FAA Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter (135) (ATH) knowledge test — also preparing for the ATP Helicopter (135) Added Rating test (ARH)
The ATP knowledge test for helicopter pilots — 80 questions focused on Part 135 helicopter operations, helicopter IFR, performance and weather, with the ARH added-rating test covered too.
About the exam
An airline transport pilot certificate with a rotorcraft category, helicopter class rating is the top helicopter pilot certificate, commonly sought by pilots in Part 135 on-demand, offshore and air ambulance operations. The Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter (ATH) test — labelled "(135)" on the FAA testing matrix — is the knowledge test for it. The same bank also prepares you for the ATP Helicopter Added Rating test (ARH), the shorter test for pilots who already hold an ATP certificate in another category, such as airplane, and are adding rotorcraft-helicopter (61.165(a) requires a knowledge test for that). Neither test requires an ATP Certification Training Program (CTP) certificate — 61.35(a)(2) requires the CTP only for the multiengine airplane ATP. QuizMe does not yet cover the sport-pilot helicopter tests (SHF and IHF).
ATH has 80 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours; ARH has 50 questions in 2 hours 30 minutes. Every question has three answer choices, and you need 70% to pass. You test on computer at a PSI test center with a photo ID and an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) from IACRA; the testing matrix says no instructor endorsement or other written authorization is needed for a first attempt, and the minimum testing age is 21 (the ATP certificate itself requires age 23 and the aeronautical experience of 61.161). Figures come from the FAA ATP testing supplement (FAA-CT-8080-7D) or embedded images. A passing result is valid for 24 calendar months — the 60-month window applies only to multiengine airplane applicants who completed the CTP.
Our practice covers every area with original questions mapped to the ATP helicopter standards, with step-by-step worked solutions for every calculation — hover performance in and out of ground effect, density altitude, longitudinal and lateral CG and weight shift, helicopter IFR fuel and alternate requirements, descent planning and flight-time and rest arithmetic. Add flashcards for Part 135 helicopter rules, limits and weather codes, worked case walkthroughs of Part 135 and air ambulance trips from planning to landing, illustrated guides to helicopter systems and Copter approaches, and timed practice tests at the real length — 80 questions in 3 hours — with a score.
How we track your progress
Every blueprint domain moves through five levels as you study:
- Not startedNo questions answered in this domain yet.
- Getting startedFirst questions answered — not enough yet to judge.
- DevelopingAt least 5 answered and 50% or better on your recent questions.
- ProficientAt least 15 answered and 70% or better on your recent questions.
- Exam readyAt least 25 answered, 80% or better recently, and holding up on hard questions.
The exam blueprint
FAA-S-8081-20A, Airline Transport Pilot and Aircraft Type Rating PTS for Rotorcraft Category Helicopter Rating (November 2023; effective May 31, 2024) — still a PTS, not an ACS — Part 135 helicopter operations, helicopter instrument flying and Copter procedures, performance and weight & balance, aerodynamics, systems, emergencies, weather and human factors — one bank for ATH and ARH. Domain weights are QuizMe estimates — the FAA does not publish them. Tap a domain to see its topics.
1 Part 135 Helicopter Operations about 22% (est.) of the exam
60 practice questions in this domain so far
2 Helicopter Instrument Flying and Copter Procedures about 14% (est.) of the exam
70 practice questions in this domain so far
3 Performance, Limitations and Weight & Balance about 15% (est.) of the exam
60 practice questions in this domain so far
4 Helicopter Aerodynamics about 10% (est.) of the exam
60 practice questions in this domain so far
5 Helicopter Systems and Instruments about 10% (est.) of the exam
50 practice questions in this domain so far
6 Emergencies and Hazards about 8% (est.) of the exam
50 practice questions in this domain so far
7 Weather Information about 15% (est.) of the exam
32 practice questions in this domain so far
8 Human Factors about 6% (est.) of the exam
12 practice questions in this domain so far
What you get when you access this exam
Free with your QuizMe account.
