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ANAC Private Pilot Helicopter (PPH) study materials
ANAC Private Pilot Helicopter (PPH) study resources

ANAC Private Pilot Helicopter (PPH) (ANAC) practice questions

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Question 1Air Law and ANAC Regulations

Under ANAC regulations, what is the minimum age to be issued a private pilot helicopter licence in Brazil?

  1. 17 years
  2. 16 years
  3. 21 years
  4. 18 years Correct answer.

Explanation

ANAC requires applicants for a private pilot licence (helicopter included) to be at least 18 years old. The 16-year threshold applies to student pilot certificates, and 21 is only relevant to certain commercial or airline privileges.

Question 2Air Law and ANAC Regulations

A private pilot helicopter licence holder may, under ANAC rules, receive payment for flying because:

  1. the flight is limited to carrying passengers who share costs Correct answer.
  2. the pilot holds a valid medical certificate
  3. the aircraft is operated under an air taxi certificate
  4. the licence is commercial in nature

Explanation

A private pilot may only share operating costs with passengers; the pilot may not be remunerated for the flight. Commercial remuneration requires a commercial pilot licence and, for public transport, an operator certificate.

Question 3Air Law and ANAC Regulations

For a private pilot helicopter licence, how often must the holder renew their medical certificate if they are under 40 years old?

  1. Every 12 months Correct answer.
  2. Every 6 months
  3. Every 36 months
  4. Every 24 months

Explanation

ANAC requires holders of private pilot licences under 40 to renew their medical certificate annually. More frequent renewal (6 months) applies to commercial operations and older pilots.

Question 4Air Law and ANAC Regulations

Which document must a private pilot helicopter carry on board during every flight in Brazil?

  1. The pilot's flight logbook
  2. The aircraft maintenance logbook
  3. The operator's insurance policy
  4. The aircraft registration certificate Correct answer.

Explanation

The certificate of registration (and airworthiness certificate) must be carried on board. Maintenance logs and personal logbooks stay on the ground; insurance documents are not required on board under ANAC rules.

Question 5Air Law and ANAC Regulations

Before operating a helicopter in Brazil, the pilot must ensure the aircraft holds a valid:

  1. radio station licence only
  2. export certificate of airworthiness
  3. type certificate of registration
  4. certificate of airworthiness Correct answer.

Explanation

A valid certificate of airworthiness confirms the aircraft meets its approved type design and is safe to fly. It must be current for every flight and is checked alongside the registration.

Question 6Air Law and ANAC Regulations

A pilot's medical certificate expires while they are away from base. What is the correct action before flying again?

  1. Obtain a new valid medical certificate Correct answer.
  2. Request a 30-day extension from the tower
  3. Have another pilot sign as PIC
  4. Fly only daylight VFR flights until renewal

Explanation

The medical certificate must be valid at the time of flight; there is no grace period for private operations. The pilot must renew it before exercising licence privileges.

Question 7Air Law and ANAC Regulations

The minimum visibility for VFR helicopter operations in controlled airspace at low altitude under ANAC rules is generally:

  1. 1 500 m Correct answer.
  2. 5 000 m
  3. 3 000 m
  4. 800 m

Explanation

ANAC sets a minimum flight visibility of 1 500 m for VFR operations in controlled airspace at lower levels. Higher minima apply at higher altitudes and in certain special VFR cases.

Question 8Air Law and ANAC Regulations

For VFR flight in controlled airspace, the helicopter must remain clear of cloud and:

  1. below 900 m AGL at all times
  2. in sight of the surface and clear of cloud with the required distance from cloud Correct answer.
  3. at least 300 m above the highest obstacle
  4. within 100 m vertically of the surface

Explanation

VFR requires the aircraft to be clear of cloud with the prescribed horizontal and vertical distance, and to have surface reference in sight when operating at low level. Altitude ceilings are not a VFR condition per se.

Question 9Air Law and ANAC Regulations

When two aircraft are approaching head-on, the pilot should:

  1. maintain heading and speed
  2. alter heading to the right Correct answer.
  3. descend to pass below the other aircraft
  4. climb to pass above the other aircraft

Explanation

The right-of-way rule requires both aircraft to alter heading to the right when meeting head-on. Climbing or descending to pass is not the prescribed action.

Question 10Air Law and ANAC Regulations

A helicopter and an airplane are converging at the same altitude. Which aircraft has the right of way under ANAC rules?

