Pilot testing for Helicopter

Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft Helicopter and Gyroplane FAA-S-8081-16B: Material in FAA-S-8081-16B will be effective June 1, 2013. All previous editions of the Commercial Pilot - Rotorcraft (Helicopter and Gyroplane) Practical Test Standards will be obsolete as of this date. The Commercial Pilot - Rotorcraft (Helicopter and Gyroplane) Practical Test Standards (PTS) book has been published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the standards for commercial pilot certification practical tests for the rotorcraft category, helicopter and gyroplane classes. FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners shall conduct practical tests in compliance with these standards. Flight instructors and applicants should find these standards helpful during training and when preparing for the practical test. Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61 specifies the areas in which knowledge and skill must be demonstrated by the applicant before the issuance of a commercial pilot certificate or rating. The CFRs provide the flexibility that permits the FAA to publish practical test standards containing the Areas of Operation and specific Tasks in which competency must be demonstrated. The FAA will revise this PTS whenever it is determined that changes are needed in the interest of safety.