PH.V.F — Confined Area Operations

What does ACS code PH.V.F cover?

ACS Code PH.V.F covers "Confined Area Operations" 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 F — Confined Area Operations
• 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.F.K1: Effects of wind, weight, temperature, and density altitude.
• PH.V.F.K2: Situations when a confined area approach and landing is recommended and factors related to landing performance including H/V diagram information.
• PH.V.F.K3: High and low reconnaissance, including takeoff and departure planning.
• PH.V.F.K4: Power requirements versus power available for the departure or arrival profile(s).

Risk Management Elements

• PH.V.F.R1: Selection of approach path, termination point and departure path based on aircraft performance and limitations, wind, and availability of alternate sites.
• PH.V.F.R2: Effects of:
• PH.V.F.R2a: a. Wind Direction
• PH.V.F.R2b: b. Windshear
• PH.V.F.R2c: c. Turbulence
• PH.V.F.R3: H/V diagram information.
• PH.V.F.R4: Go-around.
• PH.V.F.R5: Forced landing during the maneuver.
• PH.V.F.R6: Landing surface.
• PH.V.F.R7: Dynamic rollover.
• PH.V.F.R8: Ground resonance.
• PH.V.F.R9: Low rotor rpm.
• PH.V.F.R10: Loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE).
• PH.V.F.R11: Collision hazards.
• PH.V.F.R12: Vortex ring state (VRS).
• PH.V.F.R13: Aircraft limitations.
• PH.V.F.R14: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
• PH.V.F.R15: Power requirements versus power available for the departure or arrival profile(s).

How do I study PH.V.F?

1. Read each element for PH.V.F 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.F, 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.V.E — Go-Around
• Next task: PH.V.G — Pinnacle Operations
• Same area: PH.V.A — Normal Takeoff and Climb
• 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.G — Pinnacle Operations