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IH.I.C both lesson 90–120 minutes

Cross-Country Flight Planning

Preflight Preparation · Task Task C. Cross-Country Flight Planning

Completion Standards

Student demonstrates knowledge of all IH.I.C items to ACS standards without reference to materials. Risk management items correctly identified. All skill elements performed to ACS tolerances.

Objective

The student will demonstrate the ability to plan, present, and explain a complete IFR cross-country flight in a helicopter using current aeronautical charts, publications, and weather information, meeting all completion standards outlined in ACS task IH.I.C. Upon completion, the student will be able to independently prepare an IFR flight plan that accounts for helicopter-specific performance characteristics, identify and mitigate risks associated with single-pilot IFR operations, and accurately calculate fuel reserves and flight parameters.

Measurable Outcomes:

Content

Route Planning (IH.I.C.K1)

Available Navigational Facilities: In helicopter IFR operations, route planning begins with identifying usable navigational facilities along the proposed route. Unlike fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters typically operate at lower altitudes, affecting VOR/DME reception distances and GPS RAIM availability in mountainous terrain.

Special Use Airspace (14 CFR Part 73):

Preferred Routes:

Primary and Alternate Airports: Per 14 CFR 91.169, an alternate is required unless destination weather forecast (from 1 hour before to 1 hour after ETA) shows at least 2,000-foot ceiling and 3 SM visibility. Alternate minimums for helicopters:

Helicopter-specific alternate considerations:

Enroute Charts:

Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD):

NOTAMs (14 CFR 91.103): Required preflight action. Three types:

Terminal Procedures Publications (TPP):

Altitude Selection (IH.I.C.K2)

Terrain and Obstacle Clearance:

IFR Cruising Altitudes (14 CFR 91.179):

Wind Effect: Helicopters are particularly affected by wind due to lower speeds and higher drag profiles. Consider:

Oxygen Requirements (14 CFR 91.211):

Calculating Flight Parameters (IH.I.C.K3)

Time, Course, Distance, Heading, True Airspeed, Groundspeed: Use E6B (manual or electronic) or flight planning software:

  1. Determine true course from chart measurement
  2. Calculate magnetic course using variation from chart
  3. Apply wind correction angle to determine magnetic heading
  4. Calculate TAS from IAS and density altitude
  5. Determine groundspeed using TAS and wind component
  6. Calculate time = Distance ÷ Groundspeed

Climb and Descent Rates: Helicopter-specific performance considerations:

Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) and UTC Conversion:

Fuel Requirements (14 CFR 91.167): For helicopters under IFR:

Calculation process:

  1. Determine fuel burn rate from helicopter flight manual at planned altitude/power setting
  2. Calculate enroute fuel: (Total flight time in hours) × (Fuel burn rate in gal/hr or lb/hr)
  3. Add climb fuel (higher burn rate during climb phase)
  4. Add fuel to alternate (if required): (Distance to alternate ÷ Groundspeed) × Fuel burn rate
  5. Add 30-minute reserve: 0.5 × Fuel burn rate
  6. Add taxi fuel (typically 5-10 minutes for helicopters)
  7. Total = Enroute + Climb + Alternate + Reserve + Taxi

Helicopter-specific fuel considerations:

Elements of IFR Flight Plan (IH.I.C.K4)

An IFR flight plan (FAA Form 7233-1) includes:

  1. Aircraft Identification: Registration number (N-number)
  2. Aircraft Type and Equipment:
    • Type: Helicopter designation (e.g., R44, EC130, Bell 206)
    • Equipment suffix: /G for GPS, /A for DME/transponder without Mode C, etc. (reference AIM 5-1-8)
  3. True Airspeed (TAS): In knots
  4. Departure Point: Four-letter ICAO identifier or name
  5. Proposed Departure Time: In UTC (Zulu time)
  6. Cruising Altitude: Per 14 CFR 91.179
  7. Route of Flight: Airways, fixes, direct routes
  8. Destination: Four-letter ICAO identifier
  9. Estimated Time Enroute (ETE): In hours and minutes
  10. Remarks: Critical information (e.g., DVFR, helicopter-specific approach requests)
  11. Fuel On Board: Total hours and minutes of fuel
  12. Alternate Airport: If required per 14 CFR 91.169
  13. Pilot Information: Name, address, phone, number of people on board
  14. Aircraft Color

