PH.VI.B — Straight-In Autorotation in a Single-Engine Helicopter

What does ACS code PH.VI.B cover?

ACS Code PH.VI.B covers "Straight-In Autorotation in a Single-Engine Helicopter" under Area of Operation VI (Performance 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 VI — Performance Maneuvers
• Task: Task B — Straight-In Autorotation in a Single-Engine Helicopter
• 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.VI.B.K1: Effects of wind, weight, temperature, and density altitude.
• PH.VI.B.K2: Main rotor (Nr) speed.
• PH.VI.B.K3: Energy management.
• PH.VI.B.K4: Causes and effects of high descent rates.
• PH.VI.B.K5: Effect of varying bank angles, airspeeds, and rotor rpm.

Risk Management Elements

• PH.VI.B.R1: Low entry altitudes.
• PH.VI.B.R2: Flight control inputs.
• PH.VI.B.R3: Turbulence, including wake turbulence.
• PH.VI.B.R4: Windshear.
• PH.VI.B.R5: Energy management.
• PH.VI.B.R6: Main rotor (Nr) speed.
• PH.VI.B.R7: Low rotor rpm or rotor stall.
• PH.VI.B.R8: Main rotor (Nr) overspeed.
• PH.VI.B.R9: Excessive rate of descent.
• PH.VI.B.R10: Powerplant failure during the maneuver.
• PH.VI.B.R11: Collision hazards.
• PH.VI.B.R12: Terminating an autorotation.
• PH.VI.B.R13: Power recovery and go-around.
• PH.VI.B.R14: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

How do I study PH.VI.B?

1. Read each element for PH.VI.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.VI.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.VI.A — Rapid Deceleration/Quick Stop
• Next task: PH.VI.C — Autorotation with Turns in a Single-Engine Helicopter
• Same area: PH.VI.A — Rapid Deceleration/Quick Stop
• Same area: PH.VI.C — Autorotation with Turns in a Single-Engine Helicopter