Instrument Rating Helicopter — Information & Free Practice
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Instrument Rating Helicopter
- Provider
- PSI
- Format
- Computer-delivered multiple-choice knowledge test with one correct response per question; separate Airman Knowledge Test Report.
- Exam questions
- Scored questions: 60.
- Time limit
- 2.0 hours, including time for any validation questions; FAA's corrected time effective January 27, 2025 supersedes the ACS table's 2.5 hours.
- Passing score
- 70
Examination outline
Preflight Preparation
- Pilot Qualifications
- Weather Information
- Cross-Country Flight Planning
Preflight Procedures
- Aircraft Systems Related to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Operations
- Helicopter Flight Instruments and Navigation Equipment
- Instrument Flight Deck Check
Air Traffic Control (ATC) Clearances and Procedures
- Compliance with Air Traffic Control Clearances
- Holding Procedures
Flight by Reference to Instruments
- Instrument Flight
- Recovery from Unusual Flight Attitudes
Navigation Systems
- Intercepting and Tracking Navigational Systems and DME Arcs
- Departure, En Route, and Arrival Operations
Instrument Approach Procedures
- Non-precision Approach
- Precision Approach
- Missed Approach
- Landing from an Instrument Approach
Emergency Operations
- Loss of Communications
- Instrument Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated) (Multiengine Helicopter Only)
- Approach with Loss of Primary Flight Instrument Indicators
Postflight Procedures
- Checking Instruments and Equipment
Examination sources
- FAA Airman Certification Standards directory
ACS List, Instrument Rating – Helicopter row
- Instrument Rating – Helicopter ACS
printed p.23 (PDF p.28), knowledge-test association and complete table
- Instrument Rating – Helicopter ACS
printed p.24 (PDF p.29), source references and preparation
- 14 CFR 61.65
61.65(a)(7), knowledge-test scope adoption
- 14 CFR 61.65
61.65(b)(1)-(10), complete aeronautical knowledge list
- Instrument Rating – Helicopter ACS
printed p.23 (PDF p.28), final paragraph
- ACS Companion Guide for Pilots
printed p.3 (PDF p.8), Airman Knowledge Test Description
- FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix
p.11, IRH row and column headings
- FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix
p.2, Validation Questions, scoring/count/time statements
- ACS Knowledge Test Table: Correct Allotted Times
p.1, IRH row under Test Code, Test Name, Number of Questions, Age, CORRECT Allotted Time, Allotted Time Effective Date, Passing Score
- ACS Companion Guide for Pilots
printed p.5 (PDF p.10), Airman Knowledge Test Report
- ACS Knowledge Test Table: Correct Allotted Times
p.1, explanatory paragraph above table
- FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix
p.2, Validation Questions, opening statement
- FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix
p.11, initial authorization for IRA and IRH
- FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix
p.11, retest authorization
- ACS Companion Guide for Pilots
printed p.2 (PDF p.7), Steps 3-5 and eligibility condition
- FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix
p.11, IRH minimum-age row
- FAA Airman Testing
More Information, scheduling link
- ACS Companion Guide for Pilots
printed p.2 (PDF p.7), Step 1
- ACS Companion Guide for Pilots
printed p.2 (PDF p.7), Step 2
- 14 CFR 61.35
61.35(a)(1), endorsement prerequisite
- 14 CFR 61.35
61.35(a)(3), identification requirements