CH.VIII.D — Systems and Equipment Malfunctions

What does ACS code CH.VIII.D cover?

ACS Code CH.VIII.D covers "Systems and Equipment Malfunctions" 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 D — Systems and Equipment Malfunctions
• 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.D.K1: Causes of partial or complete power loss related to the specific type of powerplant(s).
• CH.VIII.D.K2: System and equipment malfunctions specific to the helicopter, including:
• CH.VIII.D.K2a: a. Electrical malfunction
• CH.VIII.D.K2b: b. Flight instrument malfunctions
• CH.VIII.D.K2c: c. Pitot-static system malfunction
• CH.VIII.D.K2d: d. Electronic flight deck display malfunction
• CH.VIII.D.K2e: e. Landing gear malfunctions
• CH.VIII.D.K2f: f. Inoperative flight control/trim
• CH.VIII.D.K2g: g. Hydraulic failure, if applicable
• CH.VIII.D.K3: Various frequency vibrations and the possible components that may be affected.
• CH.VIII.D.K4: Causes and remedies for smoke or fire onboard the aircraft.
• CH.VIII.D.K5: Any other system malfunction specific to the helicopter flown.

Risk Management Elements

• CH.VIII.D.R1: Startle response.
• CH.VIII.D.R2: Checklist usage for a system or equipment malfunction.
• CH.VIII.D.R3: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
• CH.VIII.D.R4: Undesired aircraft state.

How do I study CH.VIII.D?

1. Read each element for CH.VIII.D 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.D, and read the explanation for every miss.
4. Retest, then review the ACS codes you still miss on your practice test report.

New to ACS codes? How the FAA ACS works and how to read your codes →

Related ACS tasks

• Previous task: CH.VIII.C — Approach and Landing with One Engine Inoperative (OEI) (Simulated)
• Next task: CH.VIII.E — Vortex Ring State (VRS)
• Same area: CH.VIII.A — Powerplant Failure in a Hover in a Single-Engine Helicopter
• Same area: CH.VIII.B — Powerplant Failure at Altitude in a Single-Engine Helicopter
• Same area: CH.VIII.C — Approach and Landing with One Engine Inoperative (OEI) (Simulated)
• 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