Helicopter-specific filing considerations:

Procedures for Activating and Closing IFR Flight Plans (IH.I.C.K5)

Controlled Airspace:

Uncontrolled Airspace:

Helicopter-specific considerations:

Risk Management: PAVE Checklist (IH.I.C.R1–R7)

Pilot (IH.I.C.R1):

Helicopter (IH.I.C.R2):

Environment (IH.I.C.R3):

Weather:

Icing:

Airports/Heliports:

Airspace:

Terrain/Obstacles:

External Pressures (IH.I.C.R4):

Limitations of ATC Services (IH.I.C.R5):

Limitations of Electronic Planning Applications (IH.I.C.R6):

Fuel Planning (IH.I.C.R7):

Schedule

TimeActivityContent Focus
0:00Introduction and Objective ReviewReview lesson objectives, completion standards, ACS task IH.I.C
0:05Route Planning DiscussionK1: Navigational facilities, special use airspace, preferred routes
0:20Chart Review and InterpretationK1: Enroute charts, Chart Supplement, TPP, NOTAMs
0:40Altitude Selection and RegulationsK2: MEA/MOCA, IFR cruising altitudes, terrain clearance, wind/O₂
0:55Flight Calculations DemonstrationK3: Time, fuel, TAS, groundspeed, ETA, UTC conversion
1:20IFR Flight Plan PreparationK4: Flight plan elements, helicopter-specific considerations
1:35Filing and Activation ProceduresK5: Controlled/uncontrolled airspace procedures
1:45Risk Management DiscussionR1-R7: PAVE analysis, icing hazards, external pressures, fuel
2:00Student Practice—Flight Plan PreparationS1: Student prepares assigned cross-country flight plan
2:45Student Presents Flight PlanS1, S4, S6: Student presents complete plan with risk analysis
3:05Scenario-Based Fuel RecalculationS2: Instructor provides weather/routing change, student recalculates
3:15Simulated Flight Plan FilingS3: Student files IFR flight plan (simulated or actual)
3:25Icing Discussion and ScenariosS5: Recognize icing, corrective actions, helicopter limitations
3:35Review, Debrief, and Completion AssessmentVerify completion standards met, answer questions, assign homework
3:45End of Lesson

Total Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes (ground instruction)

Notes:

Equipment

Required Materials

References (Current Editions):

Charts and Publications (Current Dates Required):

Planning Tools:

Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Options:

Helicopter Documents:

Visual Aids:

Supplementary Materials:

Instructor Actions

  1. Introduction and Motivation (5 minutes):

    • Explain that cross-country IFR planning is where all instrument knowledge comes together—navigation, regulations, weather, performance, and risk management.
    • Emphasize: “In single-pilot helicopter IFR, you don’t have time to figure this out in flight. Planning on the ground is where safety begins.”
    • State the lesson objective and completion standards from ACS task IH.I.C.
    • Ask student: “What experience do you have with cross-country VFR planning? How do you think IFR planning differs?”

  2. Present Route Planning Concepts (15 minutes):

    • Display IFR enroute low altitude chart covering a realistic cross-country route (e.g., 150-250 NM).
    • Identify and explain available navigational facilities: VOR, VORTAC, DME, GPS waypoints, airways (Victor airways).
    • Demonstrate calculating VOR reception distance using altitude: “At 4,000 feet AGL, expect VOR reception out to about 1.23 times the square root of 4,000, which is roughly 78 nautical miles under ideal conditions. In helicopters at lower altitudes, your NAVAID coverage is reduced compared to airplanes.”
    • Point out special use airspace on chart: restricted areas, MOAs, warning areas, prohibited areas.
    • Ask student to identify on chart: “Show me a restricted area along this route. What do we need to check before we can plan to fly through it?”
    • Explain preferred routes found in Chart Supplement and how they increase likelihood of clearance “as filed.”
    • Discuss primary and alternate airport selection criteria per 14 CFR 91.169.
    • Demonstrate use of Chart Supplement to verify airport services, fuel, approach availability, and hours of operation.

