PRIVATE HELICOPTER TEST EXAM 2025
with verified answers and rationale
graded A+
Section 1: Regulations and Pilot Privileges (Questions 1–20)
1. What are the eligibility requirements for a private pilot certificate with a helicopter rating?
A. At least 16 years of age, able to read and write English, valid driver's license
B. At least 17 years of age, able to read, speak, write, and understand English, hold a current Third
Class medical certificate, and meet aeronautical experience requirements-1-16
C. At least 18 years of age, hold a Second Class medical certificate
D. At least 17 years of age, hold a First Class medical certificate
Rationale: Per 14 CFR 61.103, applicants for a private pilot certificate must be at least 17 years old,
be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and hold at least a current Third Class medical
certificate. They must also receive required ground and flight training endorsements, meet
aeronautical experience requirements, and pass the required knowledge and practical tests-1-16.
2. What privileges and limitations apply to a private pilot?
A. May act as PIC of an aircraft carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire
B. May not act as PIC of an aircraft carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire, and
may not pay less than the pro rata share of operating expenses with passengers-1-16
C. May act as PIC for compensation or hire but not carry passengers
D. May charge passengers for the full cost of the flight
Rationale: A private pilot may not act as PIC of an aircraft carrying passengers or property for
compensation or hire, nor may they act as PIC for compensation or hire. They may share operating
expenses pro rata with passengers, provided expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or
rental fees-1-16.
3. To act as pilot-in-command of a civil aircraft, what must a pilot have in their possession or
readily accessible in the aircraft?
A. A current sectional chart and flight plan
B. A valid pilot certificate, photo identification, and a current and appropriate medical certificate-
16
C. A logbook showing all flight time
D. A notarized copy of the airworthiness certificate
,Rationale: 14 CFR 61.3 requires the pilot to have a valid pilot certificate, government-issued photo
identification, and (when required for the operation) a current medical certificate in personal
possession or readily accessible in the aircraft-12-16.
4. What are the requirements to remain current as a private pilot to carry passengers?
A. One takeoff and one landing within the preceding 30 days
B. Three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90 days as sole manipulator of the flight
controls-16
C. Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop within the preceding 60 days
D. Six instrument approaches within the preceding 6 months
Rationale: 14 CFR 61.57 requires three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90 days in
an aircraft of the same category, class, and type (if a type rating is required) to carry passengers. For
helicopters, the landings need not be to a full stop (that requirement applies to tailwheel airplanes)-
12-16.
5. What medical certificate is required to exercise private pilot privileges, and how long is it valid?
A. First Class; valid for 12 months regardless of age
B. Second Class; valid for 24 months regardless of age
C. Third Class; valid for 60 months if under 40 when taken, 24 months if over 40 when taken-16
D. Third Class; valid for 12 months regardless of age
Rationale: A Third Class medical certificate is required for private pilot privileges. If the pilot is under
40 when the certificate is taken, it expires at the end of the 60th month. If the pilot is over 40 when
taken, it expires at the end of the 24th month-16.
6. If a pilot changes their mailing address and fails to notify the FAA Airmen Certification Branch,
how long may they continue to exercise the privileges of their pilot certificate?
A. 10 days
B. 30 days
C. 60 days
D. Indefinitely
Rationale: A pilot may continue to exercise certificate privileges for 30 days after the date of the
move without notifying the FAA. After that period, failure to notify is a violation-16.
7. What documents are required on board an aircraft prior to flight?
A. Pilot certificate, medical certificate, and logbook
B. Airworthiness certificate, registration certificate, operating limitations (or owner's manual), and
weight and balance data-16
C. Flight plan, weather briefing, and sectional chart
D. Insurance policy, maintenance logbooks, and airworthiness directives
,Rationale: The required documents on board include the Airworthiness Certificate, Registration
Certificate, Owner's Manual or operating limitations, and Weight and Balance data. These must be
available for inspection-16.
8. Who is responsible for ensuring that an aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition?
A. The FAA
B. The mechanic who last inspected it
C. The owner or operator
D. The pilot flying the aircraft
Rationale: The owner or operator is responsible for ensuring the aircraft is maintained in an
airworthy condition. After inspections and repairs, the PIC is responsible for determining that the
aircraft is in an airworthy condition for flight-16.
9. What is an Airworthiness Certificate, and how long does it remain valid?
A. Issued by the manufacturer; valid for 1 year
B. Issued by the FAA after inspection; remains valid as long as the aircraft meets requirements and
is maintained in safe operating condition-16
C. Issued by the FAA; expires annually
D. Issued by the mechanic; valid until next inspection
Rationale: An Airworthiness Certificate is issued by the FAA only after the aircraft has been
inspected and found to meet 14 CFR requirements and is in a condition for safe operation. It remains
in effect as long as the aircraft is maintained in accordance with those requirements-16.
10. What regulation applies concerning the operation of an aircraft that has had alterations or
repairs which may have substantially affected its operation in flight?
