ANAC Private Pilot Helicopter (PPH) (ANAC) exam-day guide
ANAC Private Pilot Helicopter (PPH) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo identification
Bring the government-issued photo ID specified by the testing authority. Confirm the exact accepted forms with the provider before exam day, since requirements can differ between testing centers and countries.
Knowledge test results / endorsement documents
Carry your passed knowledge test report and any instructor endorsements or application paperwork the provider lists for the practical test. Confirm the required document set with the provider, as specific forms vary by authority.
Pilot logbook
Bring your logbook with all flight time, training entries, and endorsements up to date. The examiner will review it to verify eligibility and experience requirements.
Aircraft documents and maintenance records
Know where the airworthiness certificate, registration, operating limitations, weight and balance data, and maintenance records are kept in the aircraft; you may be asked to locate and explain them.
Current aeronautical charts and publications
Bring current charts, airport information, and any flight-planning publications appropriate to the planned route. Check that nothing is expired.
Flight planning materials and calculations
Prepare a complete cross-country plan including performance, fuel, weight and balance, and weather analysis. Bring your own calculator, plotter, and any tools you used so you can explain your numbers.
Weather and NOTAM briefing printouts
Obtain and print a briefing for the planned flight close to departure. Be ready to explain how the weather affects your go/no-go decision and route planning.
Headset, flashlight, and personal flight gear
Bring your own headset, a working flashlight, sunglasses, and any personal items you normally fly with. Confirm with the provider whether the aircraft supplies a headset.
Rest, hydration, and a light meal
Plan for adequate sleep in the days before and eat sensibly on the morning of the test. Fatigue and low blood sugar degrade oral and flight performance.
Dress appropriately and arrive early
Wear practical clothing suitable for the aircraft and weather, and arrive with enough buffer to complete paperwork, preflight, and settle in without rushing.
Review of aircraft systems and emergency procedures
Be prepared to explain systems, limitations, and emergency procedures for the specific helicopter you will fly. Study the applicable pilot's operating handbook beforehand.
Confirm scheduling and fees with the provider
Contact the provider ahead of time to confirm the appointment time, location, examiner assignment, aircraft availability, and any fees or cancellation policies. Details vary, so verify rather than assume.
Plan the day
Complete or polish your cross-country flight plan using current weather and NOTAM data, and recheck weight, balance, fuel, and performance calculations. Review the pilot's operating handbook for the aircraft you will fly, focusing on limitations, systems, and emergency procedures. Practice oral-exam topics aloud, including airspace, weather, regulations, and aerodynamics. Confirm with the provider the appointment time, meeting point, aircraft, and required documents. Protect your sleep schedule and avoid cramming new material late at night.
Do a light review of your weakest areas rather than a full re-study. Recheck the weather forecast and NOTAMs for the planned route and be ready to discuss alternate plans. Assemble documents, logbook, charts, headset, and planning materials in one bag. Confirm transportation to the testing location and allow extra time. Get a full night's sleep and avoid alcohol.
Eat a light meal and hydrate. Obtain a fresh weather briefing and NOTAM check, and note any changes from your planning. Arrive early, complete any paperwork, and do a methodical preflight of the helicopter. Organize your materials so you can find charts, documents, and calculations quickly during the oral portion.
Listen carefully to each question and answer directly; if you do not know something, say so and explain how you would find the answer rather than guessing. Talk through your planning and decision-making during the flight portion so the examiner can follow your reasoning. Manage the aircraft conservatively, use checklists, and fly stabilized approaches. If you make an error, correct it calmly and continue. Ask for clarification if a task or instruction is unclear.
Rules to check
Present the identification and documents the provider requires before testing begins; confirm the accepted forms in advance, as requirements vary by authority and testing center.
Follow the examiner's instructions during the flight portion, but retain final responsibility for the safe conduct of the flight; speak up immediately about any safety concern.
Answer oral questions honestly. If you do not know an answer, state that and describe how you would locate the information; do not fabricate facts or procedures.
Ask the examiner or provider about break policies and any accommodations you may need before or during the test, since these are set by the provider rather than assumed.
Use checklists and the aircraft's published limitations and procedures throughout the flight; do not exceed any limitation to demonstrate a maneuver.
Understand how scoring and any unsatisfactory areas are handled by asking the provider in advance; do not assume a specific retest or continuation policy.
Avoid discussing specific test content with other candidates in a way that could compromise the integrity of the evaluation, and follow the provider's conduct rules at the testing site.
Confirm all fees, cancellation terms, and scheduling policies with the provider beforehand, since these are administrative matters set by the provider and not by this guide.