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FAA Private Pilot Helicopter Knowledge Test Practice Test

The FAA Private Pilot Helicopter Knowledge Test (PRH) practice material covers helicopter systems, flight controls, instrument interpretation, and operational decisions. Sample questions address rotor and tail-rotor functions, magnetic compass use, load factor, prestart safety, fuel selection, emergency locator transmitters, and the effects of wind near terrain.

Exam overview

Exam providerFederal Aviation Administration
Exam codePRH
CategoryAviation

About the FAA Private Pilot Helicopter Knowledge Test Exam

Helicopter pilots must understand how control inputs affect rotorcraft response, especially when operating near performance limits, where abrupt inputs can increase risk. Systems knowledge includes the rotor mast, tail rotor, and vertical fin, with attention to how each contributes to aircraft operation and stability. Operational judgment also involves confirming the area is clear before engine start and checking fuel-selector position against the planned operation. In flight, pilots interpret magnetic-compass indications and consider load factor when maneuvering. Terrain awareness requires evaluating wind direction and local effects near ridges, where airflow can influence flight conditions. Emergency procedures include knowing when an ELT should be activated after an accident. These concepts connect aircraft knowledge with deliberate preflight checks, control decisions, and safe responses to changing conditions.

Sample Practice Questions

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

Question 1

Why should a pilot avoid abrupt control inputs when operating near the helicopter's performance limits?

  1. AAbrupt inputs can demand more rotor or engine performance than is available
  2. BAbrupt inputs automatically reset the engine instruments
  3. CAbrupt inputs eliminate the need to monitor airspeed
  4. DAbrupt inputs always reduce rotor rpm to a safe value
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Near performance limits, available power and rotor energy may be insufficient to meet sudden demands. Smooth, deliberate inputs help avoid excessive rotor loading or an unsafe rotor-rpm change.

Question 2

What information does a magnetic compass provide to a pilot?

  1. ADirection referenced to magnetic north
  2. BAltitude above the terrain directly below
  3. CRate of climb or descent
  4. DDistance to the nearest airport
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A magnetic compass indicates direction relative to magnetic north. It does not directly measure altitude, vertical speed, or distance.

Question 3

Before starting a helicopter engine, why should the pilot confirm that the area around the aircraft is clear?

  1. ATo protect people and property from rotor, exhaust, and aircraft movement hazards
  2. BTo ensure the magnetic compass points to true north
  3. CTo increase the engine's rated power
  4. DTo prevent changes in outside air temperature
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A clear area reduces the risk of injury or damage from rotor blades, rotor downwash, exhaust, and inadvertent aircraft movement during startup.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a helicopter's tail rotor in normal flight?

  1. ATo counteract main-rotor torque and provide directional control
  2. BTo increase lift from the main rotor
  3. CTo reduce the helicopter's weight during takeoff
  4. DTo control the helicopter's forward speed
Show answerCorrect answer: A

The tail rotor produces thrust that counters the torque created by the main rotor and allows the pilot to control heading with the pedals.

Question 5

What is the main function of a helicopter's vertical fin, if installed?

  1. ATo provide directional stability, particularly in forward flight
  2. BTo increase engine compression during takeoff
  3. CTo vary collective pitch automatically in a hover
  4. DTo measure the helicopter's rate of descent
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A vertical fin can contribute to directional stability in forward flight. Its effect and configuration differ among helicopter designs.

Question 6

What is the purpose of a helicopter's rotor mast?

  1. ATo connect the main rotor system to the transmission
  2. BTo regulate fuel flow to the engine
  3. CTo support the landing lights
  4. DTo control the pitch of the tail rotor blades
Show answerCorrect answer: A

The rotor mast transmits power from the transmission to the main rotor system and supports the rotor assembly.

Question 7

What does the term load factor describe in flight?

  1. AThe ratio of the aircraft's total weight to its fuel capacity
  2. BThe ratio of aerodynamic load to the aircraft's weight
  3. CThe amount of cargo carried per passenger
  4. DThe rate at which the engine consumes fuel
Show answerCorrect answer: B

Load factor expresses the aerodynamic load acting on an aircraft relative to its weight and is commonly stated in Gs. Maneuvers and turbulence can change it.

How to use this practice test

The free US Practice Tests bank contains 50 published practice questions. Each session presents up to 20 random questions, giving you a focused way to check recall across helicopter systems and operational judgment. Results appear after the session; use missed items to identify concepts that need further review.

Preparation tips

  • Explain how the tail rotor, rotor mast, and vertical fin contribute to helicopter operation, and distinguish their functions.
  • Review how abrupt control inputs and increased load factor can affect a helicopter near its performance limits.
  • Practice magnetic-compass interpretation, and connect wind direction and terrain effects to decisions near mountain ridges.
  • Build a prestart sequence that includes clearing the area around the aircraft and verifying the fuel selector for the planned operation.
  • Review ELT use after an accident, including the circumstances in which activation is appropriate.
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