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Helicopter private pilot as a new pilot rating and how do I prepare for orals?

Asked by: 3898 views Helicopter, Private Pilot, Student Pilot

This is my first endeavor into flying and I love the experience so far.  I've dreamt about flying helicopters all my adult life and finally am able to afford the cost.  Most students in the discussions here are add-ons to an existing rating.  My question is how detailed will my orals be as I am a first time pilot.  I have the ASA-OEG-H oral exam guide and Scweizer Helicopter Pilot Textbook set to study from in addition to all the FAA text material.  I'm homeschooling it and working with my CFI.  What else can I do to practice for the orals at this stage and roughly 85 hours under my belt?  I'm training in a Hughes 269C and think its a great training helicopter.  How many fixed wing type questions will come into play if any?  What about Robinson questions?  Are they fair game for the examiner to ask?

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1 Answers



  1. CFI Academy on Aug 03, 2012

    Hi Rick. Whether you are a first time pilot or getting an add on on an existing pilot’s certificate, the FAA checkride would still be pretty much the same. The differences are during the training process. For example – navigation. If you are an existing private pilot on an airplane, then it is assumed that you already know navigation, and that you wouldn’t need any additional training for it. During checkride, the examiner may not even test you navigation subject in this case. But surely, if he/she does, it will still be a fair game.
    In your case – it is a FULL checkride. So prepare for everything. Cover everything that is in the PTS.
    As far as model/make specific questions – you will ONLY be asked questions about the make/model you are testing in, and not any other make/model. No fixed wing questions will be asked. Once again, review the PTS front to back and you will have all the answers you need. Wishing you all the best.

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