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CCOG for AVS 156 Spring 2024

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Course Number:
AVS 156
Course Title:
Helicopter Basic Commercial w/Instrument
Credit Hours:
5
Lecture Hours:
0
Lecture/Lab Hours:
100
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Introduces some commercial pilot training activities and training for the instrument rating. Includes cross-country flight procedures, emergency procedures, and procedures for flight by reference to instruments as well as training in basic commercial maneuvers. Flight training fees apply and cover a specific amount of training. Prerequisites: AVS 115. Corequisites: AVS 108B.

Addendum to Course Description

The following is in reference to the lessons in the Hillsboro Aero Academy 141-approved Instrument Pilot Rotorcraft Helicopter, and Commercial Pilot Rotorcraft Helicopter Training Course Outlines (TCO).

These flight lessons are accomplished during this course:

Stage 1 Lessons 1 - 12 of the stand-alone Commercial Flight TCO. All lessons must be with Instructor unless otherwise indicated (lessons 3 and 5).            
Commercial lesson 37 (solo R22 night requirement).            
Commercial lessons 7, and 9 should be in the R44.           
This course only covers the TCO minimums for the stand-alone instrument course.          

Ground: 
All Ground and Flight in stand-alone Instrument TCO            
Stage 1 of the Commercial Ground TCO                       

A specific number of hours of training are required to meet the outcomes for this course, and will be provided by PCC's contracted flight training provider, Hillsboro Aero Academy, under PCC supervision.  Outcomes will be assessed by written, oral and practical (flight) tests. 

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

  • Perform basic commercial maneuvers with no instructor assistance.
  • Take responsibility as pilot-in-command, perform preflight duty, and all other procedures necessary for the safe conduct of cross-country flights under both Visual and Instrument Flight Rules (VFR and IFR), to commercial pilot standards, drawing on a broad base of experience gained in the training scenarios.
  • Maintain contingency plans and a high level of situational awareness during both VFR and IFR cross-country flights.
  • Qualify to take the FAA Instrument Helicopter Rating knowledge and practical tests.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Evaluation methods will include written, oral, and practical testing. Evaluation levels will meet or exceed those defined by the FAA Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards, and required under 14 CFR 141, FAA Approved Training Course.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Part 141 Appendix C and D require ground training the following subject areas:

Appendix C

(1) Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations for IFR flight operations;

(2) Appropriate information in the “Aeronautical Information Manual”;

(3) Air traffic control system and procedures for instrument flight operations;

(4) IFR navigation and approaches by use of navigation systems;

(5) Use of IFR en route and instrument approach procedure charts;

(6) Procurement and use of aviation weather reports and forecasts, and the elements of forecasting weather trends on the basis of that information and personal observation of weather conditions;

(7) Safe and efficient operation of aircraft under instrument flight rules and conditions;

(8) Recognition of critical weather situations and windshear avoidance;

(9) Aeronautical decision making and judgment; and

(10) Crew resource management, to include crew communication and coordination. 

Appendix D

(1) Federal Aviation Regulations that apply to commercial pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations;

(2) Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board;

(3) Basic aerodynamics and the principles of flight;

(4) Meteorology, to include recognition of critical weather situations, windshear recognition and avoidance, and the use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts;

(5) Safe and efficient operation of aircraft;

(6) Weight and balance computations;

(7) Use of performance charts;

(8) Significance and effects of exceeding aircraft performance limitations;

(9) Use of aeronautical charts and a magnetic compass for pilotage and dead reckoning;

(10) Use of air navigation facilities;

(11) Aeronautical decision making and judgment;

(12) Principles and functions of aircraft systems;

(13) Maneuvers, procedures, and emergency operations appropriate to the aircraft;

(14) Night and high-altitude operations;

(15) Descriptions of and procedures for operating within the National Airspace System

Part 141 Appendix C and D require flight training the following subject areas:

Appendix C:

(1) Preflight preparation;

(2) Preflight procedures;

(3) Air traffic control clearances and procedures;

(4) Flight by reference to instruments;

(5) Navigation systems;

(6) Instrument approach procedures;

(7) Emergency operations; and

(8) Postflight procedures. 

Appendix D

(i) Preflight preparation;

(ii) Preflight procedures;

(iii) Airport and heliport operations;

(iv) Hovering maneuvers;

(v) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;

(vi) Performance maneuvers;

(vii) Navigation;

(viii) Emergency operations;

(ix) Special operations; and

(x) Postflight procedures.