FAA PPL to CPL helicopter study list

Do you happen to have an old paper FAR/AIM? Up through 2023 they included a “by certificate” study list. The same list is in the FAR/AIM app from ASA.

Once I realized the list was no longer included in the printed book I scanned a copy. If you don’t have it, message me your email and I’ll send you a PDF.

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acunningham@reddit (OP)

I don't, but I can get the ASA FAR/AIM app. Thank you!

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ltcterry@reddit

Personal opinion - the app is useless for studying and/or making an impression on a DPE.

If you are preparing for a checkride buy a printed FAR/AIM. Highlight the key words on the suggested pages.

If you buy tabs, only tab the pages suggested for the current certificate/rating.

Imagine you’re stumped on a question. You grab your well worn FAR/AIM, flip to the right page, and the highlight shows you’ve been there before!

In the real world I use the app multiple times a week.

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ltcterry@reddit

Suggestion - look at how much RW PIC time you need for Commercial. Use training for an instrument rating as part of that time.

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acunningham@reddit (OP)

Good idea! I'll discuss this with the instructor.

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ltcterry@reddit

I know it's trite, but 1) the ACS lists the official reference(s) for each section and 2) talk to your instructor beyond that. Oh, and 3) google to find an applicable syllabus.

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TxAggieMike@reddit

Does commercial rotor have the same/similar restrictions as commercial fixed wing when if he does commercial pilot (rotor) without instrument certification first?

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kevinossia@reddit

No. Instrument rating is optional for helicopter pilots.

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I do actually have a fixed wing instrument rating, but not for helicopters, which is completely different. In the helicopter world, doing a commercial without instrument rating is, I hear, perfectly normal.

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acunningham@reddit (OP)

Good point - I'd momentarily forgotten about the ACS. I'll start with it! 2. I don't have an instructor yet, and won't until I start the flight training by which time I'd like to be fully up to speed on all the theory. 3. I did, and didn't find anything particularly relevant to helicopters. Plenty for fixed wing, but not much for whirlybirds.

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ltcterry@reddit

I did, and didn't find anything particularly relevant to helicopters.

Odd. I went to google and typed the words syllabus helicopter commercial and got four good looking hits and couple of videos. I even misspelled helicopter and it still worked.

I am working with or have worked with four Army-trained helicopter pilots converting to fixed wing. They make great students!

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acunningham@reddit (OP)

Care to share the useful links? The only moderately relevant looking one a Google search for "syllabus helicopter commercial" shows is https://philip.greenspun.com/flying/helicopter-141/commercial/, which doesn't mention a single FAR to read. All the others are for schools in Australia or India, so not relevant to an FAA CPL.

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acunningham@reddit (OP)

Ah, when I include the magic word "syllabus" I do see some useful links, such as https://philip.greenspun.com/flying/helicopter-141/commercial/. Thank you!

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acunningham@reddit (OP)

Yes, the ACS is top of my reading list. 2. I don't have an instructor yet, and won't until I start the flight training by which time I'd like to be fully up to speed on all the theory. 3. I did, and didn't find anything particularly relevant to helicopters. Plenty for fixed wing, but not much for whirlybirds.

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rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

I currently have an FAA PPL, both helicopter and fixed wing. Later this year I'm planning to upgrade it to a commercial license for helicopters, flying in a Robinson R44. What FARs and AIM topics should I study? Any books I should read?

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