FAA Airman Certification Standards Code
CH.IX.B — Pinnacle Operations
Commercial Pilot Helicopter · Area of Operation IX: Special Operations · Standard: FAA-S-ACS-16
What does ACS code CH.IX.B cover?
ACS Code CH.IX.B covers "Pinnacle Operations" under Area of Operation IX (Special Operations) for the FAA Commercial Pilot Helicopter certificate (FAA-S-ACS-16). Candidates are tested on knowledge elements and risk management factors defined in 14 CFR regulations and FAA handbooks (PHAK / AFH).
Task Specification & Required References
- ACS Document: FAA-S-ACS-16 (Commercial Pilot Helicopter)
- Area of Operation: Area IX — Special Operations
- Task: Task B — Pinnacle Operations
- Primary FAA Sources: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25), Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3) / Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28), 14 CFR Parts 61, 91 & 107, Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).
Airman Certification Standards Elements
Knowledge Elements
- CH.IX.B.K1: Elements of pinnacle/platform operations.
- CH.IX.B.K2: Effects of wind, weight, temperature, and density altitude.
- CH.IX.B.K3: Suitable takeoff point and departure flight path during climb.
- CH.IX.B.K4: Situations when a pinnacle/platform approach, landing and takeoff is recommended and factors related to aircraft performance.
- CH.IX.B.K5: Elements of a high and low reconnaissance.
Risk Management Elements
- CH.IX.B.R1: Selection of approach path, termination point and departure path based on aircraft performance and limitations, and wind.
- CH.IX.B.R2: Effects of:
- CH.IX.B.R2a: a. Wind Direction
- CH.IX.B.R2b: b. Windshear
- CH.IX.B.R2c: c. Turbulence
- CH.IX.B.R3: H/V diagram information.
- CH.IX.B.R4: Go-around.
- CH.IX.B.R5: Powerplant failure during approach/landing phase of flight.
- CH.IX.B.R6: Collision hazards.
- CH.IX.B.R7: Vortex ring state (VRS).
- CH.IX.B.R8: Landing surface.
- CH.IX.B.R9: Low rotor rpm.
- CH.IX.B.R10: Dynamic rollover.
- CH.IX.B.R11: Ground resonance.
- CH.IX.B.R12: Loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE).
- CH.IX.B.R13: Aircraft limitations.
- CH.IX.B.R14: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- CH.IX.B.R15: Main and tail rotor hazards for passengers.
- CH.IX.B.R16: Forced landing.
How do I study CH.IX.B?
- Read each element for CH.IX.B in FAA-S-ACS-16 and note any you cannot explain in your own words.
- Study each one in the FAA source it points to: the handbook chapter, the 14 CFR section or the AIM paragraph.
- Practice with questions tagged CH.IX.B, and read the explanation for every miss.
- Retest, then review the ACS codes you still miss on your practice test report.
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