PH.V.A — Normal Takeoff and Climb

What does ACS code PH.V.A cover?

ACS Code PH.V.A covers "Normal Takeoff and Climb" under Area of Operation V (Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds) 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 V — Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds
• Task: Task A — Normal Takeoff and Climb
• 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.V.A.K1: Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.
• PH.V.A.K2: Factors affecting the profile of the height/velocity (H/V) diagram.

Risk Management Elements

• PH.V.A.R1: Selection of takeoff path based on helicopter performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
• PH.V.A.R2: Effects of:
• PH.V.A.R2a: a. Crosswind
• PH.V.A.R2b: b. Windshear
• PH.V.A.R2c: c. Tailwind
• PH.V.A.R2d: d. Turbulence, including wake turbulence
• PH.V.A.R2e: e. Runway/departure point surface/condition
• PH.V.A.R3: Abnormal operations, including planning for:
• PH.V.A.R3a: a. Rejected takeoff
• PH.V.A.R3b: b. Powerplant failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight
• PH.V.A.R4: Collision hazards.
• PH.V.A.R5: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
• PH.V.A.R6: Runway incursion.

How do I study PH.V.A?

1. Read each element for PH.V.A 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.V.A, 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.E — Slope Operations
• Next task: PH.V.B — Normal and Crosswind Approach
• Same area: PH.V.B — Normal and Crosswind Approach
• Same area: PH.V.C — Maximum Performance Takeoff and Climb
• Same area: PH.V.D — Steep Approach
• Same area: PH.V.E — Go-Around
• Same area: PH.V.F — Confined Area Operations
• Same area: PH.V.G — Pinnacle Operations