Commercial Pilot Rotorcraft Helicopter — ACS Reference
The Commercial Pilot Rotorcraft Helicopter Airman Certification Standards are the official task-by-task standards for the CPL helicopter practical test. Published November 2023, the FAA replaced the legacy Commercial Helicopter PTS (FAA-S-8081-16B) with FAA-S-ACS-16 — Commercial Pilot for Rotorcraft Category Helicopter Rating ACS. This page is a structured navigation map — every Task below shows its code, title, page reference, objective, primary references, and a link to the relevant RotaryXC content. For the verbatim K/RM/S element list, always read the live ACS PDF — that is the source of truth and the document the DPE has open at your practical test.
Source: FAA-S-ACS-16 (current ACS, November 2023); 14 CFR § 61.127(b); FAA-H-8083-21B Helicopter Flying Handbook.
What's different from PPL ACS: Adds Night Operations as Task I.I (preflight planning depth); reorganizes Confined Area + Pinnacle into a separate Area IX. Special Operations; adds basic instrument competency in Area VIII (Tasks L & M — Flight by Reference to Instruments and Recovery from Unusual Attitudes). All other Areas mirror the PPL ACS structure with commercial-level standards.
How to read an ACS code
Every test element is a four-part code. CH.I.C.K2 means:
- CH = applicable ACS (Commercial Helicopter)
- I = Area of Operation (Roman numeral, I–X)
- C = Task within the Area (capital letter)
- K2 = element type and number — K = Knowledge, R = Risk Management, S = Skill
Sub-elements use lowercase letters (e.g., CH.I.B.K3a). The Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) reports missed questions as ACS codes.
Commercial Pilot Helicopter (CRH) knowledge test
- Test code: CRH
- Questions: 100
- Time allotted: 3.0 hours
- Passing score: 70%
- Minimum age (knowledge test): 16
- Minimum age (commercial certificate): 18 (per § 61.123)
Per 14 CFR § 61.39, the knowledge test must be passed before the practical. An applicant adding the helicopter category to an existing certificate complies with § 61.63.
Reference library
Documents cited across the Tasks below. All FAA materials are public domain.
- 14 CFR Part 27 — Airworthiness Standards: Normal Category Rotorcraft
- 14 CFR Part 29 — Airworthiness Standards: Transport Category Rotorcraft
- 14 CFR Part 39 — Airworthiness Directives
- 14 CFR Part 43 — Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, Alteration
- 14 CFR Part 61 — Pilot Certification (esp. § 61.123 / § 61.127 / § 61.129)
- 14 CFR Part 68 — BasicMed
- 14 CFR Part 71 — Designation of Class A, B, C, D, E Airspace
- 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating & Flight Rules
- 14 CFR Part 93 — Special Air Traffic Rules
- AC 61-140 — Autorotation Training
- AC 68-1 — BasicMed
- AC 90-95 — Unanticipated Right Yaw in Helicopters
- AC 91-21-1 — Use of Portable Electronic Devices Aboard Aircraft
- AC 91-32 — Safety in and Around Helicopters
- AC 91-73 — Procedures During Taxi Operations
- AC 91-78 — Use of Class 1 / Class 2 Electronic Flight Bags
- AC 91-92 — Pilot's Guide to a Preflight Briefing
- AIM — Aeronautical Information Manual
- FAA-H-8083-1 — Weight & Balance Handbook
- FAA-H-8083-2 — Risk Management Handbook
- FAA-H-8083-15 — Instrument Flying Handbook
- FAA-H-8083-21B — Helicopter Flying Handbook
- FAA-H-8083-25 — Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK)
- FAA-H-8083-28 — Aviation Weather Handbook
- SAFO 16016 — Dynamic Rollover
Area I.Preflight Preparation
CH.I.A · Pilot Qualifications p.2
Commercial pilot certificate privileges/limitations, currency, recordkeeping, and medical certificate requirements (commercial requires at least second-class for compensation/hire ops).
Refs: 14 CFR Parts 61, 68, 91; AC 68-1; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25
CH.I.B · Airworthiness Requirements p.2
General airworthiness, ADs, MEL/KOEL, owner/operator responsibilities, and pilot-performed preventive maintenance — at commercial-operations depth.