  1. The aircraft that first calls on the radio
  2. The helicopter, because it is less maneuverable Correct answer.
  3. The aircraft on the right
  4. The airplane, because it is faster

Explanation

ANAC rules give right of way to the less maneuverable category; helicopters are considered less maneuverable than airplanes in this context. Radio calls and speed do not confer right of way.

Question 11Air Law and ANAC Regulations

A helicopter is landing at an aerodrome where other aircraft are in the circuit. Which aircraft has priority?

  1. Aircraft taxiing on the apron
  2. Aircraft on downwind leg
  3. Aircraft established on final approach or landing Correct answer.
  4. Aircraft on crosswind leg

Explanation

Aircraft on final approach or in the process of landing have priority over other traffic in the circuit. Pilots on other legs must give way and extend their pattern as required.

Question 12Air Law and ANAC Regulations

The standard cruising altitude for VFR flights in Brazil is based on:

  1. magnetic heading and hemispheric rule Correct answer.
  2. true heading and time of day
  3. radio frequency in use
  4. pressure altitude and aircraft weight

Explanation

VFR cruising levels follow the hemispheric rule based on magnetic heading: 000–179° uses odd thousands plus 500 ft, 180–359° uses even thousands plus 500 ft. Other factors do not determine the level.

Question 13Air Law and ANAC Regulations

Under the hemispheric rule, a VFR flight tracking 090° magnetic should cruise at:

  1. 4 000 ft
  2. 5 500 ft Correct answer.
  3. 4 500 ft
  4. 5 000 ft

Explanation

Headings from 000° to 179° use odd thousands plus 500 ft, so 090° corresponds to 5 500 ft (or 3 500, 7 500, etc.). Even thousands plus 500 ft apply to headings 180–359°.

Question 14Air Law and ANAC Regulations

When must a pilot file a flight plan for a VFR helicopter flight in Brazil?

  1. Only when crossing an international border
  2. Never, since VFR does not require a flight plan
  3. Only when flying above 3 000 m
  4. When the flight will enter controlled airspace or as required by the ATS unit Correct answer.

Explanation

A flight plan is required for flights in controlled airspace and for other cases specified by ANAC/ATS. International flights also require one, but that is not the only case.

Question 15Air Law and ANAC Regulations

A pilot operating a helicopter in a control zone must:

  1. advise the tower after landing
  2. obtain an ATC clearance before entering Correct answer.
  3. remain below 300 m AGL
  4. switch off the transponder

Explanation

Entry into a control zone requires an ATC clearance. The clearance ensures separation from other traffic and is a precondition for operating within controlled airspace.

Question 16Air Law and ANAC Regulations

In the event of a radio communication failure in VFR, the pilot should:

  1. squawk 7700 and continue at cruise
  2. continue to the destination and land without any signal
  3. land as soon as practicable and notify ATS Correct answer.
  4. climb to 3 000 m and orbit

Explanation

For VFR flights, a communication failure requires landing as soon as practicable and notifying the ATS unit. Continuing to destination without communication is not the prescribed procedure.

Question 17Air Law and ANAC Regulations

The emergency transponder code used to indicate a general emergency is:

  1. 7700 Correct answer.
  2. 7500
  3. 7600
  4. 7000

Explanation

Code 7700 signals a general emergency. Codes 7500 (unlawful interference) and 7600 (radio failure) have distinct meanings.

Question 18Air Law and ANAC Regulations

A helicopter pilot observes another aircraft in distress. Under ANAC rules, the pilot should:

  1. report the sighting after landing
  2. change frequency and ignore the distress
  3. render assistance as far as possible without endangering the flight Correct answer.
  4. continue the flight as planned

Explanation

Pilots are obliged to render assistance to persons or aircraft in distress to the extent possible without jeopardizing their own safety. Simply continuing or reporting later does not satisfy this obligation.

Question 19Air Law and ANAC Regulations

The minimum fuel required for a VFR helicopter flight must include reserve for:

  1. 45 minutes of flight at normal cruise
  2. 30 minutes of flight at cruise speed Correct answer.
  3. 10 minutes of flight at best endurance
  4. 20 minutes of flight at holding speed

Explanation

ANAC requires VFR flights to carry enough fuel for the planned flight plus a 30-minute reserve at cruise speed. This reserve covers unexpected delays or deviations.

Question 20Air Law and ANAC Regulations

When flying over congested areas of a city, the minimum altitude for a helicopter under ANAC rules is:

  1. 500 m above the highest obstacle within 600 m
  2. 300 m above the highest obstacle within 600 m Correct answer.
  3. 150 m above the highest obstacle within 600 m
  4. 1 000 m above the highest obstacle within 600 m

Explanation

Over congested areas, helicopters must maintain at least 300 m (about 1 000 ft) above the highest obstacle within a 600 m radius. Lower minima may apply with specific authorization.

