A helicopter student can hover over a spot, fly a clean autorotation, and still feel unsure about checkride day, because the question isn’t only whether you can do it but what the examiner will be looking for. The Airman Certification Standards answer that question in writing.
The ACS lays out what applicants must know, what they must be able to do, and the risks they must consider for each area of the certificate. Examiners use it to plan and grade the knowledge exam and checkride, so studying from it means preparing against the same standard you’ll be measured by.
Quick answer: ASA’s Airman Certification Standards for Private Pilot Helicopter (ASA-ACS-15) is a softcover printing of the standard that sets out what applicants must know, do, and consider for the Private Pilot Helicopter FAA knowledge exam and practical test. It’s for helicopter students and the instructors preparing them, available on Skyfarer and at Skyfarer Shop.
At a glance
- Subject. Airman Certification Standards for the Private Pilot Helicopter certificate.
- Covers. What applicants must know, do, and consider for the FAA knowledge exam and the practical test (checkride).
- Format. Softcover.
- Part number. ASA-ACS-15.
How students and instructors use it
- Lesson planning. Instructors map lessons to each area of operation and task.
- Self-checks. Students compare their flying with the standard for each maneuver before a stage check.
- Oral prep. The knowledge and risk management elements make a ready-made list of oral exam topics.
- Checkride day. Knowing the standard removes much of the mystery about what the examiner will ask for.
Pilot tip: Before your mock checkride, go through each task and mark anything you couldn’t explain or fly to standard today. That list is your training plan for the final few lessons.
Where to buy
ASA Airman Certification Standards: Private Pilot Helicopter (ASA-ACS-15) is sold by Skyfarer Shop. Find it on the Skyfarer marketplace or order directly from Skyfarer Shop. Either link shows the current price, shipping options and return terms.
Frequently asked questions
Is this for airplanes?
No. This edition is for the Private Pilot Helicopter certificate.
Does it cover the knowledge test too?
Yes. It covers what applicants must know for the knowledge exam as well as the practical test.
Is it hardcover?
No, it’s a softcover.