Refs: 14 CFR Parts 27, 29, 39, 43, 91; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25
CH.I.C · Weather Information p.3
Weather products, meteorology, and go/no-go decision making at commercial-operations depth — multiplied exposure across more flights and routes.
Refs: 14 CFR Part 91; AC 91-92; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25, -28
CH.I.D · Cross-Country Flight Planning p.4
Route planning, altitude selection, performance calc, fuel reserves, VFR flight plan, intercept procedures, EFB use — for commercial XC operations.
Refs: 14 CFR Part 91; AC 91-21-1; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; Helicopter Route Charts; NOTAMs; VFR Navigation Charts
CH.I.E · National Airspace System p.5
Airspace classes and requirements, special-use airspace, SFRA, TFR, special VFR — at the level needed to operate commercially in any class of airspace.
Refs: 14 CFR Parts 71, 91, 93; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; Helicopter Route Charts; VFR Navigation Charts
CH.I.F · Performance and Limitations p.6
Performance charts/tables, atmospheric and configuration effects, W&B math, H/V diagram, RBS and LTE limits — applied to commercial-load operations.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-1, -2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.I.G · Operation of Systems p.7
Helicopter systems: flight controls/trim, powerplant, rotor and antitorque, transmission, fuel/oil/hydraulic, avionics, electrical, instruments, environmental, anti-/de-ice. Indications and procedures for system abnormalities.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.I.H · Human Factors p.8
Aeromedical and physiological issues, fitness, regulations on alcohol/drugs, ADM with CRM/SRM, hazardous attitudes — at commercial-operations level.
Refs: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25
CH.I.I · Night Operations p.9NEW vs PPL
Night-flight planning, vision physiology, equipment per § 91.205(c), lighting systems, night orientation, illusions, currency vs proficiency. (PPL placed Night Ops in its own Area IX; CPL collapses it into Preflight Preparation.)
Refs: 14 CFR Part 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
Area II.Preflight Procedures
CH.II.A · Preflight Assessment p.10
Pilot self-assessment; helicopter airworthiness determination; preflight inspection items, defect detection, regulations; environmental factors.
Refs: AC 91-32; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.II.B · Flight Deck Management p.10
Passenger briefing (commercial-pax considerations), checklists, current navigation data, cargo securing, SRM/CRM application.
Refs: 14 CFR Part 91; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.II.C · Powerplant Starting and Rotor Engagement p.11
Starting under various conditions, with/without external power; aborted-start conditions; positioning the helicopter for safe engagement.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.II.D · Before Takeoff Check p.12
Purpose of checklist items, malfunction detection, manufacturer-recommended configuration; takeoff and emergency review.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
Area III.Airport and Heliport Operations
CH.III.A · Runway/Taxiway/Heliport/Helipad Signs, Markings, and Lighting p.13
Sign/marking/lighting interpretation; landing site dimensions and limitations; runway incursion and conflict avoidance.
Refs: 14 CFR Part 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25
CH.III.B · Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems p.13
Frequencies, ATC phraseology, light signals, transponder use, lost-comm procedures, NTSB reporting, runway status lighting.
Refs: 14 CFR Part 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25
CH.III.C · Traffic Patterns p.14
Towered and nontowered ops; pattern altitudes (±100 ft) and airspeed (±10 kt); fixed-wing flow avoidance per § 91.126(b)(2).
Refs: 14 CFR Part 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25
Area IV.Hovering Maneuvers
Note: Task D must be tested in addition if the applicant supplies a wheel-type helicopter.
CH.IV.A · Vertical Takeoff and Landing p.15
Vertical T/O and landing from hover. Tolerance: hover ±½ altitude within 10 ft surface (or ±5 ft if >10 ft); position within 4 ft; heading ±10°.
Refs: 14 CFR Part 91; AC 90-95; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.IV.B · Hover Taxi p.15
Hover taxi procedures, clearances, runway-incursion avoidance, H/V considerations. Track ±4 ft, heading ±10° on pivot turns.
Refs: AC 91-73; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.IV.C · Air Taxi p.17
Air-taxi procedures, H/V considerations, airspeed/altitude selection, LTE-conducive condition avoidance. Altitude ±10 ft.
