Reference
Helicopter pilot glossary
Plain definitions of the terms readers meet in these guides. The first use of a term in each guide links here.
A
Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
The FAA's testing standards for pilot certificates and ratings. Separate versions exist for helicopter private, commercial, instrument and flight instructor tests.
Source: FAA, Airman Certification Standards page
Related: Helicopter Pilot Training Stages: From First Lesson to Commercial Checkride, Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship
Anti-torque pedals
Foot pedals that change the pitch of the tail rotor blades, and so its thrust. At a hover they turn the nose left or right. In forward flight they keep the helicopter balanced and in trim.
Source: FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), Chapter 3, Helicopter Flight Controls
Related: How Helicopters Fly: Rotors, Controls and Why Training Is Different, Helicopter Pilot Training Stages: From First Lesson to Commercial Checkride
ATP (airline transport pilot)
The airline transport pilot certificate. For a helicopter rating, federal rules call for at least 1,200 hours of total pilot time with set amounts of cross-country, night, helicopter and instrument time, and a minimum age of 23.
Source: 14 CFR 61.161 (Aeronautical experience: rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship, EMS Helicopter Pilot Requirements and a Realistic Timeline
Autorotation
A way of flying in which air moving up through the rotor, not the engine, keeps the main rotor turning. It lets a helicopter descend and land after an engine failure. Every helicopter must show this ability to be certified.
Source: FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), Chapter 2, Aerodynamics of Flight
Related: How Helicopters Fly: Rotors, Controls and Why Training Is Different, Helicopter Pilot Training Stages: From First Lesson to Commercial Checkride
C
Category rating
A broad class of aircraft on a pilot certificate, such as airplane or rotorcraft. A helicopter pilot holds the rotorcraft category with a helicopter class. The class for helicopters is added under it.
Source: 14 CFR 1.1 (General definitions), eCFR
Related: Airplane Pilot to Helicopter Pilot: Adding a Rotorcraft Rating, Helicopter Pilot to Airplane and Airline Pilot
CFI (certificated flight instructor)
A pilot who holds a flight instructor certificate and may give flight and ground training. An applicant needs a commercial or airline transport pilot certificate with a suitable category and class, and must be at least 18.
Source: 14 CFR 61.183 (Flight instructor eligibility requirements), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Flight Instruction Careers, Helicopter Pilot Jobs: Every Career Track and How to Enter Each
CFII (instrument flight instructor)
A flight instructor who also holds the instrument rating on the instructor certificate. It is the instrument add-on to the instructor certificate. A candidate needs a commercial or airline transport pilot certificate with an instrument rating.
Source: 14 CFR 61.183 (Flight instructor eligibility requirements), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Flight Instruction Careers, Helicopter Pilot Training Stages: From First Lesson to Commercial Checkride
Checkride
The common name for the practical test for a pilot certificate or rating. The applicant answers questions and flies maneuvers for an examiner, in the aircraft, a simulator or a training device.
Source: 14 CFR 61.1 (Applicability and definitions), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Training Stages: From First Lesson to Commercial Checkride, How to Become a Helicopter Pilot: The Complete Roadmap
Collective pitch
The control, held in the left hand, that changes the pitch angle of all main rotor blades at the same time. Raising it increases lift and makes the helicopter climb. The name comes from changing the blades collectively.
Source: FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), Chapter 3, Helicopter Flight Controls
Related: How Helicopters Fly: Rotors, Controls and Why Training Is Different, Helicopter Pilot Training Stages: From First Lesson to Commercial Checkride
Commercial pilot certificate
The certificate with commercial pilot privileges. An applicant must be at least 18, hold at least a private certificate, pass a knowledge test and a practical test, and meet experience rules.
Source: 14 CFR 61.123 (Commercial pilot eligibility requirements), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship, How to Become a Helicopter Pilot: The Complete Roadmap
Cross-country
Flight that includes a landing at a point other than where it began and uses navigation such as pilotage, dead reckoning or electronic aids. Some certificates and ratings add distance rules, so check the exact rule for each one.