A. The aircraft may be operated immediately by any pilot
B. Cannot operate or carry passengers until an appropriately rated pilot with at least a private
pilot certificate flies the aircraft, makes an operational check, and logs the flight-16
C. Only the mechanic who performed the work may fly the aircraft
D. The aircraft must be flown by a commercial pilot for 10 hours
Rationale: After alterations or repairs that may substantially affect flight operation, the aircraft
cannot be operated or carry passengers until an appropriately rated pilot (at least private pilot)
performs an operational check flight and logs it in the aircraft records-16.
11. What are the minimum aeronautical experience requirements for a private pilot helicopter
rating?
A. 30 hours total flight time
B. 40 hours total flight time, including 20 hours flight training and 10 hours solo, with specific
cross-country, night, and practical test preparation requirements-32
, C. 50 hours total flight time
D. 60 hours total flight time
Rationale: Per 14 CFR 61.109(c), applicants for a private pilot certificate with rotorcraft category and
helicopter class rating must log at least 40 hours of flight time, including at least 20 hours of flight
training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training. This includes 3 hours of
cross-country flight training, 3 hours of night flight training, 3 hours of practical test preparation
within 60 days preceding the test, and 10 hours of solo flight time with specific cross-country
requirements-32.
12. What is the definition of "category" with respect to aircraft certification?
A. Specific make and basic model of aircraft
B. Broad classification of aircraft, such as airplane, rotorcraft, or glider-16
C. Classification within a category having similar operating characteristics
D. The maximum gross weight of the aircraft
Rationale: Category is a broad classification of aircraft (e.g., airplane, rotorcraft, glider). Class is a
classification within a category (e.g., single-engine land, multi-engine land). Type is a specific make
and basic model-16.
13. What is the definition of "class" with respect to aircraft certification?
A. Broad classification such as airplane or rotorcraft
B. Classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating characteristics, such as
single-engine land or multi-engine land
C. Specific make and model of aircraft
D. The aircraft's airworthiness category
Rationale: Class refers to a classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating
characteristics. For helicopters, the class is simply "helicopter" since there is no land/seaplane
division as with airplanes-16.
14. What is the minimum safe altitude for a helicopter over a congested area under 14 CFR
91.119?
A. 500 feet above the surface
B. 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 2,000 feet horizontally
C. An altitude allowing emergency landing without undue hazard, if operated without hazard to
persons or property-12-20
D. 2,000 feet above ground level
Rationale: 14 CFR 91.119(d) allows helicopters to be operated at less than the minimums for fixed-
wing aircraft if the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface, and
the pilot complies with any FAA-prescribed routes or altitudes for helicopters-12-20.
with verified answers and rationale
graded A+
Section 1: Regulations and Pilot Privileges (Questions 1–20)
1. What are the eligibility requirements for a private pilot certificate with a helicopter rating?
A. At least 16 years of age, able to read and write English, valid driver's license
B. At least 17 years of age, able to read, speak, write, and understand English, hold a current Third
Class medical certificate, and meet aeronautical experience requirements-1-16
C. At least 18 years of age, hold a Second Class medical certificate
D. At least 17 years of age, hold a First Class medical certificate
Rationale: Per 14 CFR 61.103, applicants for a private pilot certificate must be at least 17 years old,
be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and hold at least a current Third Class medical
certificate. They must also receive required ground and flight training endorsements, meet
aeronautical experience requirements, and pass the required knowledge and practical tests-1-16.
2. What privileges and limitations apply to a private pilot?
A. May act as PIC of an aircraft carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire
B. May not act as PIC of an aircraft carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire, and
may not pay less than the pro rata share of operating expenses with passengers-1-16
C. May act as PIC for compensation or hire but not carry passengers
D. May charge passengers for the full cost of the flight
Rationale: A private pilot may not act as PIC of an aircraft carrying passengers or property for
compensation or hire, nor may they act as PIC for compensation or hire. They may share operating
expenses pro rata with passengers, provided expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or
rental fees-1-16.
3. To act as pilot-in-command of a civil aircraft, what must a pilot have in their possession or
readily accessible in the aircraft?
A. A current sectional chart and flight plan
B. A valid pilot certificate, photo identification, and a current and appropriate medical certificate-
16
C. A logbook showing all flight time
D. A notarized copy of the airworthiness certificate
,Rationale: 14 CFR 61.3 requires the pilot to have a valid pilot certificate, government-issued photo
identification, and (when required for the operation) a current medical certificate in personal
possession or readily accessible in the aircraft-12-16.
4. What are the requirements to remain current as a private pilot to carry passengers?
A. One takeoff and one landing within the preceding 30 days
B. Three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90 days as sole manipulator of the flight
controls-16
C. Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop within the preceding 60 days
D. Six instrument approaches within the preceding 6 months
Rationale: 14 CFR 61.57 requires three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90 days in
an aircraft of the same category, class, and type (if a type rating is required) to carry passengers. For
helicopters, the landings need not be to a full stop (that requirement applies to tailwheel airplanes)-
12-16.