  3. Chart Interpretation Practice (20 minutes):

    • Guide student through reading enroute chart symbology: MEA (Minimum Enroute Altitude), MOCA (Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude), MCA (Minimum Crossing Altitude), MAA (Maximum Authorized Altitude), changeover points, mileage between fixes.
    • Explain: “MEA guarantees both obstacle clearance AND navigational signal reception. MOCA only guarantees obstacle clearance, with signal reception within 22 NM of the VOR. As helicopter pilots flying lower, we often operate right at MEAs.”
    • Show Terminal Procedures Publication (approach plates) for destination and alternate.
    • Demonstrate interpreting approach minimums for helicopters (Category A speeds, visibility requirements).
    • Ask student to identify: “What is the minimum descent altitude for the VOR approach at our destination?”
    • Display sample NOTAMs (NOTAM D and FDC) and explain how to interpret them.
    • Review Chart Supplement entry for destination airport: fuel availability, runway/helipad dimensions, communication frequencies, remarks.
    • Explain helicopter-specific entries in Chart Supplement where applicable (heliport data).

  4. Teach Altitude Selection and Regulatory Compliance (15 minutes):

    • Review 14 CFR 91.177 obstruction clearance requirements: 1,000 feet above highest obstacle within 4 NM in non-mountainous areas, 2,000 feet in designated mountainous areas.
    • Explain IFR cruising altitudes per 14 CFR 91.179: odd thousands + 500 feet for magnetic courses 0°-179°, even thousands + 500 feet for 180°-359°.
    • Demonstrate altitude selection considering terrain, MEA, cruising altitude rules, and wind.
    • Discuss wind effect on groundspeed, fuel burn, and time: “A 20-knot headwind at a cruise speed of 90 knots reduces groundspeed to 70 knots—that’s a 22% increase in flight time and fuel burn. In helicopters, this is more critical than in faster aircraft.”
    • Explain oxygen requirements per 14 CFR 91.211 (rarely applicable to helicopter operations but required knowledge).
    • Use whiteboard to demonstrate calculating best altitude considering multiple factors.

  5. Demonstrate Flight Calculations (25 minutes):

    • Use E6B (manual or electronic) to demonstrate calculating true airspeed from indicated airspeed and density altitude.
    • Work through wind correction angle and groundspeed calculation using forecast winds aloft.
    • Demonstrate time calculation: “Distance divided by groundspeed equals time. If we’re flying 60 nautical miles at a groundspeed of 80 knots, our time is 60 ÷ 80 = 0.75 hours, or 45 minutes.”
    • Show climb calculation using helicopter performance charts: “The R44 performance chart shows a 700 fpm climb rate at 2,000 feet density altitude and 2,400 pounds. To climb from 1,000 MSL to 5,500 MSL (4,500 feet), we need 4,500 ÷ 700 = 6.4 minutes. During this climb at 70 knots groundspeed, we cover about 7.5 nautical miles.”
    • Calculate descent time and distance using 500 fpm descent rate.
    • Demonstrate fuel calculation using POH/RFM fuel burn data:
      • Cruise fuel burn (e.g., 12 gph for R44)
      • Climb fuel (higher burn rate, e.g., 15 gph)
      • Total enroute fuel
      • Fuel to alternate
      • 30-minute reserve (minimum legal per 14 CFR 91.167)
    • Show UTC conversion: “If we’re departing at 2:00 PM Central Standard Time, that’s 2:00 PM + 6 hours = 8:00 PM UTC, or 2000 Zulu.”
    • Emphasize: “Always calculate conservatively—round fuel burn up, groundspeed down. Aviation math favors safety.”

