FAA Airman Certification Standards Code
CH.V.C — Maximum Performance Takeoff and Climb
Commercial Pilot Helicopter · Area of Operation V: Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds · Standard: FAA-S-ACS-16
What does ACS code CH.V.C cover?
ACS Code CH.V.C covers "Maximum Performance Takeoff and Climb" 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 C — Maximum Performance Takeoff and Climb
- 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.C.K1: Situations where this maneuver is appropriate.
- CH.V.C.K2: Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind and temperature, on takeoff and climb performance.
- CH.V.C.K3: Factors affecting the profile of the height/velocity (H/V) diagram.
Risk Management Elements
- CH.V.C.R1: Selection of takeoff path based on helicopter performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
- CH.V.C.R2: Effects of:
- CH.V.C.R2a: a. Crosswind
- CH.V.C.R2b: b. Windshear
- CH.V.C.R2c: c. Tailwind
- CH.V.C.R2d: d. Turbulence, including wake turbulence
- CH.V.C.R2e: e. Surface conditions
- CH.V.C.R3: Abnormal operations including:
- CH.V.C.R3a: a. Rejected takeoff
- CH.V.C.R3b: b. Powerplant failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight
- CH.V.C.R4: Collision hazards.
- CH.V.C.R5: Low rotor rpm.
- CH.V.C.R6: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
How do I study CH.V.C?
- Read each element for CH.V.C 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.V.C, 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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