Question 21Air Law and ANAC Regulations

A helicopter pilot intends to land on a private helipad in a populated area. Which ANAC requirement applies?

  1. The pilot must obtain a temporary permit from the tower
  2. No authorization is needed for private helipads
  3. Only the landowner's permission is required
  4. The helipad must be registered and approved by ANAC Correct answer.

Explanation

Helipads used for operations must be registered and approved by ANAC, meeting siting and safety criteria. Landowner permission alone is insufficient.

Question 22Air Law and ANAC Regulations

A pilot's licence has been suspended by ANAC. The pilot may:

  1. fly only as a student
  2. not exercise any licence privileges until reinstated Correct answer.
  3. fly only with a safety pilot
  4. continue flying under supervision

Explanation

A suspension removes the privilege to exercise the licence until ANAC reinstates it. Flying under supervision or with a safety pilot does not restore the privilege.

Question 23Air Law and ANAC Regulations

Which of the following is a condition for maintaining private pilot helicopter recency under ANAC rules?

  1. Passing a check ride every 6 months
  2. Logging at least 10 hours per month
  3. Completing at least three takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days Correct answer.
  4. Flying only with an instructor on board

Explanation

Recency for carrying passengers requires at least three takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days in the same category and class. Monthly hours and periodic check rides are not the recency standard.

Question 24Air Law and ANAC Regulations

When operating a helicopter at an uncontrolled aerodrome, the pilot should:

  1. make position broadcasts on the appropriate frequency Correct answer.
  2. obtain a clearance from the tower
  3. enter the circuit without radio calls
  4. avoid all other traffic by flying above 1 000 m

Explanation

At uncontrolled aerodromes, pilots make position broadcasts to alert other traffic; there is no tower to issue clearances. Silence or flying high does not replace these broadcasts.

Question 25Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

In a piston-engine helicopter, what is the primary function of the main rotor system?

  1. To provide electrical power for avionics
  2. To drive the tail rotor through a gearbox
  3. To produce lift and thrust for flight Correct answer.
  4. To cool the engine during hover

Explanation

The main rotor converts engine torque into aerodynamic lift and, by tilting its thrust vector, into propulsive thrust for forward, lateral and rearward flight. The engine delivers power through the transmission to the rotor, not the reverse.

Question 26Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

What is the purpose of the swashplate assembly in a helicopter rotor system?

  1. To measure rotor RPM for the tachometer
  2. To transfer non-rotating control inputs to the rotating blades Correct answer.
  3. To balance the rotor blades statically
  4. To absorb torque from the engine

Explanation

The swashplate has a stationary ring that receives pilot control inputs and a rotating ring attached to the blades, allowing cyclic and collective pitch changes to be transmitted into the rotating system.

Question 27Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

Moving the cyclic control stick forward in a helicopter produces which result?

  1. A forward tilt of the rotor disc Correct answer.
  2. A rearward tilt of the rotor disc
  3. An increase in tail rotor thrust
  4. A decrease in total rotor thrust

Explanation

The cyclic changes blade pitch cyclically so that the rotor disc tilts in the direction the stick is moved. Forward cyclic tilts the disc forward, directing the thrust vector forward and producing acceleration.

Question 28Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

What happens to collective pitch and engine power required when a helicopter enters an autorotation?

  1. Collective is lowered and engine power is increased
  2. Collective is held constant and engine power is increased
  3. Collective is raised to maintain altitude and engine power is increased
  4. Collective is lowered to maintain rotor RPM and engine power is removed Correct answer.

Explanation

In autorotation the engine is disengaged and the upflow of air through the rotor drives it. Lowering collective reduces blade angle so the rotor keeps turning at a safe RPM while the aircraft descends.

Question 29Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

Which component prevents the helicopter fuselage from rotating in the opposite direction to the main rotor?

  1. The freewheeling unit
  2. The tail rotor Correct answer.
  3. The horizontal stabilizer
  4. The swashplate

Explanation

Main rotor torque produces an equal and opposite reaction on the fuselage. The tail rotor produces sideways thrust to counter this torque and hold the fuselage heading.

Question 30Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

What is the function of the freewheeling unit (one-way clutch) in a helicopter transmission?