5. What medical certificate is required to exercise private pilot privileges, and how long is it valid?
A. First Class; valid for 12 months regardless of age
B. Second Class; valid for 24 months regardless of age
C. Third Class; valid for 60 months if under 40 when taken, 24 months if over 40 when taken-16
D. Third Class; valid for 12 months regardless of age
Rationale: A Third Class medical certificate is required for private pilot privileges. If the pilot is under
40 when the certificate is taken, it expires at the end of the 60th month. If the pilot is over 40 when
taken, it expires at the end of the 24th month-16.
6. If a pilot changes their mailing address and fails to notify the FAA Airmen Certification Branch,
how long may they continue to exercise the privileges of their pilot certificate?
A. 10 days
B. 30 days
C. 60 days
D. Indefinitely
Rationale: A pilot may continue to exercise certificate privileges for 30 days after the date of the
move without notifying the FAA. After that period, failure to notify is a violation-16.
7. What documents are required on board an aircraft prior to flight?
A. Pilot certificate, medical certificate, and logbook
B. Airworthiness certificate, registration certificate, operating limitations (or owner's manual), and
weight and balance data-16
C. Flight plan, weather briefing, and sectional chart
D. Insurance policy, maintenance logbooks, and airworthiness directives
,Rationale: The required documents on board include the Airworthiness Certificate, Registration
Certificate, Owner's Manual or operating limitations, and Weight and Balance data. These must be
available for inspection-16.
8. Who is responsible for ensuring that an aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition?
A. The FAA
B. The mechanic who last inspected it
C. The owner or operator
D. The pilot flying the aircraft
Rationale: The owner or operator is responsible for ensuring the aircraft is maintained in an
airworthy condition. After inspections and repairs, the PIC is responsible for determining that the
aircraft is in an airworthy condition for flight-16.
9. What is an Airworthiness Certificate, and how long does it remain valid?
A. Issued by the manufacturer; valid for 1 year
B. Issued by the FAA after inspection; remains valid as long as the aircraft meets requirements and
is maintained in safe operating condition-16
C. Issued by the FAA; expires annually
D. Issued by the mechanic; valid until next inspection
Rationale: An Airworthiness Certificate is issued by the FAA only after the aircraft has been
inspected and found to meet 14 CFR requirements and is in a condition for safe operation. It remains
in effect as long as the aircraft is maintained in accordance with those requirements-16.
10. What regulation applies concerning the operation of an aircraft that has had alterations or
repairs which may have substantially affected its operation in flight?
A. The aircraft may be operated immediately by any pilot
B. Cannot operate or carry passengers until an appropriately rated pilot with at least a private
pilot certificate flies the aircraft, makes an operational check, and logs the flight-16
C. Only the mechanic who performed the work may fly the aircraft
D. The aircraft must be flown by a commercial pilot for 10 hours
Rationale: After alterations or repairs that may substantially affect flight operation, the aircraft
cannot be operated or carry passengers until an appropriately rated pilot (at least private pilot)
performs an operational check flight and logs it in the aircraft records-16.
11. What are the minimum aeronautical experience requirements for a private pilot helicopter
rating?
A. 30 hours total flight time
B. 40 hours total flight time, including 20 hours flight training and 10 hours solo, with specific
cross-country, night, and practical test preparation requirements-32
, C. 50 hours total flight time
D. 60 hours total flight time
Rationale: Per 14 CFR 61.109(c), applicants for a private pilot certificate with rotorcraft category and
helicopter class rating must log at least 40 hours of flight time, including at least 20 hours of flight
training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training. This includes 3 hours of
cross-country flight training, 3 hours of night flight training, 3 hours of practical test preparation
within 60 days preceding the test, and 10 hours of solo flight time with specific cross-country
requirements-32.
12. What is the definition of "category" with respect to aircraft certification?
A. Specific make and basic model of aircraft
B. Broad classification of aircraft, such as airplane, rotorcraft, or glider-16
C. Classification within a category having similar operating characteristics
D. The maximum gross weight of the aircraft
Rationale: Category is a broad classification of aircraft (e.g., airplane, rotorcraft, glider). Class is a
classification within a category (e.g., single-engine land, multi-engine land). Type is a specific make
and basic model-16.
13. What is the definition of "class" with respect to aircraft certification?
A. Broad classification such as airplane or rotorcraft
B. Classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating characteristics, such as
single-engine land or multi-engine land
C. Specific make and model of aircraft
D. The aircraft's airworthiness category
Rationale: Class refers to a classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating
characteristics. For helicopters, the class is simply "helicopter" since there is no land/seaplane
division as with airplanes-16.
14. What is the minimum safe altitude for a helicopter over a congested area under 14 CFR
91.119?
A. 500 feet above the surface
B. 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 2,000 feet horizontally
C. An altitude allowing emergency landing without undue hazard, if operated without hazard to
persons or property-12-20
D. 2,000 feet above ground level
Rationale: 14 CFR 91.119(d) allows helicopters to be operated at less than the minimums for fixed-
wing aircraft if the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface, and
the pilot complies with any FAA-prescribed routes or altitudes for helicopters-12-20.