  6. Explain IFR Flight Plan Elements (15 minutes):

    • Display blank FAA Form 7233-1 (or electronic equivalent).
    • Fill out sample flight plan step-by-step, explaining each block:
      • Aircraft identification (N-number)
      • Aircraft type/special equipment (e.g., R44/G for GPS-equipped R44)
      • True airspeed in knots
      • Departure point (ICAO identifier)
      • Proposed departure time (UTC)
      • Cruising altitude (IFR cruising altitude per 91.179)
      • Route (airways, fixes, direct)
      • Destination (ICAO identifier)
      • Estimated time enroute
      • Remarks (include “HELICOPTER” or “/H”)
      • Fuel on board (hours and minutes)
      • Alternate airport
      • Pilot information
      • Aircraft color
    • Explain equipment suffix codes (reference AIM 5-1-8): /G for GPS (RNAV), /A for DME/transponder without Mode C, etc.
    • Emphasize helicopter-specific remarks: “Including ‘HELICOPTER’ in remarks alerts ATC to your slower speed and potential need for helicopter-specific approaches or routing.”

  7. Teach Filing and Activation Procedures (10 minutes):

    • Explain how to file IFR flight plan: phone (1-800-WX-BRIEF), online (1800wxbrief.com), or via EFB application.
    • Discuss timing: file at least 30 minutes before departure, preferably 1 hour.
    • Differentiate between towered and non-towered airports:
      • Towered: Call clearance delivery or ground control; clearance activates flight plan automatically.
      • Non-towered: Must activate by calling FSS or ATC; receive clearance with void time.
    • Explain void time: “If your clearance says ‘clearance void if not off by 1430 Zulu,’ you MUST depart before 1430Z or the clearance expires. Call FSS to get a new clearance or cancel.”
    • Teach closing procedures: “At a towered airport, your IFR flight plan is closed automatically when you land. At a non-towered airport or heliport, YOU must cancel IFR with ATC before landing or call FSS within 30 minutes after landing. If you don’t, search and rescue will be activated.”
    • Emphasize: “Helicopter pilots often land at off-airport sites or private heliports. Always have a plan to cancel IFR promptly.”

  8. Conduct Risk Management Discussion (15 minutes):

    • Use PAVE framework (Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures):
      • Pilot: Review IMSAFE checklist. Discuss recent IFR experience and currency requirements (14 CFR 61.57(c)). Ask: “What are your personal minimums for ceiling and visibility?”
      • Aircraft: Verify airworthiness, IFR equipment requirements (14 CFR 91.205(d)), recent inspections (VOR check, altimeter/static, transponder). Discuss weight and balance criticality in helicopters.
      • enVironment: Emphasize icing risk—most training helicopters are NOT certified for known icing. Explain symptoms: rotor vibration, performance degradation, visible ice. Corrective action: immediately exit icing conditions (climb/descend/turn), inform ATC.
      • External pressures: Discuss “get-there-itis,” schedule pressure, passenger expectations. Emphasize establishing personal minimums above regulatory minimums.
    • Discuss ATC limitations: “ATC provides separation and traffic advisories, but they don’t guarantee weather avoidance or collision avoidance from VFR traffic. You are always the final authority for safe operation.”
    • Address electronic planning tool limitations: database currency, software errors, user input errors, over-reliance.
    • Emphasize fuel planning conservatism: “Legal minimum is 30 minutes reserve. Safe practice is 1 hour reserve. Fuel exhaustion is 100% pilot error.”
    • Ask scenario questions: “What would you do if icing is forecast along your route? What if your groundspeed is 15 knots slower than planned—how does that affect fuel?”

  9. Assign Student Practice Flight Plan (45 minutes):

    • Provide student with a realistic cross-country assignment: departure airport, destination airport, proposed departure time.
    • Example: “Plan an IFR flight from [local airport] to [airport 150-200 NM away], departing at [time]. Use current weather, NOTAMs, and forecast winds aloft. Your helicopter is an R44 Raven II at 2,300 pounds.”
    • Instruct student to:
      • Select route and altitude
      • Calculate time, fuel, and ETA
      • Determine if alternate is required; select alternate if needed
      • Complete IFR flight plan form
      • Identify risks using PAVE
      • Gather NOTAMs, weather, Chart Supplement information
    • Circulate and provide guidance as student works. Answer questions but encourage independent problem-solving.
    • Observe student’s use of charts, planning tools, and references.

