FAA-S-8081-15B - Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft Category Gyroplane Rating - Foreword and Major Enhancements

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Fans

FAA-S-8081-15B establishes practical test standards for private pilots seeking a rotorcraft category gyroplane rating. The FAA uses these standards to conduct practical tests, and designated evaluators and FAA inspectors follow them when assessing performance. The foreword explains that the document supports instructors and applicants in practical test preparation and clarifies that FAA-S-8081-15B supersedes FAA-S-8081-15A with updates reviewed throughout. It highlights major enhancements including updated references, revised terminology, additions such as evaluator responsibility, and reorganization of task areas, while removing a helicopter section.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages34

Reading Time1 h 26 min

AccessFree to download

Foreword

Major Enhancements

Table of Contents

General Information

PTS Description

Acronyms/Abbreviations

Use of the PTS

Special Emphasis Areas

Practical Test Prerequisites

Aircraft and Equipment Required for the Practical Test

Evaluator Responsibility

Flight Instructor Responsibility

Satisfactory Performance

Unsatisfactory Performance

Letter of Discontinuance

Aeronautical Decision-Making, Risk Management, CRM, and Single-Pilot Resource Management

Applicant's Use of Checklists

Use of Distractions During Practical Tests

Positive Exchange of Flight Controls

Additional Rating Task Table

Applicant’s Practical Test Checklist for Rotorcraft-Gyroplane

Evaluator’s Practical Test Checklist for Rotorcraft-Gyroplane

Areas of Operation I. Preflight Preparation

Areas of Operation II. Preflight Procedures

FAA-S-8081-15B U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft Category Gyroplane Rating Flight Standards Service Washington, DC 20591 Foreword FAA-S-8081-15B, Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft Category Gyroplane Rating, is published by the FAA to establish the standards for the private pilot practical test for the rotorcraft category, gyroplane class. FAA inspectors and designated evaluators shall conduct practical tests in compliance with these standards. Instructors and applicants should find these standards helpful in practical test preparation. FAA-S-8081-15B supersedes FAA-S-8081-15A , Private Pilot for Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft Gyroplane with Change 1, dated July 2005. Major Enhancements • All references reviewed and updated throughout • Changed “cockpit” to “flight deck” throughout • Introduction: o Updated reference list in “Practical Test Description” section o Updated “Abbreviations” section o Updated “Practical Test Prerequisites” section o Added “Evaluator Responsibility” section o Updated Task Table o Updated Checklists • Removed helicopter section • Deleted Area Of Operation – Night Operation and moved the Task, Task Night Preparation to Area of Operation I. Preflight Preparation Task I. Table of Contents General Information ..................................................................................................................................6 PTS Description ........................................................................................................................................6 Acronyms/Abbreviations ...........................................................................................................................7 Use of the PTS .........................................................................................................................................8 Special Emphasis Areas ...........................................................................................................................9 Practical Test Prerequisites ......................................................................................................................9 Aircraft and Equipment Required for the Practical Test ............................................................................9 Evaluator Responsibility ...........................................................................................................................9 Flight Instructor Responsibility ................................................................................................................ 10 Satisfactory Performance ....................................................................................................................... 10 Unsatisfactory Performance ................................................................................................................... 10 Letter of Discontinuance ......................................................................................................................... 11 Aeronautical Decision-Making, Risk Management, Crew Resource Management, and Single-Pilot Resource Management ..................................................................................................... 11 Applicant's Use of Checklists .................................................................................................................. 11 Use of Distractions During Practical Tests.............................................................................................. 11 Positive Exchange of Flight Controls ...................................................................................................... 12 Additional Rating Task Table ................................................................................................................

FAQs

What is FAA-S-8081-15B used for?

FAA-S-8081-15B establishes the standards for the private pilot practical test for the rotorcraft category gyroplane rating. FAA inspectors and designated evaluators use these standards to conduct practical tests.

What document does FAA-S-8081-15B supersede?

FAA-S-8081-15B supersedes FAA-S-8081-15A, Private Pilot for Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft Gyroplane with Change 1, dated July 2005.

What major enhancements are included in this revision?

The revision includes reviewed and updated references throughout, terminology changes such as replacing “cockpit” with “flight deck,” additions like an “Evaluator Responsibility” section, updates to multiple areas (including task tables and checklists), and reorganization that removed the helicopter section and moved a night-preparation item.

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Fans