PH.V.G — Pinnacle Operations

What does ACS code PH.V.G cover?

ACS Code PH.V.G covers "Pinnacle 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 G — Pinnacle 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.G.K1: Elements of pinnacle/platform operations.
• PH.V.G.K2: Effects of wind, weight, temperature, and density altitude.
• PH.V.G.K3: Suitable takeoff point and departure flight path during climb.
• PH.V.G.K4: Situations when a pinnacle/platform approach, landing and takeoff is recommended and factors related to aircraft performance.
• PH.V.G.K5: Elements of a high and low reconnaissance.

Risk Management Elements

• PH.V.G.R1: Selection of approach path, termination point and departure path based on aircraft performance and limitations, and wind.
• PH.V.G.R2: Effects of:
• PH.V.G.R2a: a. Wind Direction
• PH.V.G.R2b: b. Windshear
• PH.V.G.R2c: c. Turbulence
• PH.V.G.R3: H/V diagram information.
• PH.V.G.R4: Go-around.
• PH.V.G.R5: Powerplant failure during approach/landing phase of flight.
• PH.V.G.R6: Collision hazards.
• PH.V.G.R7: Vortex ring state (VRS).
• PH.V.G.R8: Landing surface.
• PH.V.G.R9: Low rotor rpm.
• PH.V.G.R10: Dynamic rollover.
• PH.V.G.R11: Ground resonance.
• PH.V.G.R12: Loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE).
• PH.V.G.R13: Aircraft limitations.
• PH.V.G.R14: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
• PH.V.G.R15: Main and tail rotor hazards for passengers.
• PH.V.G.R16: Forced landing.

How do I study PH.V.G?

1. Read each element for PH.V.G 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.G, 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.F — Confined Area Operations
• Next task: PH.V.H — Shallow Approach and Running/Roll-On Landing
• 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.F — Confined Area Operations