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FAA Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter (135) (Added Rating) Knowledge Test Practice Test

The ARH knowledge test practice covers helicopter flight decisions relevant to an Airline Transport Pilot added rating under Part 135. Sampled areas include IFR clearance handling, night visual-reference assessment, landing-area selection, aircraft indications, weight and balance, and helicopter control near the surface.

Exam overview

Exam providerFederal Aviation Administration
Exam codeARH
CategoryAviation

About the FAA Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter (135) (Added Rating) Knowle… Exam

Helicopter operations require pilots to interpret aircraft indications and connect them to safe operational decisions. Practice scenarios address rotor tachometer and oil-pressure indications, outside-air-temperature readings, and the use of weight-and-balance data to confirm approved limits. Flight-planning situations include assessing weather beyond reported visibility, identifying landing options over terrain with few suitable sites, and recognizing how crosswinds can complicate directional control near the surface. Other questions examine IFR communication when an amended clearance cannot be followed as issued, and how altitude-reporting transponders support compatible ATC surveillance. These scenarios emphasize applying flight rules, aircraft information, and environmental cues to operational choices rather than recalling terminology in isolation.

Sample Practice Questions

Review a selection from this exam's published US Practice Tests practice bank.

Question 1

A pilot in command operating under IFR in controlled airspace receives an amended ATC clearance that cannot be complied with as issued. What is the appropriate action?

  1. AContinue under the original clearance without notifying ATC
  2. BAdvise ATC promptly and request an amended clearance or state the nature of the inability to comply
  3. CTurn toward the destination immediately and advise ATC after landing
  4. DAsk a passenger to contact ATC on the company frequency
Show answerCorrect answer: B

If a pilot cannot comply with an ATC clearance, the pilot should advise ATC as soon as practicable and obtain an amended clearance or communicate the applicable emergency circumstances. The pilot should not silently deviate from an accepted clearance.

Question 2

A pilot plans a night helicopter flight and checks the applicable weather reports. Why is visibility alone not enough to assess whether the route will provide reliable visual references?

  1. AClouds, precipitation, darkness, and terrain lighting can make surface references difficult to see even when reported visibility is adequate.
  2. BReported visibility directly measures the helicopter's rotor clearance from obstacles.
  3. CVisibility reports certify that every portion of the route is free of clouds.
  4. DVisibility is relevant only during daylight operations.
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Reported visibility does not ensure that usable ground references will be available along a night route. Cloud cover, precipitation, ambient lighting, and terrain characteristics can impair visual orientation, so pilots should assess the full set of conditions and applicable operating requirements.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a helicopter’s landing light during night operations?

  1. ATo illuminate the intended landing area and improve visibility during approach and landing
  2. BTo indicate the aircraft’s altitude to other pilots
  3. CTo provide the sole means of collision avoidance in all conditions
  4. DTo measure the height of the rotor system above obstacles
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A landing light helps illuminate the approach or landing area, subject to the installation and operating conditions. It is not a substitute for navigation lights, proper lookout, or other required procedures.

Question 4

When planning a helicopter flight over terrain with limited landing options, what is a key benefit of identifying suitable landing areas in advance?

  1. AIt gives the pilot options to consider promptly if a power or system problem develops
  2. BIt guarantees that an engine failure will be survivable
  3. CIt removes the need to monitor weather en route
  4. DIt permits operation beyond aircraft limitations when no airport is nearby
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Pre-identifying possible landing areas can improve decision-making if an abnormal condition occurs, especially where suitable sites are sparse. It does not guarantee an outcome or justify exceeding aircraft limitations.

Question 5

What is the function of a helicopter's rotor tachometer indication?

  1. AIt displays rotor rotational speed so the pilot can monitor it against the aircraft's approved operating range.
  2. BIt displays the hydraulic pressure available to the flight controls.
  3. CIt measures the distance between the helicopter and the ground.
  4. DIt shows the remaining endurance of the engine oil.
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Rotor-speed indication lets the pilot monitor rotor RPM and respond to deviations using the aircraft's approved procedures. It does not measure hydraulic pressure, height, or oil endurance.

Question 6

A helicopter pilot notices that the engine oil pressure is below the normal operating range. What is the most appropriate general response?

  1. AContinue the flight because oil pressure varies with altitude
  2. BFollow the aircraft's abnormal or emergency procedures and land as appropriate to the circumstances
  3. CIncrease rotor RPM to restore oil pressure
  4. DIgnore the indication unless the engine also makes unusual noise
Show answerCorrect answer: B

Low oil pressure can indicate inadequate lubrication or a system malfunction that may lead to engine damage or failure. The pilot should promptly apply the aircraft-specific checklist and choose a safe landing plan based on the indication and circumstances.

Question 7

When determining whether a helicopter is within its approved operating weight and center-of-gravity limits, which information should the pilot use?

  1. AA current, aircraft-specific weight-and-balance record and applicable flight manual data
  2. BThe maximum gross weight printed on a generic helicopter chart
  3. CA visual estimate of how evenly the occupants are seated
  4. DThe aircraft's fuel quantity alone
Show answerCorrect answer: A

The pilot must use the aircraft's own current weight-and-balance information and approved limitations. Generic data or visual estimates cannot establish that the specific aircraft is within its authorized weight and center-of-gravity envelope.

How to use this practice test

The free practice session presents up to 20 randomly selected questions from the 50-question ARH practice bank. Answer the questions as operational scenarios, then review the results shown after the session to identify topics that need more focused study.

Preparation tips

  • Practice responding to an amended IFR clearance you cannot accept as issued, including the need to communicate promptly with ATC.
  • Compare reported visibility with the visual references and terrain conditions needed to maintain safe helicopter flight at night.
  • Review how rotor-speed and oil-pressure indications relate to aircraft operating limits and the applicable response procedures.
  • Work through helicopter weight-and-balance calculations using the aircraft's approved data, and verify both weight and center-of-gravity limits.
  • Consider how crosswind, terrain, and available landing sites affect control and route decisions near the surface.
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