Elements and Performance Criteria
- Climb helicopter
- Adjustments are made to attitude and power to achieve an increase of altitude at normal, maximum rate (VY), maximum angle (VX) and cruise climb flight configurations from straight and level flight
- Appropriate altimeter settings are set
- Helicopter is maintained in balanced flight during adjustments to attitude and power
- Power is maintained as altitude increases
- Helicopter is levelled off from climb at nominated altitude
- Lookout is maintained during climb using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain
- Situational awareness is maintained
- Maintain straight and level flight
- Attitude and power are adjusted to achieve a constant height, heading and speed while remaining in balanced flight
- Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility or terrain
- Natural horizon is used as primary attitude reference
- Altitude is maintained within allocated height band
- Descend helicopter
- Attitude and power are adjusted to enter and maintain a descent from straight and level flight
- Helicopter is levelled from a descent at a nominated altitude
- Clearance ahead and below is maintained
- Air traffic control (ATC) altitude restrictions are observed
- Design limits are not exceeded during helicopter descent
- Situation awareness is maintained at all times during helicopter descent
- Turn helicopter
- Attitude and power are adjusted to enter and maintain turns at varying rates from level, climbing and descending flight to achieve nominated tracks
- Helicopter is rolled out from the turn to achieve nominated heading or geographical feature alignment
- Helicopter balance and trim are ensured as required
- Lookout is maintained in direction of turn and above or below using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain
- Engine operating limits are not exceeded
- Control helicopter at any speed
- Attitude and power are adjusted, accelerated or decelerated to manoeuvre helicopter at any specified airspeed within the flight envelope while maintaining balanced flight
- Height awareness is maintained at all times and appropriate adjustments are made as required
- Wind conditions are monitored and appropriate allowance is made
- Helicopter is suitably controlled to ensure it is operated within its design limits
- Perform circuits and approaches
- Circuits are joined and conducted in accordance with aeronautical information publication (AIP) and/or local procedures at normal and low altitude appropriate to the helicopter type
- Due allowance is made for wind and all appropriate checklist items are completed when performing circuits and approaches
- Radiotelephone procedures are followed during circuit operations
- Approach path applicable to helicopter type is intercepted and maintained while remaining clear of other traffic
- Lookout is maintained during circuits and approaches using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain
- Conflicting traffic is recognised and appropriate responses are made
- Right of way rules are applied and compliance with these rules is maintained
- Weather conditions are monitored and appropriate responses are made
- Fuel status is monitored and appropriate responses are made
- Comply with airspace requirements
- Suitable aeronautical charts are interpreted and used to maintain airspace compliance requirements
- Circuit departure is performed
- Helicopter is maintained within a specified area and/or track while complying with air traffic requirements, controlled or restricted airspace conditions or limitations and reacting to factors that affect the safe progress of a flight
- Orientation is maintained to geographical features with the aid of suitable charts and maps
- Circuit join is performed