Flight Instructor — Rotorcraft ACS tasks
Browse 65 FAA ACS Tasks from FAA-S-ACS-29, with official objectives, references, and exact K/R/S item descriptions.
FAA-S-ACS-29, November 2023. Verify amendments and current applicability in the FAA source library.
Document context
| FAA document | Flight Instructor for Rotorcraft Category Helicopter Rating Airman Certification Standards |
|---|---|
| Document identifier | FAA-S-ACS-29 |
| Published source date | November 2023 |
| Aircraft category | Rotorcraft |
| Certificate or rating | Flight Instructor |
| Task pages | 65 |
| K/R/S item descriptions | 1,236 |
| FAA source library | Open the official ACS library |
Area of Operation I. Fundamentals of Instructing
- FI.I.A — Effects of Human Behavior and Communication on the Learning Process
24 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands human behavior and effective communication, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- FI.I.B — Learning Process
35 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands the learning process, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- FI.I.C — Course Development, Lesson Plans, and Classroom Training Techniques
33 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands the teaching process, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- FI.I.D — Student Evaluation, Assessment, and Testing
15 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands evaluation and testing, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- FI.I.E — Elements of Effective Teaching in a Professional Environment
13 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands effects of instructor behavior on effective teaching, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- FI.I.F — Elements of Effective Teaching that Include Risk Management and Accident Prevention
25 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands teaching practical risk management, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Area of Operation II. Technical Subject Areas
- HI.II.A — Human Factors
22 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands personal health, flight physiology, aeromedical and human factors, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.II.B — Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance
17 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands visual scanning and collision avoidance, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate pilot-in-command skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.II.C — Runway Incursion Avoidance
14 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands runway incursion avoidance, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.II.D — Principles of Flight
15 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands aerodynamics appropriate to the desired instructor certificate, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.II.E — Flight Controls
8 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands the flight controls on the helicopter provided for the flight test, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.II.F — Operation of Systems
19 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands systems on the helicopter provided for the flight test, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.II.G — Performance and Limitations
21 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands helicopter performance and limitations, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction
- HI.II.H — National Airspace System
9 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands the National Airspace System, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.II.I — Navigation Systems and Radar Services
14 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands navigation systems and radar services, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.II.J — Navigation and Cross-Country Flight Planning
28 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands navigation and cross-country flight planning, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.II.K — 14 CFR and Publications
8 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands the Code of Federal Regulations and other relevant publications, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.II.L — Endorsements and Logbook Entries
12 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands logbook entries and endorsements, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.II.M — Night Operations
18 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands night operations, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Area of Operation III. Preflight Preparation
- HI.III.A — Pilot Qualifications
7 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands pilot training and qualification requirements for different levels of pilot certificate including student pilot, recreational pilot, private pilot, commercial pilot, and flight instructor; can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.III.B — Airworthiness Requirements
16 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands airworthiness requirements, including aircraft certificates, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.III.C — Weather Information
34 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands weather information, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Area of Operation IV. Preflight Lesson on a Maneuver to be Performed in Flight
- HI.IV.A — Maneuver Lesson
5 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands the elements associated with a maneuver Task selected from Area of Operation VII (Hovering Maneuvers) through Area of Operation XII (Special Operations) and applies that knowledge when delivering ground instruction.