Source: 14 CFR 61.1 (Applicability and definitions), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship, Helicopter Pilot Jobs: Every Career Track and How to Enter Each
Cyclic
The stick between the pilot's knees or seats that tilts the rotor disk. The helicopter then moves the way the disk tilts: forward, back, left or right. It controls direction and speed of travel.
Source: FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), Chapter 3, Helicopter Flight Controls
Related: How Helicopters Fly: Rotors, Controls and Why Training Is Different, Helicopter Pilot Training Stages: From First Lesson to Commercial Checkride
D
Designated pilot examiner
An individual appointed by the FAA under 14 CFR 183.23 to give practical tests. The FAA states that designation is a privilege, may be withdrawn, and requires the examiner to hold the proper ratings.
Source: FAA, Designated Pilot Examiners (DPE)
Related: Helicopter Pilot Training Stages: From First Lesson to Commercial Checkride, Helicopter Lessons Cost: Hourly Rates, Block Time and Hidden Fees
DFAS
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service, which provides pay services for the U.S. defense department. Its site posts military pay tables, including basic pay for warrant officers and flying incentive pay tables.
Source: DFAS, Pay Tables
Related: Army Helicopter Pilot: Path, Commitment, and What Life Looks Like, Warrant Officer Flight Training Explained
Dual instruction
Flight training received in an aircraft from an authorized instructor. It is logged as training received, separate from solo time and pilot-in-command time.
Source: 14 CFR 61.51 (Pilot logbooks), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Lessons Cost: Hourly Rates, Block Time and Hidden Fees, Helicopter Pilot Training Stages: From First Lesson to Commercial Checkride
E
External load
A load carried on or extending outside the aircraft body, such as cargo hung under a helicopter on a hook or line. Federal rules for these operations sit in 14 CFR Part 133.
Source: 14 CFR 1.1 (General definitions), eCFR
Related: Utility and Powerline Helicopter Pilot Career: What Operators Publish, Helicopter Pilot Jobs: Every Career Track and How to Enter Each
F
FAA knowledge test
The written or computer test on the aeronautical knowledge areas required for a certificate or rating. Pilots usually need an instructor's endorsement before taking it, then must also pass a practical test.
Source: 14 CFR 61.103 (Private pilot eligibility requirements), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Training Stages: From First Lesson to Commercial Checkride, How to Become a Helicopter Pilot: The Complete Roadmap
First-class medical
The highest FAA medical class. Federal rules require it for pilot in command privileges of an airline transport pilot certificate. The VA also asks for it to fund airline transport pilot flight training.
Source: 14 CFR 61.23 (Medical certificates: requirement and duration), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship, EMS Helicopter Pilot Requirements and a Realistic Timeline
Flight review
A review a pilot needs to act as pilot in command, with at least 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground training. It covers Part 91 rules and maneuvers the reviewer judges necessary.
Source: 14 CFR 61.56 (Flight review), eCFR
Related: Robinson R22 vs. R44: Training Costs and What Students Should Know, Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship
G
GI Bill
Military education benefits. For flight training, VA lists the Post-9/11 GI Bill and two Montgomery programs. The student needs a private pilot license and an FAA-certified Part 141 school or Part 142 center approved by VA.
Source: VA, Flight training
Related: How to Finance Helicopter Flight Training: Loans, GI Bill and Scholarships, Military to Civilian Helicopter Pilot: FAA Conversion, GI Bill and Jobs
Ground training
Training from an authorized instructor that is not in an aircraft, such as classroom or one-on-one lessons on regulations, weather and aircraft systems. Many rules require a logbook endorsement for it.
Source: 14 CFR 61.1 (Applicability and definitions), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Training Stages: From First Lesson to Commercial Checkride, Helicopter Lessons Cost: Hourly Rates, Block Time and Hidden Fees
H
HAA (helicopter air ambulance)
A flight with a patient or medical personnel aboard to provide medical transport, run by a Part 135 operator authorized for it. Positioning and repositioning flights are included. The FAA uses HAA in place of HEMS.
