of ground instruction and 1 hour of flight instruction, followed by a logbook endorsement
B.Pass an FAA written knowledge re-examination every 24 calendar months
C.Complete a minimum of 50 solo flight hours in the preceding 24 months
D.Obtain a new endorsement from a Designated Pilot Examiner after a checkride
Explanation: 14 CFR § 61.56 requires all certificated pilots, including sport pilots, to successfully complete a flight review every 24 calendar months consisting of at least 1 hour of ground instruction and 1 hour of flight instruction from an authorized flight instructor.
7Under 14 CFR § 61.57, what flight experience must a sport pilot accomplish to act as pilot in command of a light-sport helicopter carrying a passenger?
A.Logged at least 3 takeoffs and landings as sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft of the same category, class, and type (if a type rating is required) within the preceding 90 days
B.Logged at least 10 takeoffs and landings in any aircraft category within the preceding 30 days
C.Completed a flight review within the preceding 90 days
D.Logged at least 5 takeoffs and landings to a full stop within the preceding 12 calendar months
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.57(a)(1), to carry passengers a pilot must have made at least 3 takeoffs and 3 landings within the preceding 90 days, acting as sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft of the same category, class, and type (if a type rating is required).
8What is the minimum flight visibility requirement for a sport pilot operating a light-sport helicopter in Class G airspace during daylight hours at 800 feet AGL under 14 CFR § 91.155?
A.1/2 statute mile flight visibility and clear of clouds
B.3 statute miles flight visibility with 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal cloud clearance
C.5 statute miles flight visibility and 1,000 feet above clouds
D.3 statute miles flight visibility and clear of clouds
Explanation: Two rules stack. The § 91.155(a) table gives helicopters in Class G at or below 1,200 feet AGL a day minimum of 1/2 statute mile and clear of clouds. A sport pilot, however, may not fly when flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles under § 61.315(c)(12), so the binding minimum for this pilot is 3 statute miles while the cloud requirement stays clear of clouds.
9Under 14 CFR § 91.151, what is the minimum VFR fuel reserve requirement for a helicopter flight during daytime conditions?
A.Enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 20 minutes
B.Enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and after that for at least 30 minutes
C.Enough fuel to fly to the destination and after that for at least 45 minutes
D.Enough fuel to fly to the destination, alternate airport, and after that for 30 minutes
Explanation: 14 CFR § 91.151(b) states that no person may begin a flight in a rotorcraft under VFR conditions unless there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 20 minutes.
10Under 14 CFR § 91.103 (Preflight Action), what mandatory information must a pilot become familiar with prior to any flight outside the vicinity of an airport?
A.Weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternate routes available, and known traffic delays
B.Only the engine oil quantity and rotor blade visual cleanliness
C.Airworthiness directives and local ground transportation availability
D.Passenger identity documents and weight certificates
Explanation: 14 CFR § 91.103 requires that for any flight not limited to the vicinity of an airport, the pilot in command must become familiar with all available information concerning weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternates available, and known traffic delays.

About the FAA SHF Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Helicopter – Simplified Flight Controls Exam

The FAA SHF Knowledge Test evaluates aeronautical knowledge required for a Sport Pilot Certificate with a Rotorcraft Category and Helicopter Class Rating restricted to aircraft equipped with Simplified Flight Controls (SFC). The exam tests candidate knowledge of 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J rules, Part 91 operational regulations, simplified flight control system architecture (fly-by-wire, envelope protection, automated FADEC rotor governance), helicopter aerodynamics, VFR airspace minimums, weather reports, weight and balance calculations, and emergency management.

Exam sponsor: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) / PSI Services. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

40 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering 14 CFR Part 61/91 regulations, simplified flight control systems, rotorcraft aerodynamics, VFR airspace, performance calculations, and emergency procedures.

Time Limit

2 hours (120 minutes)

Passing Score

70%

Exam / Certification Fees

$175

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

  • 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J - Sport Pilots
  • 14 CFR Part 91 - General Operating and Flight Rules
  • FAA-H-8083-21B Helicopter Flying Handbook
  • FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK)
  • 14 CFR § 22.180 Special requirements for light-sport category aircraft with simplified flight controls, and § 61.316 performance limits and design requirements
  • Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25%

Regulations & Sport Pilot Privileges (14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J & Part 91)

Sport pilot privileges and limitations, driver's license vs medical certificate requirements, logbook endorsements, passenger carrying rules, day VFR flight limitations, airspace entry requirements, and mandatory preflight actions.

25%

Simplified Flight Control Systems & Fly-By-Wire Architecture

Simplified Flight Control (SFC) principles, primary fly-by-wire flight control modes, automated throttle governance / FADEC, electronic flight envelope protection, system redundancies, electrical power dependency, degradation modes, and manual reversion procedures.

20%

Helicopter Aerodynamics & Flight Operations

Rotor aerodynamics, in-ground-effect (IGE) vs out-of-ground-effect (OGE) hover, effective translational lift, transverse flow, vortex ring state (settling with power), retreat blade stall, autorotation entry and glide, and dynamic rollover prevention.

20%

Airspace, Weather & Preflight Performance

Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace rules, cloud clearance and visibility minimums, Special VFR helicopter operations, METAR/TAF interpretation, density altitude calculations, crosswind components, and wind drift correction.

10%

Weight & Balance, Fuel Planning & Emergency Procedures

Gross weight limits, longitudinal and lateral center of gravity (CG) calculations, fuel consumption and endurance planning, engine failure in hover/cruise, electrical power system failure, and governor/SFC failure management.

Preparing for the FAA SHF Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Helicopter – Simplified Flight Controls Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 40 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering 14 CFR Part 61/91 regulations, simplified flight control systems, rotorcraft aerodynamics, VFR airspace, performance calculations, and emergency procedures.
  • Time limit: 2 hours (120 minutes)
  • Exam / certification fees: $175 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • 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 SHF Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Helicopter – Simplified Flight Controls: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J regulations regarding sport pilot eligibility, passenger limits (1 passenger max), day VFR requirements, and Class B/C/D airspace endorsements.
2Understand fly-by-wire flight control architecture, including primary control inputs (inceptor/stick), automatic yaw/heading holding, pitch/roll attitude stabilization, and degraded control modes.
3Practice numerical calculations for density altitude, pressure altitude, crosswind/headwind components, fuel endurance, and center-of-gravity (CG) moment shifts.
4Review helicopter aerodynamics including vortex ring state entry/recovery, autorotation entry, ground effect (IGE vs OGE), and translational lift.
5Memorize VFR visibility and cloud clearance requirements for Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace, as well as FAA Special VFR rules for helicopters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAA SHF Knowledge Test?

The FAA SHF Knowledge Test is the FAA airman knowledge test for candidates seeking a Sport Pilot Certificate with a Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating restricted to aircraft equipped with Simplified Flight Controls (SFC).

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

The official exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour (120 minutes) time limit. The passing score is 70% (at least 28 correct answers out of 40).

What medical qualification is required to exercise Sport Pilot Helicopter privileges?

Under 14 CFR § 61.303, a sport pilot may use a valid US driver's license as proof of medical eligibility provided they have not been denied an FAA medical certificate application or had their most recent FAA medical suspended or revoked.

What defines a Simplified Flight Control (SFC) system in light-sport helicopters?

Simplified Flight Control systems use fly-by-wire technology, automated engine/rotor throttle governance (FADEC), and electronic flight envelope protection to automate multi-axis rotor control, reducing pilot workload and eliminating traditional manual collective/pedal cross-coupling.