CH.V.B — Normal and Crosswind Approach

What does ACS code CH.V.B cover?

ACS Code CH.V.B covers "Normal and Crosswind Approach" under Area of Operation V (Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds) 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 V — Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds
• Task: Task B — Normal and Crosswind Approach
• 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.V.B.K1: Effects of wind, weight, altitude, and temperature on performance.
• CH.V.B.K2: Wind correction techniques on approach and landing.
• CH.V.B.K3: Landing surface, obstructions, and selection of a suitable touchdown point.
• CH.V.B.K4: Factors affecting the profile of the height/velocity (H/V) diagram.

Risk Management Elements

• CH.V.B.R1: Selection of approach path and landing based on aircraft performance and limitations, and wind.
• CH.V.B.R2: Effects of:
• CH.V.B.R2a: a. Crosswind
• CH.V.B.R2b: b. Windshear
• CH.V.B.R2c: c. Tailwind
• CH.V.B.R2d: d. Turbulence, including wake turbulence
• CH.V.B.R2e: e. Vortex ring state (VRS)
• CH.V.B.R2f: f. Touchdown surface and condition
• CH.V.B.R3: Go-around/rejected landing.
• CH.V.B.R4: Collision hazards.
• CH.V.B.R5: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
• CH.V.B.R6: Loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE).

How do I study CH.V.B?

1. Read each element for CH.V.B in FAA-S-ACS-16 and note any you cannot explain in your own words.
2. Study each one in the FAA source it points to: the handbook chapter, the 14 CFR section or the AIM paragraph.
3. Practice with questions tagged CH.V.B, and read the explanation for every miss.
4. Retest, then review the ACS codes you still miss on your practice test report.

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Related ACS tasks

• Previous task: CH.V.A — Normal Takeoff and Climb
• Next task: CH.V.C — Maximum Performance Takeoff and Climb
• Same area: CH.V.A — Normal Takeoff and Climb
• Same area: CH.V.C — Maximum Performance Takeoff and Climb
• Same area: CH.V.D — Steep Approach
• Same area: CH.V.E — Rolling Takeoff
• Same area: CH.V.F — Shallow Approach and Running/Roll-On Landing
• Same area: CH.V.G — Go-Around