FAA Airman Certification Standards Code
CH.V.D — Steep Approach
Commercial Pilot Helicopter · Area of Operation V: Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds · Standard: FAA-S-ACS-16
What does ACS code CH.V.D cover?
ACS Code CH.V.D covers "Steep 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 D — Steep 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.D.K1: A stabilized steep approach.
- CH.V.D.K2: Approach techniques and applicability.
- CH.V.D.K3: Performance data and the height velocity (H/V) diagram.
- CH.V.D.K4: Effects of atmospheric conditions on approach and landing performance.
- CH.V.D.K5: Wind correction techniques.
- CH.V.D.K6: Aircraft performance and limitations.
Risk Management Elements
- CH.V.D.R1: Selection of approach path and landing based on aircraft performance and limitations, and wind.
- CH.V.D.R2: Effects of:
- CH.V.D.R2a: a. Wind Direction
- CH.V.D.R2b: b. Windshear
- CH.V.D.R2c: c. Turbulence, including wake turbulence
- CH.V.D.R3: Planning for:
- CH.V.D.R3a: a. Rejected landing and go-around
- CH.V.D.R3b: b. Powerplant failure during the approach
- CH.V.D.R4: Collision hazards.
- CH.V.D.R5: Vortex ring state (VRS).
- CH.V.D.R6: Landing surface.
- CH.V.D.R7: Aircraft limitations.
- CH.V.D.R8: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- CH.V.D.R9: Loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE).
- CH.V.D.R10: Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) and flat light conditions.
How do I study CH.V.D?
- Read each element for CH.V.D 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.D, 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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