Helicopter Instrument PTS

by Philip Greenspun and Kasim Te; updated December 2008

Used in helicopter training at East Coast Aero Club in Boston.

We use this during in-flight stage checks for an Instrument applicant in a Robinson R22 or R44. It is a condensed version of the FAA standards effective January 1, 2009. Where the PTS does not specify an airspeed, the number is from the Robinson POH or FAA Rotorcraft Flying Handbook (RFH). Use a red pen to mark an applicant's performance next to the FAA standard.

Areas of Operation and Tasks

Preflight Procedures: instrument cockpit check.
Air Traffic Control Clearances: determines possibility of compliance, demonstrates "an appropriate level" of single-pilot resource management skills
Compliance with Departure, En Route, and Arrival Procedures and Clearances: "applicable" airspeed ±10 knots; headings ±10 degrees; altitude ± 100 feet; CDI 3/4-scale deflection. Applicant: ___________
Holding Procedures: "explains and uses an entry procedure" to remain within protected airspace; changes to "appropriate" airspeed; proper wind correction; airspeed ±10 knots; altitude ± 100 feet; headings ± 10 degrees; CDI 3/4-scale maximum deflection. Uses moving map to monitor position.
Basic Instrument Flight Maneuvers: straight and level, climbs, turns, descents; altitude ±100 feet, headings ± 10 degrees, airspeed ±10 knots, bank angles ±5 degrees. Applicant: ___________
Recovery from Unusual Flight Attitudes: nose-high and nose-low; applies pitch, bank, and power corrects "in the correct sequence"
Intercepting and Tracking Navigational Systems and DME arcs: can intercept specified course at predetermined angle; airspeed ±10 knots; altitude ±100 feet, selected headings ± 5 degrees; CDI 3/4-scale deflection maximum; can maintain a DME arc ±1 NM. Must use moving map. Applicant: ___________
Nonprecision Approach (two are required, of different types, one with procedure turn, one with INOP gyro (see below)): "tune, identify, and confirm operational status of navigation equipment"; adjusts MDA and visibility when required by NOTAM or inoperative equipment; altitude ±100 feet, heading ±10 degrees; CDI 3/4-scale deflection maximum; airspeed ±10 knots; MDA +100 feet, -0 feet to the MAP. Must use moving map. Applicant: ___________
Precision Approach (one is required): altitude ±100 feet, heading ±10 degrees; establishes predetermined rate of descent at the glide slope; stabilized final approach segment with CDI 3/4-scale deflection and airspeed ±10 knots. Maintains localizer and glide slope within 3/4 scale during visual descent from DH to "a point over the runway where glide slope must be abandoned to accomplish a normal landing". Must use moving map. Applicant: ___________
Missed Approach: establishes climb attitude; reports to ATC; runs checklist; airspeed ±10 knots; heading ± 10 degrees; altitude ±100 feet. Must use moving map. Applicant: ___________
Landing from a Straight-In or Circling Approach: pre-landing checklist
Loss of Communications: knows when to deviate from flight plan and timing for beginning an approach at destination
Approach with Loss of Primary Flight Instrument Indicators: knows how to recognize an INOP gyro and how to advise ATC; otherwise same criteria as ordinary non-precision approach
Postflight Procedures: makes "appropriate" documentation of improper operation or failure of equipment

philg@mit.edu