Refs: AC 91-73; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.IV.D · Taxiing with Wheel-Type Landing Gear p.18
Ground taxi in wheel-type helicopter; flight-control wind correction; brake/cyclic/collective coordination. Track ±4 ft.
Refs: AC 91-73; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.IV.E · Slope Operations p.19
Slope selection, wind effects, dynamic-rollover considerations, manufacturer slope limits. Heading ±10°.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
Area V.Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds
Note: Confined Area + Pinnacle moved to Area IX (Special Operations) at the CPL level.
CH.V.A · Normal Takeoff and Climb p.21
Normal T/O, climb, rejected T/O. Climb attitude/airspeed ±10 kt.
Refs: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.V.B · Normal and Crosswind Approach p.22
Normal/crosswind approach, ground-track correction, touchdown ±4 ft; awareness of wind, turbulence, VRS, wake.
Refs: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.V.C · Maximum Performance Takeoff and Climb p.23
Max-perf T/O over an obstacle; climb attitude/airspeed ±5 kt; rotor/power management.
Refs: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.V.D · Steep Approach p.24
Steep approach (15° max angle); VRS awareness; degraded visual environment / flat-light awareness.
Refs: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.V.E · Rolling Takeoff (Wheel-Type Landing Gear) p.25
Rolling T/O in wheel-type helicopter; H/V considerations; translational-lift onset; transition to climb at ±10 kt.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.V.F · Shallow Approach and Running/Roll-On Landing p.26
Shallow approach; running/roll-on landing; ETL through surface contact; ground track and crosswind correction.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.V.G · Go-Around p.27
Recognition of need for go-around; timely decision; positive climb at airspeed ±10 kt; ATC coordination.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
Area VI.Performance Maneuvers
Note: evaluator must select Task A and at least one other Task.
CH.VI.A · Rapid Deceleration / Quick Stop p.29
Quick-stop purpose, atmospheric effects, wind correction. Heading ±10°; tail-boom clearance maintained throughout.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.VI.B · Straight-In Autorotation in a Single-Engine Helicopter p.29
Power-off glide at autorotation airspeed ±10 kt; main rotor (Nr) in normal limits; terminate to a stabilized hover within 200 ft of designated point.
Refs: AC 61-140; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.VI.C · Autorotation with Turns in a Single-Engine Helicopter p.31
Autorotation with turns; roll out no lower than 300 ft AGL; same termination tolerance as Task B (200 ft of designated point).
Refs: AC 61-140; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
Area VII.Navigation
CH.VII.A · Pilotage and Dead Reckoning p.33
Pilotage, dead-reckoning math, magnetic compass errors, checkpoint timing within 5 minutes of ETA. Altitude ±200 ft, heading ±15°. Verify position within 3 NM of planned route.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; Helicopter Route Charts; VFR Navigation Charts
CH.VII.B · Navigation Systems and Radar Services p.34
Ground-based and satellite nav including RAIM, course intercept/track, transponder, ADS-B. Altitude ±200 ft, heading ±15°.
Refs: AC 91-78; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25
CH.VII.C · Diversion p.35
Diversion to alternate; reasonable estimate of heading/groundspeed/arrival/fuel; weather updating in flight. Altitude ±200 ft, heading ±15°.
Refs: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; Helicopter Route Charts; VFR Navigation Charts
CH.VII.D · Lost Procedures p.35
Methods to determine position; assistance available; when to declare emergency. The "5 Cs": Climb, Conserve, Communicate, Confess, Comply.
Refs: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; Helicopter Route Charts; VFR Navigation Charts
Area VIII.Emergency Operations
Note: Tasks G–J tested orally only. Task C tested in addition if applicant supplies a multiengine helicopter. Tasks L & M are new for CPL — basic instrument competency required at commercial level.
CH.VIII.A · Powerplant Failure in a Hover (Single-Engine) p.37
Hovering autorotation; touchdown with minimum movement; heading ±10° throughout.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.VIII.B · Powerplant Failure at Altitude (Single-Engine) p.38
Simulated engine failure at altitude; autorotation at airspeed ±10 kt; suitable landing area; terminate with power recovery at safe altitude.