  10. Review Student-Prepared Flight Plan (20 minutes):

    • Ask student to present complete flight plan as if briefing a passenger or fellow pilot.
    • Student should cover:
      • Route selection and reasoning
      • Altitude selection and regulatory compliance
      • Time and fuel calculations
      • Alternate airport selection (if required)
      • Risk analysis (PAVE)
      • NOTAMs affecting flight
      • Weather considerations, especially icing
    • Ask probing questions:
      • “Why did you choose this altitude?”
      • “What is the MEA on this segment?”
      • “Show me on the chart where the MCA applies.”
      • “What NOTAM affects our destination airport?”
      • “Is an alternate required? Why or why not?”
      • “What will you do if you encounter icing?”
    • Provide positive feedback on correct elements and constructive correction on errors.
    • Verify calculations manually or cross-check with your own planning.

  11. Present Fuel Recalculation Scenario (10 minutes):

    • Provide a scenario that changes fuel requirements: “Enroute, ATC issues a reroute adding 20 nautical miles. Headwind component increases from 10 knots to 25 knots. Recalculate your fuel required and determine if you have adequate reserves.”
    • Observe student’s process:
      • Recalculate groundspeed with new wind
      • Recalculate time with new distance and groundspeed
      • Recalculate fuel required
      • Compare to fuel on board
      • Determine if diversion to alternate is necessary
    • Guide student if struggling, but allow opportunity for independent problem-solving.
    • Emphasize real-world application: “This happens in actual IFR flight. You must be able to recalculate quickly and accurately.”

  12. Simulate IFR Flight Plan Filing (10 minutes):

    • Walk student through filing process using 1800wxbrief.com, ForeFlight, or phone briefing with FSS (simulated).
    • If using online/app method, have student enter all flight plan data and submit.
    • If simulating phone briefing, role-play as FSS briefer: “Lockheed Martin Flight Service, how may I help you?”
    • Student should provide all flight plan elements clearly and accurately.
    • Emphasize readback requirement for IFR clearances.
    • Discuss how to receive clearance at towered vs. non-towered airport.
    • Ask: “How will you activate this flight plan at a non-towered airport?”

  13. Conduct Icing Knowledge Assessment (10 minutes):

    • Ask: “What are the conditions for structural icing?”
    • Answer: Visible moisture (clouds, rain, fog) and temperature at or below freezing (0°C/32°F).
    • Ask: “What are the symptoms of rotor icing in a helicopter?”
    • Answer: Vibration, rough running, loss of lift, decreased performance, visible ice accumulation on windscreen/airframe.
    • Ask: “What are the corrective actions if you encounter icing?”
    • Answer: Immediately exit icing conditions by climbing, descending, or turning; inform ATC; reduce power if vibration is severe to prevent mechanical damage; land as soon as practical; declare emergency if necessary.
    • Show photographs or video of helicopter rotor blade icing (if available).
    • Emphasize: “Most training helicopters are NOT certified for flight into known icing. If icing is forecast or reported, you cannot legally or safely fly. Period.”
    • Discuss phases of flight most susceptible to icing: climb, cruise in clouds, approach/descent through clouds.

  14. Review, Debrief, and Assess Completion Standards (10 minutes):

    • Summarize key points from lesson: route planning, altitude selection, calculations, flight plan elements, filing/activation, risk management, icing hazards.
    • Ask student to self-assess: “Do you feel confident preparing a complete IFR cross-country flight plan?”
    • Review any areas where student struggled or made errors.
    • Verify student met completion standards (see Completion Standards section below).
    • Answer remaining questions.
    • Assign homework: “Prepare another IFR cross-country flight plan from [airport] to [airport] for our next lesson. Include full risk analysis and current weather/NOTAMs.”
    • Preview next lesson topic.
    • Provide encouragement: “Cross-country planning integrates everything you’ve learned. You did well today, and with practice, this will become second nature.”

Student Actions

  1. Active Participation:

    • Listen attentively during instructor presentations.
    • Ask questions when concepts are unclear.
    • Take notes on key regulations, procedures, and techniques.

