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Adding a Helicopter Category to my Airplane ATP

Asked by: 8150 views FAA Regulations, Helicopter

I currently hold an Multiengine Airplane ATP and a Commercial/Instrument Rotorcraft Cerificate. I have met all the Helicopter experience requirements for a Helicopter ATP. I also am a Helicopter PIC (Bell-412) for a Part 135 operation. I want to add a Helicopter Category to my ATP. I know I need to take a practical exam for the Helicopter ATP add-on. Do I need to take the FAA Written exam as well? I have found conlicting information from various sources. Thank you.

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2 Answers



  1. Kris Kortokrax on Mar 04, 2014

    Yes, you need to take a knowledge test. Looking at the Lasergrade website, it appears the designation for the exam is ARH (Added Helicopter Rating).

    I took two tests when I did mine. One test for airplane and another for helicopter. The test for the additional rating has fewer questions.

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  2. JP on Apr 05, 2014

    §61.165 Additional aircraft category and class ratings.
    (a) Rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating. A person applying for an airline transport certificate with a rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating who holds an airline transport pilot certificate with another aircraft category rating must:

    (1) Meet the eligibility requirements of §61.153 of this part;

    (2) Pass a knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas of §61.155(c) of this part;

    (3) Comply with the requirements in §61.157(b) of this part, if appropriate;

    (4) Meet the applicable aeronautical experience requirements of §61.161 of this part; and

    (5) Pass the practical test on the areas of operation of §61.157(e)(4) of this part.

    I’m in the same boat as you except I’m a little shy with some of the helicopter requirements. Best of luck!

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