Source: 14 CFR 135.601 (Helicopter air ambulance: applicability and definitions), eCFR
Related: EMS Helicopter Pilot Requirements and a Realistic Timeline, Air Medical Helicopter Pilot Career: What Employers Publish
HEMS
Short for helicopter emergency medical services. The FAA calls the term obsolete and replaced it with HAA, because air ambulance flights are not operated as emergencies.
Source: FAA, Advisory Circular 135-14B, Helicopter Air Ambulance Operations
Related: EMS Helicopter Pilot Requirements and a Realistic Timeline, Helicopter EMS Pilot Salary: Pay, Schedules and What Affects It
Hover
Holding a helicopter in one spot above the ground. The pilot uses the cyclic to stop drift, the collective to hold height and the pedals to hold heading. The handbook calls it the most challenging part of flying a helicopter.
Source: FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), Chapter 1, Introduction to the Helicopter
Related: How Helicopters Fly: Rotors, Controls and Why Training Is Different, Helicopter Pilot Training Stages: From First Lesson to Commercial Checkride
Human external cargo
A person who is carried outside the rotorcraft at some point in an operation, as FAA guidance defines it. Cargo that involves no person carried outside is called non-human external cargo.
Source: FAA, Advisory Circular 133-1B, Rotorcraft External-Load Operations
Related: Utility and Powerline Helicopter Pilot Career: What Operators Publish, Helicopter Pilot Jobs: Every Career Track and How to Enter Each
I
IFR (instrument flight rules)
Short for instrument flight rules. Federal rules define IFR conditions as weather below the minimums for flight under visual flight rules.
Source: 14 CFR 1.1 and 1.2 (General definitions; Abbreviations), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship, EMS Helicopter Pilot Requirements and a Realistic Timeline
Instrument rating
A rating added to a pilot certificate for flying by instruments. An applicant must hold at least a current private pilot certificate with a helicopter rating, or apply for both together, and meet training and test requirements.
Source: 14 CFR 61.65 (Instrument rating requirements), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship, EMS Helicopter Pilot Requirements and a Realistic Timeline
L
Logbook
The record where a pilot documents training and flight time used for certificates, ratings, flight reviews and recent experience. Entries include date, time, places, aircraft and the type of experience such as solo or dual.
Source: 14 CFR 61.51 (Pilot logbooks), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship, Helicopter Pilot Jobs: Every Career Track and How to Enter Each
M
Mast bumping
Contact between the rotor hub stop and the rotor mast, caused by excessive blade flapping on a semirigid rotor. It can damage or sever the mast and must be avoided.
Related: Robinson R22 vs. R44: Training Costs and What Students Should Know, Helicopter Safety: What the Accident Statistics Actually Say
N
NVG (night vision goggles)
An appliance worn by a pilot to improve the ability to keep visual reference to the surface at night. Federal rules define NVG operation as flight from 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise using them.
Source: 14 CFR 61.1 (Applicability and definitions), eCFR
Related: EMS Helicopter Pilot Requirements and a Realistic Timeline, Helicopter Pilot Jobs: Every Career Track and How to Enter Each
P
Part 133
The rules for rotorcraft external-load operations, including airworthiness certification and operating and certification rules for carrying loads outside the aircraft.
Source: 14 CFR 133.1 (Applicability), eCFR
Related: Utility and Powerline Helicopter Pilot Career: What Operators Publish, Helicopter Pilot Jobs: Every Career Track and How to Enter Each
Part 135
The rules for commuter and on-demand operations by certificate holders. Helicopter air ambulance has its own rules in Subpart L.
Source: 14 CFR 135.1 (Applicability), eCFR
Related: EMS Helicopter Pilot Requirements and a Realistic Timeline, Helicopter Pilot Jobs: Every Career Track and How to Enter Each
Part 137
The rules for agricultural aircraft operations in the United States and the issue of agricultural aircraft operator certificates.
