ANAC Private Pilot Helicopter (PPH) (ANAC) exam-day guide
ANAC Private Pilot Helicopter (PPH) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo ID
Bring a current government-issued photo ID. Confirm with the provider which specific documents they accept before test day.
Written test authorization / eligibility documents
Bring any authorization, endorsement, or registration paperwork the provider requires to admit you to the practical test. Confirm the exact list with the provider.
Pilot logbook
Bring your logbook showing the required training and experience, with instructor endorsements completed and legible.
Knowledge test result report
Bring your airman knowledge test report if one is required for your practical test. Confirm the validity period and requirement with the provider.
Completed application form
Have the practical test application (e.g., the integrated airman certification and rating application) filled out in advance and reviewed by your instructor.
Current aeronautical charts and flight planning materials
Bring current charts, plotter, flight computer or approved electronic equivalent, and your prepared navigation log for the planned cross-country.
Aircraft documents and airworthiness information
Know where the aircraft registration, airworthiness certificate, operating limitations, and weight and balance data are kept, and be ready to present them.
Helicopter-specific equipment
Bring a headset, and any personal equipment you normally fly with. Confirm with the provider or school what equipment is supplied versus what you must bring.
Weather and NOTAM briefing
Obtain a standard briefing for the planned flight and be prepared to discuss it; keep a record of the briefing.
Rest and personal readiness
Plan for adequate sleep and food, and avoid anything that would impair your performance or violate fitness-for-duty expectations.
Payment and scheduling confirmation
Confirm the test time, location, examiner, and fee arrangements with the provider in advance.
Plan the day
Re-read the practical test standards and your aircraft's operating limitations; confirm the appointment, examiner, aircraft, and weather outlook with the provider. Finish any outstanding logbook endorsements and application paperwork.
Practice the oral-exam topics you are weakest on, and rehearse the planned cross-country planning and performance calculations without reference notes.
Do a light review only; verify documents, charts, headset, and equipment are packed. Confirm aircraft availability and fuel status with the school. Get a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal, arrive early, obtain a current weather and NOTAM briefing, and do a careful preflight. Review the aircraft documents and weight and balance one more time.
Listen carefully to each task, ask for clarification when a instruction is unclear, verbalize your checks and decisions, and fly within the standards rather than rushing. Manage the aircraft first, then talk.
If you make an error, correct it promptly and continue; a single deviation is not necessarily disqualifying. Stay calm and keep the examiner informed of your intentions.
Review the results and any noted discrepancies with the examiner and your instructor, and address any debrief items before further flight.
Rules to check
Present valid photo identification and all required documents at the start; if any item is missing, the examiner may be unable to proceed. Confirm the accepted documents with the provider.
Follow the examiner's instructions and the applicable practical test standards; the examiner evaluates performance against published standards, not against other applicants.
You may ask the examiner to repeat or clarify a task, but do not expect the examiner to coach you through it.
Breaks and rest periods are generally at the examiner's discretion; if you need a short break, ask. Confirm any specific break policy with the provider.
Do not use unauthorized reference materials during the oral or flight portions unless the examiner permits it; confirm what references are allowed with the provider.
Maintain fitness for duty: no alcohol or impairing substances, and disclose any condition that could affect safety. Confirm the provider's specific fitness and medication policies.
Treat the examiner, school staff, and other users of the airspace and airport with professional courtesy, and follow all local procedures and regulations.
If you disagree with a result or a discrepancy, raise it respectfully with the examiner and then with the provider through their published process; do not argue during the test.