  2. Chart Interpretation:

    • Identify navigational facilities, airways, MEAs, MOCAs, MCAs, special use airspace on enroute charts.
    • Locate and interpret NOTAMs, Chart Supplement entries, and Terminal Procedures.
    • Demonstrate ability to read approach plates and identify minimums for helicopter Category A operations.

  3. Flight Calculations:

    • Use E6B (manual or electronic) to calculate true airspeed, wind correction angle, groundspeed, and time.
    • Perform fuel calculations using POH/RFM data, including enroute fuel, climb fuel, alternate fuel, and reserves.
    • Convert local time to UTC accurately.
    • Calculate climb and descent times and distances.

  4. IFR Flight Plan Preparation:

    • Complete a full IFR flight plan (FAA Form 7233-1 or electronic equivalent) for assigned cross-country route.
    • Select appropriate route considering navigational facilities, special use airspace, preferred routes, terrain, and weather.
    • Choose cruising altitude complying with 14 CFR 91.179 and considering MEA, wind, and performance.
    • Determine whether an alternate airport is required per 14 CFR 91.169; select suitable alternate if required.
    • Verify alternate has suitable approaches authorized for helicopters.

  5. Risk Analysis:

    • Apply PAVE framework to analyze pilot fitness, aircraft airworthiness, environmental hazards, and external pressures.
    • Identify icing risk based on forecast weather and recognize that most training helicopters are not approved for known icing.
    • Discuss personal minimums and decision-making strategies.
    • Identify specific risks from NOTAMs (e.g., NAVAID outages, runway closures, TFRs).

  6. Present Flight Plan:

    • Verbally present prepared cross-country flight plan to instructor, covering:
      • Route and rationale
      • Altitude selection
      • Time and fuel calculations
      • Alternate selection
      • NOTAM and weather considerations
      • Risk mitigation strategies
    • Answer instructor questions about planning decisions.
    • Defend planning choices with reference to regulations and sound aeronautical decision-making.

  7. Fuel Recalculation:

    • When given scenario by instructor (e.g., reroute, changed winds), recalculate fuel requirements.
    • Determine whether fuel reserves remain adequate or diversion is necessary.
    • Explain methodology and show calculations.

  8. Simulated Flight Plan Filing:

    • File IFR flight plan using online system (1800wxbrief.com), EFB app, or simulated phone call to FSS.
    • Provide all required information clearly and accurately.
    • Explain how flight plan will be activated at departure airport (towered vs. non-towered).
    • Explain how flight plan will be closed at destination.

  9. Icing Knowledge Demonstration:

    • Describe conditions conducive to structural icing.
    • Recognize symptoms of rotor blade and airframe icing.
    • Explain immediate corrective actions if icing is encountered.
    • State helicopter limitations regarding flight into known icing.
    • Identify preflight actions to avoid icing (checking PIREPs, AIRMETs, forecasts, freezing levels).

  10. Application of Aeronautical Information:

    • Use current NOTAMs to identify runway closures, NAVAID outages, airspace restrictions, or other relevant information.
    • Reference Chart Supplement for airport services, fuel availability, hours of operation, and communication frequencies.
    • Interpret aeronautical charts accurately to plan safe and legal route.

  11. Self-Assessment:

    • Evaluate own performance against completion standards.
    • Identify areas needing further study or practice.
    • Ask for clarification or additional practice in weak areas.

Completion Standards

The student’s performance must meet the following standards, per ACS task IH.I.C. The lesson is complete when the student demonstrates the ability to:

  1. Prepare, present, and explain a cross-country IFR flight plan (IH.I.C.S1):

    • Select a legal and practical route using airways, direct routes, or a combination, accounting for available navigational facilities and special use airspace.
    • Choose appropriate cruising altitude(s) complying with 14 CFR 91.179 (IFR cruising altitudes), meeting MEA requirements, and accounting for wind effect and helicopter performance limitations.
    • Accurately calculate:
      • Time enroute for each leg and total flight (within ±3 minutes of actual)
      • Fuel required including climb, cruise, alternate (if applicable), and reserve per 14 CFR 91.167 (within ±1 gallon or 10% of actual requirement, whichever is greater)
      • True airspeed and groundspeed (within ±5 knots)
      • Course, heading, and wind correction angle (within ±3°)
      • Estimated time of arrival in UTC (within ±5 minutes)
    • Present a comprehensive risk analysis addressing:
      • Pilot fitness and currency
      • Helicopter airworthiness and equipment
      • Environmental hazards (weather, icing, terrain, airspace, obstacles)
      • External pressures
      • Fuel planning margins
    • Explain all planning decisions with reference to regulations, aeronautical information, and sound judgment.

