CH.VIII.B — Powerplant Failure at Altitude in a Single-Engine Helicopter

What does ACS code CH.VIII.B cover?

ACS Code CH.VIII.B covers "Powerplant Failure at Altitude in a Single-Engine Helicopter" under Area of Operation VIII (Emergency 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 VIII — Emergency Operations
• Task: Task B — Powerplant Failure at Altitude in a Single-Engine Helicopter
• 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.VIII.B.K1: Elements of a powerplant failure at altitude.
• CH.VIII.B.K2: Effects of wind, weight, temperature, and density altitude.
• CH.VIII.B.K3: Main rotor (Nr) speed.
• CH.VIII.B.K4: Energy management.
• CH.VIII.B.K5: Causes and effects of high descent rates.
• CH.VIII.B.K6: Effect of varying bank angles, airspeeds, and rotor rpm.

Risk Management Elements

• CH.VIII.B.R1: Low entry altitudes.
• CH.VIII.B.R2: Selection of landing area.
• CH.VIII.B.R3: Flight control inputs.
• CH.VIII.B.R4: Turbulence, including wake turbulence.
• CH.VIII.B.R5: Windshear.
• CH.VIII.B.R6: Low rotor rpm or rotor stall.
• CH.VIII.B.R7: Powerplant failure during the maneuver.
• CH.VIII.B.R8: Collision hazards.
• CH.VIII.B.R9: Autorotation power-off never-exceed speed (VNE) limitation.
• CH.VIII.B.R10: Helicopter trim.
• CH.VIII.B.R11: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

How do I study CH.VIII.B?

1. Read each element for CH.VIII.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.VIII.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.VIII.A — Powerplant Failure in a Hover in a Single-Engine Helicopter
• Next task: CH.VIII.C — Approach and Landing with One Engine Inoperative (OEI) (Simulated)
• Same area: CH.VIII.A — Powerplant Failure in a Hover in a Single-Engine Helicopter
• Same area: CH.VIII.C — Approach and Landing with One Engine Inoperative (OEI) (Simulated)
• Same area: CH.VIII.D — Systems and Equipment Malfunctions
• Same area: CH.VIII.E — Vortex Ring State (VRS)
• Same area: CH.VIII.F — Low Rotor Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) Recognition and Recovery
• Same area: CH.VIII.G — Antitorque System Failure