PH.VIII.J — Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery

What does ACS code PH.VIII.J cover?

ACS Code PH.VIII.J covers "Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery" under Area of Operation VIII (Emergency Operations) 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 VIII — Emergency Operations
• Task: Task J — Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery
• 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.VIII.J.K1: Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to low G conditions by describing:
• PH.VIII.J.K1a: a. Aerodynamic factors related to low G conditions
• PH.VIII.J.K1b: b. Situations that contribute to low G conditions
• PH.VIII.J.K1c: c. Avoidance, recognition, and appropriate recovery procedures
• PH.VIII.J.K2: Effects of low G conditions on various rotor systems.
• PH.VIII.J.K3: Pilot responses that lead to mast bumping in a low G condition, if applicable.

Risk Management Elements

• PH.VIII.J.R1: Control inputs that cause low G conditions.
• PH.VIII.J.R2: Turbulence/gusty wind conditions.
• PH.VIII.J.R3: Control inputs that cause mast bumping.

How do I study PH.VIII.J?

1. Read each element for PH.VIII.J 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.VIII.J, 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.VIII.I — Ground Resonance
• Next task: PH.VIII.K — Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear
• Same area: PH.VIII.A — Powerplant Failure in a Hover in a Single-Engine Helicopter
• Same area: PH.VIII.B — Powerplant Failure at Altitude in a Single-Engine Helicopter
• Same area: PH.VIII.C — Approach and Landing with One Engine Inoperative (OEI) (Simulated)
• Same area: PH.VIII.D — Systems and Equipment Malfunctions
• Same area: PH.VIII.E — Vortex Ring State (VRS)
• Same area: PH.VIII.F — Low Rotor Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) Recognition and Recovery