  2. Recalculate fuel reserves based on changing conditions (IH.I.C.S2):

    • When presented with a scenario involving reroute, stronger headwinds, holding, or other variables, accurately recalculate fuel required within ±1 gallon or 10%.
    • Determine whether fuel on board remains adequate to meet 14 CFR 91.167 requirements (destination + alternate + 30-minute reserve).
    • Identify decision point (bingo fuel) for diversion to alternate.
    • Explain recalculation process clearly.

  3. Create navigation plan and simulate filing IFR flight plan (IH.I.C.S3):

    • Complete FAA Form 7233-1 (or electronic equivalent) with all required elements accurately filled in:
      • Correct aircraft type/equipment suffix
      • Accurate route, altitude, departure/destination identifiers
      • Correct estimated time enroute (within ±5 minutes)
      • Fuel on board in hours and minutes (within ±0.1 hour)
      • Appropriate remarks (e.g., “HELICOPTER”)
      • Correct alternate airport (if required)
    • Demonstrate filing procedure via online system, app, or simulated FSS phone call.
    • Explain activation and closing procedures for both towered and non-towered departure/destination airports.

  4. Interpret departure, arrival, enroute, and approach procedures (IH.I.C.S4):

    • Read and explain Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs/DPs) applicable to departure airport.
    • Read and explain Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) applicable to destination airport.
    • Identify MEA, MOCA, MCA, MAA, airway widths, changeover points, mileages on enroute charts without error.
    • Interpret instrument approach procedure charts (IAPs) for destination and alternate, correctly identifying:
      • Approach category (Category A for most helicopters)
      • Minimum descent altitude (MDA) or decision altitude (DA)
      • Visibility requirements (statute miles or RVR)
      • Missed approach procedures
      • Helicopter-specific notes or landing minimums
    • Explain all chart symbology accurately.

  5. Recognize and explain helicopter icing hazards and corrective actions (IH.I.C.S5):

    • State conditions for structural icing: visible moisture and temperature ≤0°C.
    • Identify symptoms of rotor blade icing: vibration, roughness, performance loss, visible ice accumulation.
    • Explain immediate corrective actions:
      • Exit icing conditions immediately (climb, descend, turn)
      • Inform ATC
      • Reduce power if severe vibration occurs to prevent damage
      • Land as soon as practical
      • Declare emergency if necessary
    • State that most training helicopters (R22, R44, Schweizer 300) are NOT certified for flight into known icing per 14 CFR 91.527.
    • Identify preflight planning actions to avoid icing:
      • Check PIREPs for icing reports
      • Review AIRMETs for icing
      • Check forecast freezing level
      • Verify visible moisture forecast
      • Cancel or delay flight if icing conditions exist or are forecast
    • Explain icing effects during all phases: pre-takeoff (ground icing), takeoff (performance degradation), cruise (accumulation, vibration), landing (reduced control, vibration).

  6. Apply information from current aeronautical charts, publications, and NOTAMs (IH.I.C.S6):

    • Use Chart Supplement to verify airport/heliport services, fuel availability, hours of operation, and frequencies without error.
    • Identify and explain all applicable NOTAMs affecting departure airport, destination, alternate, and enroute facilities:
      • NOTAM (D): Runway/taxiway closures, lighting outages, NAVAID outages
      • FDC NOTAMs: Procedure amendments, TFRs
    • Cross-reference approach procedure amendments from FDC NOTAMs.
    • Use enroute charts to identify route, MEA/MOCA, special use airspace, and navigational facilities accurately.
    • Demonstrate ability to extract all relevant information from publications quickly and accurately.

Common Errors to Avoid:

Instructor Notes:

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