  1. To lock the rotor to the engine at all times
  2. To allow the rotor to turn the engine during start
  3. To disconnect the engine from the rotor when rotor RPM exceeds engine RPM Correct answer.
  4. To limit maximum rotor RPM

Explanation

The freewheeling unit allows the engine to drive the rotor but disengages automatically when the rotor turns faster than the engine, as in an engine failure or autorotation. This permits the rotor to keep turning without the engine.

Question 31Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

Dissymmetry of lift in forward flight is compensated primarily by which blade characteristic?

  1. Blade twist
  2. Blade coning
  3. Blade flapping Correct answer.
  4. Blade sweep

Explanation

The advancing blade sees higher relative airflow and produces more lift, causing it to flap upward; the retreating blade flaps downward. This flapping equalizes lift across the disc and is the primary means of compensating dissymmetry of lift.

Question 32Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

Translating tendency in a single main rotor helicopter is corrected by which design feature?

  1. Canting the main rotor mast slightly
  2. Mounting the tail rotor with a small horizontal offset or mast tilt Correct answer.
  3. Rigging the cyclic to a neutral offset
  4. Applying a small lateral cyclic input in a fixed direction

Explanation

The tail rotor thrust needed to counter torque also produces a sideways force that tends to drift the helicopter. Designers offset the tail rotor thrust line or tilt the mast so this side force is balanced in the hover.

Question 33Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

What is ground effect in a helicopter?

  1. A tendency to drift sideways during hover
  2. An increase in lift efficiency when hovering close to the surface Correct answer.
  3. A loss of tail rotor effectiveness near obstacles
  4. An increase in engine power near the ground

Explanation

Near the surface, the downwash is restricted and the rotor operates with less induced velocity, reducing induced power and improving lift efficiency. This allows hovering with less power at a given weight.

Question 34Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

Which condition is most likely to cause loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE)?

  1. A strong headwind during cruise
  2. A rapid descent in autorotation
  3. A high forward airspeed with low power
  4. A left crosswind at low airspeed and high power Correct answer.

Explanation

LTE occurs when the tail rotor cannot produce enough antitorque thrust, commonly with certain wind directions (particularly a left crosswind for a counterclockwise main rotor), low airspeed and high power. The combination reduces tail rotor authority.

Question 35Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

What does a settling-with-power condition indicate during hover?

  1. The helicopter is in a normal autorotation
  2. The helicopter is operating with excess power available
  3. The helicopter is descending despite full power applied Correct answer.
  4. The helicopter has entered vortex ring state

Explanation

Settling with power occurs when the helicopter descends into its own downwash at high power and low airspeed, so even full power cannot arrest the descent. Recovery involves gaining forward airspeed to fly out of the disturbed air.

Question 36Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

What is the primary purpose of the collective pitch control?

  1. To control the heading of the helicopter
  2. To control engine RPM directly
  3. To change blade pitch cyclically once per revolution
  4. To change the pitch of all main rotor blades simultaneously Correct answer.

Explanation

The collective changes the pitch angle of all main rotor blades equally and simultaneously, which controls total rotor thrust and thus climb or descent. The throttle or governor is coordinated to maintain rotor RPM.

Question 37Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

What is the function of the antitorque pedals in a helicopter?

  1. To control tail rotor thrust and thereby yaw Correct answer.
  2. To adjust collective pitch
  3. To operate the cyclic trim
  4. To control main rotor RPM

Explanation

The pedals change tail rotor blade pitch, varying tail rotor thrust. This controls yaw and heading and compensates for changes in main rotor torque as power changes.

Question 38Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

Which instrument indicates the rotational speed of the main rotor system?

  1. The airspeed indicator
  2. The vertical speed indicator
  3. The tachometer Correct answer.
  4. The altimeter

Explanation

The tachometer displays rotor RPM (and often engine RPM), allowing the pilot to keep rotor speed within the approved range. This is critical for safety in both powered flight and autorotation.

Question 39Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

During an autorotative descent, which action helps maintain rotor RPM if it begins to decay?

  1. Increasing collective pitch
  2. Lowering the collective pitch Correct answer.
  3. Applying more throttle
  4. Increasing tail rotor thrust

Explanation

Lowering collective reduces blade angle of attack, decreasing the drag on the blades and allowing the upflow to keep the rotor turning. This restores or maintains rotor RPM in autorotation.

Question 40Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

What is blade coning?

  1. The horizontal lag of the blades behind the mast
  2. The cyclic change of blade pitch
  3. The upward angle of the blades caused by lift Correct answer.
  4. The downward flex of the blades at rest

Explanation

In hover and forward flight, lift acts upward on each blade, and the resulting bending moment causes the blades to cone upward. Coning angle increases with higher lift and is a normal design consideration.