Source: 14 CFR 137.1 (Applicability), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Jobs: Every Career Track and How to Enter Each, How to Read Helicopter Accident Data
Part 141
The rules for FAA-certificated pilot schools. Approved schools must meet standards for equipment, facilities, staff and curricula. Some private pilot hour minimums are lower at these schools.
Source: FAA, Pilot Schools Information
Related: Helicopter Flight Schools Compared: Cost, Fleet, Placement and Red Flags, What It Really Costs to Become a Helicopter Pilot: Military vs. Civilian vs. Flight School
Part 142
The rules for FAA-certificated training centers, which offer an alternative way to complete training that other parts require. A certificate is generally needed to train in flight simulators and advanced training devices.
Source: 14 CFR 142.1 (Applicability), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Flight Schools Compared: Cost, Fleet, Placement and Red Flags, How to Finance Helicopter Flight Training: Loans, GI Bill and Scholarships
Part 61
The part of the federal aviation rules that sets requirements for pilot, flight instructor and ground instructor certificates and ratings, plus their privileges and limits.
Source: 14 CFR 61.1 (Applicability and definitions), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship, Helicopter Pilot Training Stages: From First Lesson to Commercial Checkride
Part 91
The general operating and flight rules for aircraft within the United States, including waters within 3 nautical miles of the coast. A flight review includes a review of these rules.
Source: 14 CFR 91.1 (Applicability), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship, How to Read Helicopter Accident Data
PIC (pilot in command)
The pilot with final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of a flight. That pilot is designated before or during the flight and holds the proper category, class and any needed type rating.
Source: 14 CFR 1.1 (General definitions), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship, Helicopter Pilot Jobs: Every Career Track and How to Enter Each
Pilot school
An FAA-approved pilot school is certificated under Part 141. Instructors and companies without that certificate may also offer training, which the FAA says can be high quality. Approved schools must meet standards for equipment, facilities, staff and curricula.
Source: FAA, Pilot Schools Information
Related: Helicopter Flight Schools Compared: Cost, Fleet, Placement and Red Flags, What It Really Costs to Become a Helicopter Pilot: Military vs. Civilian vs. Flight School
Private pilot certificate
A commercial applicant must hold it first, or meet a separate rule. To qualify, a person must be at least 17 for most ratings, pass a knowledge test and a practical test, and meet training and experience rules.
Source: 14 CFR 61.103 (Private pilot eligibility requirements), eCFR
Related: How to Become a Helicopter Pilot: The Complete Roadmap, Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship
R
R-ATP
A restricted-privileges airline transport pilot certificate with fewer hours for certain military pilots and aviation graduates. The rule covers the airplane category only, so it does not apply to helicopter ATP routes.
Source: 14 CFR 61.160 (Aeronautical experience: airplane category restricted privileges), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship, Military to Civilian Helicopter Pilot: FAA Conversion, GI Bill and Jobs
Robinson SFAR 73
A special federal rule with extra training and experience requirements for flying Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters. It covers ground training on topics such as mast bumping and low rotor rpm.
Source: 14 CFR Part 61, Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 73, eCFR
Related: Robinson R22 vs. R44: Training Costs and What Students Should Know, Helicopter Discovery Flight: What to Expect and Whether It Is Worth It
Rotorcraft
A heavier-than-air aircraft that gets lift mainly from one or more rotors. A helicopter is a rotorcraft that depends mainly on its engine-driven rotors for horizontal motion.
Source: 14 CFR 1.1 (General definitions), eCFR
Related: How Helicopters Fly: Rotors, Controls and Why Training Is Different
S
Second-class medical
The FAA medical class required for commercial pilot privileges in most aircraft, including helicopters. Federal rules set how long it stays valid for those privileges. The VA also asks for it for GI Bill flight training.
Source: 14 CFR 61.23 (Medical certificates: requirement and duration), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship, How to Become a Helicopter Pilot: The Complete Roadmap
SIC (second in command)
A pilot designated to be second in command during flight. Second-in-command time may be logged only when specific qualification, rating and crew-requirement conditions are met, so not every right-seat hour counts.
