Free Flight Instructor Helicopter Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Flight Instructor Helicopter practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1While explaining an unpressurized helicopter's high-altitude operations, an instructor describes oxygen deprivation caused by reduced atmospheric oxygen partial pressure. Which form of hypoxia is being described?

   1. A. Hypemic hypoxia
   2. B. Hypoxic hypoxia
   3. C. Stagnant hypoxia
   4. D. Histotoxic hypoxia

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The FAA explains that "the reduction in partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude is an appropriate example for pilots." This is the mechanism described under Hypoxic Hypoxia; it differs from impaired blood transport, inadequate circulation, or impaired tissue use of oxygen.

   Reference: Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 17: Aeromedical Factors — Chapter 17, page 17-3, Hypoxic Hypoxia

2. 2A rated helicopter pilot relies on a flight review to satisfy 14 CFR 61.56(c), and no exception or substitute proficiency event applies. What calendar-month lookback period does the PIC eligibility rule specify?

   1. A. 12 calendar months
   2. B. 36 calendar months
   3. C. 24 calendar months
   4. D. 60 calendar months

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Section 61.56(c) measures eligibility "since the beginning of the 24th calendar month before the month in which that pilot acts as pilot in command". The rule also requires the review and the instructor's satisfactory-completion endorsement; the stated premise excludes alternatives.

   Reference: 14 CFR Part 61: Certification of Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors — 14 CFR 61.56(c)

3. 3An instructor prepares the descent-profile portion of a preflight lesson on a normal helicopter approach to a hover. Which approach-angle range does the FAA handbook describe as normal?

   1. A. 3 to 5 degrees
   2. B. 7 to 12 degrees
   3. C. 13 to 15 degrees
   4. D. 20 to 25 degrees

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The handbook states, "A normal approach uses a descent angle of between 7° and 12°." The instructor should use that profile when explaining a normal approach, while distinguishing it from shallower and steeper profiles.

   Reference: Helicopter Flying Handbook, Chapter 9: Basic Flight Maneuvers — Chapter 9, page 9-19, Normal Approach to a Hover

4. 4While taxiing a wheeled helicopter, a student sees a sign with a black background, yellow taxiway letter, and yellow border. Which type of airport sign is it?

   1. A. A mandatory instruction sign
   2. B. A taxiway direction sign
   3. C. A taxiway location sign
   4. D. A runway distance remaining sign

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The AIM describes the Taxiway Location Sign: "This sign has a black background with a yellow inscription and yellow border". It identifies the taxiway currently occupied, rather than giving a mandatory instruction, a direction, or remaining runway distance.

   Reference: Aeronautical Information Manual, Section 2-3: Airport Marking Aids and Signs — Paragraph 2-3-9, Location Signs, Taxiway Location Sign

5. 5As a helicopter becomes light on its landing gear during a vertical takeoff, it unexpectedly starts to roll or tilt. Which immediate response does the FAA handbook recommend before determining the cause?

   1. A. Increase collective to lift clear of the surface
   2. B. Hold collective to maintain the existing lift
   3. C. Decrease collective to unload the developing tilt
   4. D. Maintain collective while applying opposite lateral cyclic

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The handbook directs, "If a roll or tilt begin, decrease the collective and determine the cause of the roll or tilt." A slow liftoff allows the pilot to detect hung landing gear, loading, and control problems before continuing the ascent.

   Reference: Helicopter Flying Handbook, Chapter 9: Basic Flight Maneuvers — Chapter 9, page 9-6, Vertical Takeoff to a Hover

6. 6Before a normal helicopter takeoff from a hover, the available power under the actual conditions is 80 percent torque and the hover requires 60 percent torque. What excess-power margin, expressed in torque percentage points, should the student calculate?

   1. A. 140 percentage points
   2. B. 20 percentage points
   3. C. 33.3 percentage points
   4. D. 75 percentage points

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The handbook defines excess power as "the difference between the power being used to hover and the power available at the existing altitude and temperature conditions." Available minus required is 80 − 60 = 20 percentage points. The other results add the readings, divide the difference by required power, or divide required by available power.

   Reference: Helicopter Flying Handbook, Chapter 9: Basic Flight Maneuvers — Chapter 9, page 9-12, Normal Takeoff from a Hover, Technique

7. 7In straight-and-level helicopter flight, the student wants to increase airspeed without losing altitude. Which coordinated control combination does the FAA describe?

   1. A. Aft cyclic with increased collective as needed
   2. B. Forward cyclic with decreased collective as needed
   3. C. Forward cyclic with increased collective as needed
   4. D. Aft cyclic with decreased collective as needed

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The handbook states, "To increase airspeed in straight-and-level flight, apply forward pressure on the cyclic and raise the collective as necessary to maintain altitude." The forward tilt supplies horizontal thrust, while coordinated collective preserves the vertical component needed for level flight.

   Reference: Helicopter Flying Handbook, Chapter 9: Basic Flight Maneuvers — Chapter 9, page 9-3, Straight-and-Level Flight, Technique

8. 8During a simulated engine failure from a normal 2–3-foot hover, a student follows the handbook's hovering-autorotation technique. What should happen to collective immediately on entry, before the later landing cushion?

   1. A. Lower collective immediately to full down
   2. B. Raise collective immediately to full up
   3. C. Leave collective initially at its existing setting
   4. D. Lower collective slightly as the descent begins

   Answer: C

   Explanation: For the described low-hover practice entry, the FAA states, "Do not adjust the collective on entry." The technique differs from autorotation entry at altitude: the pilot maintains attitude and heading, then times the upward collective application to cushion contact, following the aircraft RFM.

   Reference: Helicopter Flying Handbook, Chapter 11: Helicopter Emergencies and Hazards — Chapter 11, page 11-8, Practicing Power Failure in a Hover, Technique

9. 9An instructor assesses an unfamiliar confined landing site. During which phase does the FAA say the initial departure plan should be formulated as part of the site assessment?

   1. A. During the low reconnaissance on final approach
   2. B. During ground reconnaissance after landing
   3. C. During the high reconnaissance of the site
   4. D. During the hover check immediately before departure

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The FAA states, "During the high reconnaissance, the pilot needs to formulate a takeoff plan as well." Landing first and only then discovering inadequate departure power is poor practice; takeoff criteria can be more demanding than landing criteria.

   Reference: Helicopter Flying Handbook, Chapter 10: Advanced Flight Maneuvers — Chapter 10, page 10-9, Confined Area Operations

10. 10A routine helicopter flight has ended, and the pilot is shutting down without an operational need for a rotor-running passenger exit. According to the FAA handbook, until which event should passengers remain seated with seatbelts secured?

    1. A. The engine reaches its idle setting
    2. B. The rotors have stopped turning
    3. C. The rotor rpm falls below its flight range
    4. D. The landing gear supports the aircraft's weight

    Answer: B

    Explanation: The handbook recommends, "Passengers should remain in the helicopter with their seats belts secured until the rotors have stopped turning." In the described routine shutdown, an earlier engine, rpm, or landing-gear milestone does not provide the recommended exit timing.

    Reference: Helicopter Flying Handbook, Chapter 8: Ground Procedures and Flight Preparations — Chapter 8, page 8-6, After Landing and Securing