PH.III.B — Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems

What does ACS code PH.III.B cover?

ACS Code PH.III.B covers "Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems" under Area of Operation III (Airport and Heliport Operations) for the FAA Private Pilot Helicopter certificate (FAA-S-ACS-15). 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-15 (Private Pilot Helicopter)
• Area of Operation: Area III — Airport and Heliport Operations
• Task: Task B — Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems
• 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

• PH.III.B.K1: How to obtain appropriate radio frequencies.
• PH.III.B.K2: Proper radio communication procedures and air traffic control (ATC) phraseology.
• PH.III.B.K3: ATC light signal recognition.
• PH.III.B.K4: Appropriate use of transponder(s).
• PH.III.B.K5: Lost communication procedures.
• PH.III.B.K6: Equipment issues that could cause loss of communication.
• PH.III.B.K7: Radar assistance.
• PH.III.B.K8: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident/incident reporting.
• PH.III.B.K9: Runway Status Lighting Systems.

Risk Management Elements

• PH.III.B.R1: Communication.
• PH.III.B.R2: Deciding if and when to declare an emergency.
• PH.III.B.R3: Use of non-standard phraseology.

How do I study PH.III.B?

1. Read each element for PH.III.B in FAA-S-ACS-15 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 PH.III.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: PH.III.A — Runway/Taxiway/Heliport/Helipad Signs, Markings, and Lighting
• Next task: PH.III.C — Traffic Patterns
• Same area: PH.III.A — Runway/Taxiway/Heliport/Helipad Signs, Markings, and Lighting
• Same area: PH.III.C — Traffic Patterns