ANAC Commercial Pilot Helicopter (PCH) study plan

Map the RBAC Part 61, 91, and 135 (as applicable) requirements for commercial helicopter operations into a one-page checklist of privileges, limitations, and currency items.

Extract and tabulate all helicopter-specific operating minima (VFR weather minimums, fuel reserves, altimetry, and night/IMC restrictions) from the applicable RBAC into a personal quick-reference card.

List the documents, inspections, and equipment required for a commercial helicopter flight and match each item to its governing regulation.

Outline the standard operational sequence (pre-flight, departure, en route, approach, shutdown) and annotate each phase with the relevant regulation or company procedure.

Draft a 20-question self-quiz on regulatory definitions and operator responsibilities, then score at least 80% without notes.

Diagram the major helicopter systems (airframe, main and tail rotor, transmission, engine, fuel, electrical, hydraulic) and label the function of each component.

Explain how rotor blade design (chord, twist, taper, airfoil) affects lift and drag, and relate each feature to the aerodynamic forces on the rotor disc.

Describe the causes, recognition, and recovery for retreating-blade stall, dissymmetry of lift, translational lift, and vortex ring state.

Compare piston and turbine engine operating principles, including compressor surge, hot starts, and autorotation considerations.

Complete a 30-question systems-and-aerodynamics quiz and review every missed item with a written explanation.

Calculate weight and balance for three sample helicopter load scenarios, including forward and aft CG limits and lateral balance.

Interpret a helicopter performance chart (density altitude, hover ceiling, takeoff distance) and compute the effects of temperature, pressure altitude, and gross weight.

Explain how CG position affects controllability, autorotation, and tail-rotor effectiveness.

Solve five performance-planning problems under time pressure and document the assumptions used.

Create a one-page load-planning worksheet that can be reused for real flights.

Describe the physiological effects of hypoxia, hyperventilation, spatial disorientation, and fatigue on helicopter pilots, and list mitigation strategies.

Interpret a standard meteorological briefing (METAR, TAF, significant weather charts) and identify hazards for a planned helicopter flight.

Explain the formation and characteristics of mountain waves, low-level wind shear, fog, and thunderstorms relevant to low-level helicopter operations.

Apply human-factors decision-making models (e.g., IMSAFE, PAVE) to three realistic accident scenarios and propose safer alternatives.

Complete a 25-question meteorology and human-performance quiz with at least 80% correct.

Plan a 120-nautical-mile cross-country helicopter route using a VFR chart, selecting waypoints, altitudes, and diversion airfields.

Compute heading, groundspeed, and fuel burn for each leg using wind-triangle calculations, and verify with an E6B or electronic flight computer.

List and explain the radio frequencies, transponder codes, and phraseology required for departure, en route, and arrival at a controlled aerodrome.

Practice standard radiotelephony phraseology for at least ten common helicopter scenarios (e.g., hover taxi, air taxi, autorotation practice).

Draft a navigation log and a communications script for the planned cross-country flight.

Explain the techniques and considerations for confined-area operations, slope landings, pinnacle approaches, and autorotation entries.

Describe emergency procedures for engine failure, tail-rotor malfunction, and fire, and match each to the appropriate checklist.

Review the regulatory requirements for special operations (e.g., external load, night operations) and list the additional equipment and training required.

Create a pre-flight risk-assessment checklist for off-airport helicopter operations.

Rehearse the emergency procedures verbally for five scenarios and record the steps in a personal checklist.

Complete a full-length practice examination (all domains) under timed conditions and score at least 75%.

Identify the three weakest domains from the practice exam and create a targeted review plan for each.

Re-read the regulatory and aerodynamics summaries and update any notes that were unclear during the practice exam.

Practice 20 calculation problems (weight and balance, performance, navigation) with a target of 90% accuracy.

Review all missed questions and write a one-sentence explanation for each correct answer.

Complete two additional full-length practice exams and achieve a score of at least 80% on each.

Review the error-analysis logs from all practice exams and confirm that every previously missed concept is understood.

Recite the key regulatory limits, emergency procedures, and aerodynamic principles from memory in a 30-minute self-test.

Finalize a one-page summary sheet of the most critical facts for each domain.

Schedule and confirm the ANAC PCH examination appointment.