Area of Operation V. Preflight Procedures
- HI.V.A — Preflight Assessment
17 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands preflight assessment, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.V.B — Flight Deck Management
11 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands flight deck management, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.V.C — Powerplant Starting and Rotor Engagement
11 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands powerplant starting and rotor engagement procedures can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.V.D — Before Takeoff Check
12 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands before takeoff checks, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Area of Operation VI. Airport and Heliport Operations
- HI.VI.A — Runway/Taxiway/Heliport/Helipad Signs, Markings, and Lighting
10 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands airport/runway/ taxiway/heliport/helipad signs, markings, and lighting, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.VI.B — Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems
16 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands communications and ATC light signals, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.VI.C — Traffic Patterns
15 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands traffic patterns, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Area of Operation VII. Hovering Maneuvers
- HI.VII.A — Vertical Takeoff and Landing
18 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands vertical takeoff and landing from a hover, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.VII.B — Hover Taxi
33 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands hover taxi operations, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.VII.C — Air Taxi
25 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands air taxi operations, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.VII.D — Taxiing with Wheel-Type Landing Gear
27 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands taxiing with wheel-type landing gear, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.VII.E — Slope Operations
26 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands slope operations, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Area of Operation VIII. Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds
- HI.VIII.A — Normal Takeoff and Climb
29 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands normal takeoff, climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.VIII.B — Normal and Crosswind Approach
28 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands normal and crosswind approach, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.VIII.C — Maximum Performance Takeoff and Climb
25 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands maximum performance takeoff and climb, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.VIII.D — Steep Approach
32 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands steep approaches, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.VIII.E — Rolling Takeoff (Wheel-Type Landing Gear)
29 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands rolling takeoff with wheel-type landing gear, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.VIII.F — Shallow Approach and Running/Roll-On Landing
25 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands shallow approach and running/roll-on landing, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.VIII.G — Go-Around
18 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands go-around with emphasis on factors that contribute to landing conditions that may require a go-around, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Area of Operation IX. Fundamentals of Flight
- HI.IX.A — Straight-and-Level Flight
9 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands straight-and-level flight, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.IX.B — Level Turns
9 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands level turns, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.IX.C — Straight Climbs and Climbing Turns
9 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands straight climbs and climbing turns, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.IX.D — Straight Descents and Descending Turns
9 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands straight descents and descending turns, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Area of Operation X. Performance Maneuvers
- HI.X.A — Rapid Deceleration/Quick Stop
15 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands rapid deceleration/quick stop, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.X.B — Straight-In Autorotation in a Single-Engine Helicopter
35 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands straight-in autorotation in a single engine helicopter, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.X.C — Autorotation with Turns in a Single-Engine Helicopter
36 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands autorotation with turns with a power recovery or touchdown to the surface, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Area of Operation XI. Emergency Operations
- HI.XI.A — Powerplant Failure in a Hover in a Single-Engine Helicopter
22 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands power failure in a ground effect hover, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.XI.B — Powerplant Failure at Altitude in a Single-Engine Helicopter
26 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands power failure at altitude, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.XI.C — Approach and Landing with One Engine Inoperative (OEI) (Simulated) (Multiengine Helicopter Only)
17 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands approach and landing with one engine inoperative (OEI) (simulated), can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.XI.D — Flight Solely by Reference to Instruments
13 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands attitude instrument flying, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction, solely by reference to instruments.
- HI.XI.E — Recovery from Unusual Flight Attitudes
16 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands attitude instrument flying while recovering from unusual attitudes, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction, solely by reference to instruments.
- HI.XI.F — Vortex Ring State (VRS)
20 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands Vortex Ring State (VRS), can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.XI.G — Low Rotor Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) Recognition and Recovery
17 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands low rotor rpm recognition and recovery, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.XI.H — Systems and Equipment Malfunctions
20 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands system and equipment malfunctions appropriate to the aircraft provided for the practical test, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.XI.I — Dynamic Rollover
12 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands dynamic rollover, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.XI.J — Ground Resonance
11 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands ground resonance, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.XI.K — Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery
11 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands low G recognition and recovery, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.XI.L — Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear
11 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands emergency equipment and survival gear, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.XI.M — Antitorque System Failure
10 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands antitorque system failure, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Area of Operation XII. Special Operations
- HI.XII.A — Confined Area Operations
38 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands confined area operation, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- HI.XII.B — Pinnacle Operations
38 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands pinnacle operations, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Area of Operation XIII. Postflight Procedures
- HI.XIII.A — After Landing, Parking, and Securing
13 K/R/S items. To determine the applicant understands after landing, parking, and securing procedures, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Related ACS documents
- Flight Instructor — Airplane
85 Tasks from FAA-S-ACS-25.
- Private Pilot — Rotorcraft
49 Tasks from FAA-S-ACS-15.
- Commercial Pilot — Rotorcraft
51 Tasks from FAA-S-ACS-16.
- Instrument Rating — Rotorcraft
20 Tasks from FAA-S-ACS-14.
- Flight Instructor — Powered Lift
73 Tasks from FAA-S-ACS-27.
Practice the material
Use the task pages to review official ACS scope, then practice explaining and applying the material in a spoken scenario. This index does not reproduce an FAA examiner's plan of action or predict the exact questions on a practical test.
Start a mock oral