Rotorcraft Pilot Standards

Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft, Helicopter and Gyroplane: 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. The Commercial Pilot Rotorcraft Practical Test Standards have been designed to evaluate competency in both knowledge and skill. Commercial pilots are professionals engaged in various flight activities for compensation or hire. Because of their professional status, they should exhibit a significantly higher level of knowledge and skill than the private pilot. Although some TASKs listed are similar to those in the Private Pilot Rotorcraft Practical Test Standards, the wording used in the Commercial Pilot Rotorcraft Practical Test Standards reflects a higher level of competency expected of a commercial pilot applicant in performing these similar TASKs. The FAA requires that all practical tests be conducted in accordance with the appropriate Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards and the policies set forth in this INTRODUCTION. Commercial pilot applicants must be evaluated in ALL TASKs included in the AREAS OF OPERATION of the appropriate practical test standard unless otherwise noted.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is an agency of the United States Department of Transportation with authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S. (National Airworthiness Authority). The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 created the group under the name "Federal Aviation Agency", and adopted its current name in 1967 when it became a part of the United States Department of Transportation. The Federal Aviation Administration's major roles include: Regulating U.S. commercial space transportation. Regulating air navigation facilities' geometry and Flight inspection standards. Encouraging and developing civil aeronautics, including new aviation technology. Issuing, suspending, or revoking pilot certificates. Regulating civil aviation to promote safety, especially through local offices called Flight Standards District Offices. Developing and operating a system of air traffic control and navigation for both civil and military aircraft. Researching and developing the National Airspace System and civil aeronautics. Developing and carrying out programs to control aircraft noise and other environmental effects of civil aviation.