FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)RegulationsHard
A student pilot working toward a helicopter private pilot certificate is planning a required solo cross-country flight under 14 CFR 61.109(f). Which flight satisfies this specific requirement?
- AA solo flight of 50 nautical miles total distance with landings at three points, including one segment of at least 15 nautical miles straight-line distance
- BA solo flight of 100 nautical miles total distance with one segment of 25 nautical miles
- CA solo flight of 25 nautical miles total distance with landings at two points
- DA solo flight of 150 nautical miles total distance with one segment of 50 nautical miles
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. A solo flight of 50 nautical miles total distance with landings at three points, including one segment of at least 15 nautical miles straight-line distance
14 CFR 61.109(f)(2)(ii) requires one solo cross-country flight of at least 50 nautical miles total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 15 nautical miles between takeoff and landing locations.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Distances are too large; this does not match the helicopter rule.
- C. Total distance and number of landings are both insufficient.
- D. This matches the airplane private pilot requirement, not helicopter.
Helicopter Solo Cross-Country
Under 61.109(f), the helicopter private pilot solo cross-country requires 50 nm total distance, landings at three points, with one segment of at least 15 nm straight-line distance.
- 50 nm total distance minimum
- Landings at 3 points minimum
- One leg at least 15 nm straight-line
Memory trick: Fifty miles, three stops, fifteen straight — that's the helicopter's cross-country fate