Refs: AC 61-140; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.VIII.C · OEI Approach and Landing (Multiengine, Simulated) p.39
OEI approach with operating powerplant in OEI limits; flight profile altitude ±200 ft, airspeed ±20 kt, heading ±10°.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.VIII.D · Systems and Equipment Malfunctions p.39
Powerplant, electrical, flight instruments, pitot-static, EFD, landing gear, hydraulic, smoke/fire; recognition and response per RFM.
Refs: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25
CH.VIII.E · Vortex Ring State (VRS) p.40
VRS conditions, aerodynamics, scenarios, recovery technique. Recover no lower than 1,000 ft AGL or per RFM. Recognize, announce, recover at first indication.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.VIII.F · Low Rotor RPM Recognition and Recovery p.41
Low Nr causes, aerodynamics, recovery; difference between low Nr and blade stall.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.VIII.G · Antitorque System Failure p.42 · oral only
Antitorque failure indications, RFM procedures, wind conditions favoring landing.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.VIII.H · Dynamic Rollover p.42 · oral only
Conditions, aerodynamics, preventive technique, recovery during slope operations. SAFO 16016 cited.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM; SAFO 16016
CH.VIII.I · Ground Resonance p.43 · oral only
Conditions, recognition, contributing factors, preventive technique; corrective actions at low and normal Nr.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.VIII.J · Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery p.44 · oral only
Low-G aerodynamics, mast bumping potential; control inputs to avoid and recover.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.VIII.K · Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear p.44
ELT operations; fire extinguisher; survival gear for climate extremes / mountainous / overwater operations; 48–72 hour survival readiness.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.VIII.L · Flight Solely by Reference to Instruments p.45NEW vs PPL
Basic attitude instrument flying — straight-and-level, climbs, turns, descents — solely by reference to instruments. Tolerance: altitude ±100 ft, heading ±10°, airspeed ±10 kt. Required at commercial level even without an instrument rating.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -15, -21, -25
CH.VIII.M · Recovery from Unusual Flight Attitudes p.46NEW vs PPL
Unusual-attitude prevention and recovery (nose-high and nose-low) by reference to instruments. IIMC/UIMC procedures. Risk includes low-G mast bumping if applicable.
Refs: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, -15, -21, -25; POH/RFM
Area IX.Special OperationsNEW vs PPL
Note: PPL ACS placed Confined Area + Pinnacle in Area V (Takeoffs/Landings). The CPL ACS elevates them to a separate Area at commercial-operations depth.
CH.IX.A · Confined Area Operations p.47
High and low recon; power-required vs power-available; suitable approach/termination/departure path; VRS, dynamic rollover, ground resonance, LTE awareness.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
CH.IX.B · Pinnacle Operations p.48
Pinnacle/platform approach and departure; high/low recon; wind/density-altitude analysis; same hazard list as Task A plus terrain considerations.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
Area X.Postflight Procedures
CH.X.A · After Landing, Parking, and Securing p.50
Helicopter shutdown, securing, postflight inspection; minimize hazardous downwash; document discrepancies; safe parking.
Refs: FAA-H-8083-2, -21, -25; POH/RFM
Practical test outcomes & commercial-specific notes
- Pass: Notice of Issuance, Temporary Airman Certificate.
- Notice of Disapproval: Failure of any Task fails the test. Retest under the ACS in effect on the retest date.
- Letter of Discontinuance: Test stopped for non-applicant reason. Credit for completed Tasks under the same ACS edition.
Commercial limitations without an instrument rating (per 14 CFR § 61.133(b)): XC for compensation/hire limited to 50 NM from departure airport; carrying passengers at night for compensation/hire is prohibited. Most commercial helicopter pilots pursue an instrument rating to lift these restrictions.
Aeronautical experience (per 14 CFR § 61.129(c)): 150 hours total (50 in helicopters), 100 PIC (35 helicopter), 10 XC PIC (5 helicopter), 5 hours night T/O+landings, 5 hours instrument training, plus the long XC of ≥ 50 NM total with one landing ≥ 25 NM straight-line per § 61.129(c)(4)(i). The on-site Logbook calculator verifies eligibility.