PH.IV.B — Hover Taxi

What does ACS code PH.IV.B cover?

ACS Code PH.IV.B covers "Hover Taxi" under Area of Operation IV (Hovering Maneuvers) 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 IV — Hovering Maneuvers
• Task: Task B — Hover Taxi
• 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.IV.B.K1: Current airport aeronautical references and information resources such as the Chart Supplement, airport diagram, and Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs).
• PH.IV.B.K2: Hover taxi instructions, clearances, and limitations.
• PH.IV.B.K3: Airport/heliport/helipad/landing area, signs, markings, and lighting.
• PH.IV.B.K4: Visual indicators for wind.
• PH.IV.B.K5: Aircraft lighting, as appropriate.
• PH.IV.B.K6: Procedures for:
• PH.IV.B.K6a: a. Pilot activities during taxiing
• PH.IV.B.K6b: b. Safe hover taxi at towered and non-towered airports/heliports/helipads/landing areas
• PH.IV.B.K6c: c. Entering or crossing runways
• PH.IV.B.K7: Height/Velocity (H/V) considerations.
• PH.IV.B.K8: Aircraft operating limitations.

Risk Management Elements

• PH.IV.B.R1: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
• PH.IV.B.R2: Reduced visibility or night taxi operations.
• PH.IV.B.R3: Runway incursion.
• PH.IV.B.R4: Other aircraft, vehicles, persons, and hazards.
• PH.IV.B.R5: Hazardous effects of downwash.
• PH.IV.B.R6: Main rotor, tail rotor, and tail strike hazards.
• PH.IV.B.R7: Height/Velocity (H/V) considerations.
• PH.IV.B.R8: Confirmation or expectation bias as related to taxi instructions.

How do I study PH.IV.B?

1. Read each element for PH.IV.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.IV.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.IV.A — Vertical Takeoff and Landing
• Next task: PH.IV.C — Air Taxi
• Same area: PH.IV.A — Vertical Takeoff and Landing
• Same area: PH.IV.C — Air Taxi
• Same area: PH.IV.D — Taxiing with Wheel-Type Landing Gear
• Same area: PH.IV.E — Slope Operations