Self-Study Course for VFR Rotorcraft Competency Program

This three (3) part Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) course is to be completed by the Chief Pilot and designates that conduct Pilot Competency Checks (PCC) for Canadian Subpart 703 VFR Helicopters air operators.

The course complies with Conditions of the Exemption from subparagraph 703.88(1)(c)(ii) of the CARs and shall be completed at initial appointment by each person required by the company to conduct PCCs and every 5 years thereafter.

This self-study course is based on the following TCCA documents and publications:

Additional recommended reading material:

  • Flight Test Guide - Private and Commercial Pilot License – Helicopter (TP 3077);
  • Pilot Examiner Manual (TP 14277);
  • The Flight Instructor Guide(TP 4818); and
  • Human Factors for Aviation Instructor Guide – Helicopters(TP 12865)
Candidate Name:
 
Title:
 
Air Operator:
 
Date:
 

Date Corrected to 100%:

Name:
 
Title:
 
Date Corrected:
 

Reviewed by Transport Canada:

Inspector Name:
 
Date:
 

The course must be corrected to 100%.

A copy of the completed Self-Study Course shall be retained in the training file of the appointed candidate.

1.0 CANADIAN AVIATION REGULATIONS PART VII - COMMERCIAL AIR SERVICES

1.1 Standard 723 SCHEDULE - Pilot Proficiency Check – Helicopter

(1) Standard 723 SCHEDULE - Pilot Proficiency Check – Helicopter

  1. (a) Content was last revised in _________________________.

(2) Pre-flight Phase:

  1. (a) Consists of two segments:
  • _____________________________________________________________
  • _____________________________________________________________

(3) Flight Phase - Taxiing and Hovering Manoeuvres

  1. (a) Subparagraph (iv) states: ___________degree hover turns, _______________________ and ___________________ hovering manoeuvres and, when practical, ______________________hovering;

(4) Flight Phase - Normal and Abnormal Procedures

  1. (a) Paragraph (d) states: The pilot shall demonstrate use of as many of the ______________ and _________________ procedures for installed systems, devices and aids as ______________________ the checks finds _______________to determine that the pilot has the knowledge and _________________ use installed equipment.

(5) Flight Phase - Emergency Procedures, Malfunctions and Flight Characteristics,

  1. (a) Subparagraph (i) states: The pilot shall ___________________________________________ show knowledge of, proper procedures for as many of the emergency situations and malfunctions listed below as necessary to determine ______________ and _____________ ;

2.0 APPROVED CHECK PILOT MANUAL (TP 6533)

2.1 Chapter 4: Conducting the Flight Check

(1) Chapter 4.1 - Flight Check Philosophy

  1. (a) Flight test principles intent is to focus on Threat and Error Management strategies and performance where it is recognized that from time to time, errors or deviations from standard practices will occur. Evaluators must focus on the following five (5) factors on how the crew:
  • Recognizes ______________ (poor weather, aircraft unserviceabilities, unruly passengers, difficult ATC clearances, terrain, distractions, challenging approaches or clearances, etc);
  • Use ______________________________________ to deal with these threats (personal flight discipline, knowledge, flying skill, rigorous use of SOPs, awareness, communication of threat, use of all resources, etc);
  • Avoid _________________________________ and good CRM teamwork;
  • Recognize ____________________________________ (using good communication, monitoring and feedback, and situational awareness); and
  • Mitigate ______________________________________ (making positive corrections, advising ATC, trusting on-board warning devices such as altitude alerting devices, TCAS and GPWS, and obtaining the assistance of additional resources to deal with the situation).
  1. (b) Today’s Flight Check evaluators must recognize _______________________________________ for any given situation or commission of errors, and then determine the effectiveness of crew actions in managing the situation so as not to jeopardize safety.

(2) Chapter 4.3 - The Flight Check

  1. (a) Flight Checks may induce _______________, and feelings of ________________ in even the most experienced pilots. The ACP must create an environment conducive to a true demonstration of the pilot's ability.

(3) Chapter 4.3.2 - Pilot Proficiency Checks Schedule

  1. (a) A realistic Flight Check environment will result in _________________________________________.

(4) Chapter 4.3.4 - Flight Checks Conducted in an Aircraft

  1. (a) All Aircraft used for a Flight Check must be equipped with ___________________________________ dual _____________ and provide for a satisfactory means of audio and verbal communication.

(5) Chapter 4.3.6 - Flight Check Profile

  1. (a) Flight Checks should follow ________________________________________ that results in an effective use of flight time.

2.2 Appendix C – Safe Flight Checking Practices Guide<</h3>

(1) Checking Philosophy

  1. (a) There is no need whatsoever to place a flight crewmember in a position in which he/she may ____________________________________________________ to ensure successful recovery.

(2) Circuit Breakers

  1. (a) Never _________________________________________ to simulate equipment failure.

(3) Engine Failure – Rotorcraft - During Hover/Take off

  1. (a) Shall be conducted within a safe ________________________________, firm surface.

(4) Engine Failure – Rotorcraft - During Cruise Flight

  1. (a) Not below _________________________, and within normal _________________________________ of a suitable engine out landing area.

3.0 PILOT PROFICIENCY CHECK AND AIRCRAFT TYPE RATING - HELICOPTER (TP 14728)

3.1 Introduction

(1) This Pilot Proficiency Check (PPC) and Type Rating Helicopter Flight Test Guide is published by Transport Canada Certification and Operational Standards to ____________________________________ for PPC's and Helicopter Type Ratings.

3.2 Assessment of PPC Performance

(1) These criteria assume the operation of the helicopter will be in accordance with; _____________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ or other approved data.

(2) The ACP will conduct flight checks under ________________________ whenever possible and will take into consideration unavoidable deviations from the published criteria due ________________________________ or other situations beyond the control of the candidate.

3.3 Aircraft / Simulator and Equipment Requirements

(1) Except as otherwise noted, helicopter used for Flight Checks will have _______________________________ Canadian or Foreign Flight Authority in accordance with CAR 507 and meet the requirements of CAR 605.06 – Aircraft Equipment Standards and Serviceability. All required equipment must be serviceable and the _____________________________________ current.

3.4 The PPC

(1) The examiner will determine whether a person has demonstrated the ____________________ and the __________ in accordance with adherence to approved procedures, and _______________________________ in selecting a course of action.