Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Includes training for Stage 1 of Hillsboro Aviation’s 141-approved Helicopter Commercial syllabus, which includes the Helicopter Instrument rating.

Upon successful completion students should be able to:

1. Perform basic commercial maneuvers with no instructor assistance.
2. Take responsibility as Pilot In Command, perform preflight duties and all other procedures necessary for the safe conduct of cross-country flights flight 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.
3. Maintain contingency plans and a high level of situational awareness during both VFR and IFR cross-country flights.
4. Qualify to apply for and take the FAA Instrument Rating practical test

This course will consist of the scenarios and lessons contained in Stage 1 of the commercial syllabus.

At the Beginning of the course, the instructor will detail the methods used to evaluate and record student progress and the criteria for assigning a course
grade. Evaluation methods will include written, oral, and practical testing. Learner centered grading will be used by the student’s individual Flight Instructor on each lesson. The student will also be assessed by a senior Flight Instructor at the Stage 1 check. The instructor will immediately grade each stage check, and if necessary, have students complete a review and retake of the exam, until a minimum score of 70% is achieved. Evaluation levels will target those defined by FAA-S-8081-HD (or subsequent edition) Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards, and required under 14CFR 141, FAA Approved Training Course.
For the embedded Instrument Rotorcraft Helicopter Rating, the instructor will review the knowledge areas covered in AVS-130 with focus on helicopter specific regulations and procedures. Evaluation methods will include written, oral, and practical testing. The instructor will immediately grade each Instrument Proficiency check, and if necessary, have students complete a review and retake of the exam, until a minimum score of 70% is achieved. Evaluation levels will target those defined by FAA-S-8081-4C (or subsequent edition) Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards..

The following areas will be presented in training scenarios that represent real-life commercial and instrument flying situations:
Preflight preparation;
Preflight procedures;
Airport and heliport operations;
Hovering maneuvers;
Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
Performance maneuvers;
Navigation;
Emergency operations;
Special operations; and
Air traffic control and clearances and procedures
Flight by reference to instruments
Navigation systems
Instrument approach procedures
Postflight procedures