Question 41Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

Why is a teetering (semi-rigid) rotor system designed with a flapping hinge or teetering hinge?

  1. To allow blade pitch to change
  2. To drive the tail rotor
  3. To permit the blades to flap and equalize lift Correct answer.
  4. To reduce engine vibration

Explanation

The teetering hinge allows the two-blade rotor to flap as a unit, equalizing lift between the advancing and retreating sides. This relieves the bending loads that would otherwise occur from dissymmetry of lift.

Question 42Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

Which of the following best describes the effect of density altitude on helicopter performance?

  1. Density altitude has no effect on helicopter performance
  2. Higher density altitude increases engine and rotor performance
  3. Higher density altitude only affects tail rotor performance
  4. Higher density altitude decreases engine and rotor performance Correct answer.

Explanation

As density altitude increases, air density decreases, reducing engine power output and rotor efficiency. This results in longer takeoff distances, reduced climb rates and higher power required in the hover.

Question 43Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

What is the purpose of the horizontal stabilizer on many helicopters?

  1. To provide antitorque thrust
  2. To improve pitch stability in forward flight Correct answer.
  3. To control yaw on the ground
  4. To increase rotor RPM

Explanation

The horizontal stabilizer generates aerodynamic forces that help keep the fuselage aligned with the relative wind and improve pitch stability at forward airspeeds. Its effect is small in the hover.

Question 44Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

What is the primary source of lift on a helicopter in forward flight?

  1. The main rotor disc Correct answer.
  2. The horizontal stabilizer
  3. The tail rotor
  4. The fuselage acting as a wing

Explanation

The main rotor generates nearly all the lift in a helicopter. In forward flight the rotor disc acts as an airfoil, with the advancing and retreating blades together producing the required lift.

Question 45Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

Why does a helicopter require more power to hover than to fly at moderate forward airspeed?

  1. Because the rotor RPM increases in forward flight
  2. Because forward flight reduces the induced velocity through the rotor Correct answer.
  3. Because the tail rotor is disengaged in forward flight
  4. Because the engine runs cooler in forward flight

Explanation

In forward flight, translational lift reduces the induced velocity through the rotor and improves the efficiency of the rotor, lowering induced power. This is why hover requires more power than moderate forward flight.

Question 46Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

What is the purpose of the engine governor in a helicopter?

  1. To maintain rotor RPM by adjusting engine power Correct answer.
  2. To control the mixture ratio
  3. To control tail rotor pitch
  4. To limit the maximum airspeed

Explanation

The governor automatically adjusts engine power (usually via throttle or fuel control) to maintain the selected rotor RPM as collective pitch and load change. This reduces pilot workload.

Question 47Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

Which factor most directly determines the amount of tail rotor thrust required to counteract main rotor torque?

  1. The outside air temperature only
  2. The airspeed of the helicopter
  3. The amount of engine power being delivered to the main rotor Correct answer.
  4. The weight of the tail rotor blades

Explanation

Main rotor torque is proportional to the power delivered to the rotor. As power increases (for example when raising collective), torque increases and more tail rotor thrust is needed to maintain heading.

Question 48Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

What is the most likely consequence of exceeding the never-exceed speed (VNE) of a helicopter?

  1. Structural and aerodynamic loads that may damage the rotor system Correct answer.
  2. Improved fuel efficiency
  3. Increased rotor RPM beyond the governor limit
  4. Automatic activation of the freewheeling unit

Explanation

Exceeding VNE can overstress the rotor system and airframe due to high aerodynamic loads and retreating-blade stall. It is prohibited because of the risk of structural failure or loss of control.

Question 49Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

During a normal landing approach in a helicopter, how is the rate of descent controlled?

  1. By applying full aft cyclic
  2. By increasing collective pitch to reduce the descent rate Correct answer.
  3. By decreasing collective pitch to reduce the descent rate
  4. By pulling the mixture to idle

Explanation

Increasing collective increases total rotor thrust, which arrests or reduces the rate of descent. The pilot coordinates throttle/governor and cyclic to maintain the desired approach profile.

Question 50Aircraft General Knowledge - Helicopter

In a helicopter, which component transmits engine power to the main rotor while allowing the rotor to turn freely if the engine fails?

  1. The main rotor mast
  2. The tail rotor drive shaft
  3. The swashplate assembly
  4. The freewheeling unit Correct answer.

Explanation

The freewheeling unit, or one-way clutch, is installed between the engine and the main rotor system. It allows the engine to drive the rotor but automatically disconnects the engine when rotor RPM exceeds engine RPM, enabling autorotation after an engine failure.