Source: 14 CFR 61.51 (Pilot logbooks), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Jobs: Every Career Track and How to Enter Each, Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship
SIFT
The Selection Instrument for Flight Training, a test with a qualifying score. An Army National Guard page lists it among the eligibility standards for aviation warrant officer candidates.
Source: Army National Guard (South Carolina), Aviation Warrant Officer
Related: Warrant Officer Flight Training Explained, Army Helicopter Pilot: Path, Commitment, and What Life Looks Like
Solo
A student pilot's flight as the only person aboard. Before a first solo, a student must pass a knowledge test and meet other training and endorsement requirements set in the rules.
Source: 14 CFR 61.87 (Solo requirements for student pilots), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Training Stages: From First Lesson to Commercial Checkride, Helicopter Lessons Cost: Hourly Rates, Block Time and Hidden Fees
T
Third-class medical
The FAA medical class needed for student, recreational and private pilot privileges, unless the BasicMed conditions apply. Flight instructors also need at least this class when acting as a required crew member.
Source: 14 CFR 61.23 (Medical certificates: requirement and duration), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship, Helicopter Discovery Flight: What to Expect and Whether It Is Worth It
Throttle and governor
The throttle sets engine speed. A governor senses engine and rotor rpm and adjusts power so rotor rpm stays steady. It is common on turbine helicopters and used on some piston ones.
Source: FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), Chapter 3, Helicopter Flight Controls
Related: How Helicopters Fly: Rotors, Controls and Why Training Is Different, Robinson R22 vs. R44: Training Costs and What Students Should Know
Translational lift
The extra rotor efficiency a helicopter gains once it moves forward or meets wind. Between about 16 and 24 knots the rotor reaches effective translational lift, and the pilot must adjust the controls.
Source: FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), Chapter 2, Aerodynamics of Flight
Related: How Helicopters Fly: Rotors, Controls and Why Training Is Different, Helicopter Pilot Training Stages: From First Lesson to Commercial Checkride
TSO
A Technical Standard Order, the FAA's minimum performance standard for an article such as a part, component or appliance. A TSO authorization approves design and production, not installation.
Source: FAA, Technical Standard Orders (TSO)
Related: Best Aviation Headsets for Student Helicopter Pilots
Turbine time
Flight time in helicopters with turbine engines. The handbook describes turbine engines as more powerful but generally more expensive to operate than piston engines.
Related: EMS Helicopter Pilot Requirements and a Realistic Timeline, Helicopter Pilot Jobs: Every Career Track and How to Enter Each
Type rating
An added rating on a pilot certificate for a specific aircraft type. Rules require one to act as pilot in command of large aircraft, turbojet airplanes, powered-lift and others the FAA specifies.
Source: 14 CFR 61.31 (Type rating requirements), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship, Helicopter Pilot Jobs: Every Career Track and How to Enter Each
V
VFR (visual flight rules)
Short for visual flight rules. Weather below the minimums for flight under these rules is called IFR conditions in the federal definitions.
Source: 14 CFR 1.1 and 1.2 (General definitions; Abbreviations), eCFR
Related: Helicopter Pilot Requirements: Age, Medical, Education, Citizenship, How to Read Helicopter Accident Data
W
Warrant officer
In the Army, a technical expert who advises commanders and trains others. Enlisted soldiers can advance to warrant officer, and warrant officers make up under three percent of the Army, per Army recruiting.
Source: U.S. Army, Warrant Officers
Related: Warrant Officer Flight Training Explained, Army Helicopter Pilot: Path, Commitment, and What Life Looks Like
WOFT (Warrant Officer Flight Training)
The Army program that trains warrant officer candidates to become aviators. After Warrant Officer Candidate School, candidates complete phases of training at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Source: Army National Guard (South Carolina), Aviation Warrant Officer
Related: Warrant Officer Flight Training Explained, Army Helicopter Pilot: Path, Commitment, and What Life Looks Like