Questions built on the PTS
Every question is original and tagged to an ATP helicopter knowledge area with a Part 135 focus — three choices like the real test, with performance and loading charts, Copter approach plates and weather reports described in text.
Hints and worked solutions
Reveal the rule, reference or formula behind the question when you're stuck. Every answer has the full rationale, and every calculation is solved step by step.
Adaptive practice
Questions steer toward your weakest areas, weighted like the real test, and get harder as you get stronger.
Timed practice tests
Full-length tests at the real pace — 80 questions in 3 hours — with a pacing indicator, full review and a percent score against the 70% pass mark.
Flashcards, walkthroughs and guides
Flashcards for Part 135 helicopter rules, duty limits, minimums and weather codes, worked case walkthroughs that reason through harder questions step by step, and interactive illustrated guides you explore hotspot by hotspot.
Progress in every area
Each area moves from Not started to Exam ready, so you know exactly what to study next.
Test at home or at a center
ATH and ARH are scheduled and taken through PSI, the FAA's knowledge-testing provider. Get your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) in IACRA, then choose a PSI test center and time — no endorsement and no CTP certificate are needed. Remote testing is not offered for FAA airman knowledge tests.
At a PSI test center
- Book through PSI's FAA scheduling site; the fee is paid to PSI, not the FAA — about $175 at PSI (confirm when you book).
- Bring a current government-issued photo ID that meets FAA identification rules, and your FAA Tracking Number (FTN).
- The center gives you the FAA-CT-8080-7D ATP testing supplement with the charts and figures; some questions show images on screen.
- You may use an FAA-approved flight computer (E6B) and calculator under the test center's rules; PSI's testing system also includes an on-screen E6B.
Before you book
- Pick the right test: ATH for an ATP with a helicopter rating, ARH if you already hold an ATP certificate in another category, such as airplane — confirm with your examiner.
- No ATP CTP graduation certificate and no instructor endorsement are needed — the CTP applies only to the multiengine airplane ATP (61.35(a)(2)). Check the current matrix before you book.
- You must be at least 21 to take the test; the ATP certificate requires age 23 and the helicopter aeronautical experience of 61.161.
- If you retake after a failure, bring the failed test report and an endorsement from an authorized instructor who gave you the additional training.
Exam-day game plan
How to walk in ready — and how to pace 80 questions in 3 hours.
Pacing checkpoints
Our timed test uses the real length and time — 80 questions in 3 hours, the ATH length — as one block of single-answer, three-choice questions; ARH is shorter (50 questions in 2 hours 30 minutes). Figures that the real test shows from the FAA-CT-8080-7D testing supplement or as embedded images are reproduced as described text, tables or simple diagrams — not the official FAA charts.
The week before
- Take one full-length timed practice test 4–7 days out, then shorter sets and rest.
- Drill Part 135 helicopter rules: VFR minimums and surface reference, IFR alternates and weather, flight time and rest limits, and air ambulance requirements.
- Memorize the helicopter IFR rules: 30 minutes of reserve fuel, the 1,000-foot (or 400 above minimums) and 2-mile alternate test, and Copter approach visibility notes.
- Confirm your PSI appointment, your FTN, your ID and the flight computer and calculator you'll bring.
During the test
- Pace yourself at about 2 minutes 15 seconds a question — 3 hours is generous, so spend it on the performance and chart problems.
- Read which operating rules the question uses — Part 91 and Part 135 differ on weather minimums, alternates, fuel and duty limits.
- For performance and loading questions, write down the inputs and units before you read the chart.
- Watch for EXCEPT and NOT — they flip what you're looking for.
- Mark hard questions, answer every one and come back if time allows — there's no penalty for guessing.
Keep your head
- A few nerves sharpen focus. If you freeze, take three slow breaths and reread the question.
- You need 56 of 80 — a few long performance problems won't sink you.
- Missed topics show up as codes on your report, and your examiner will review them — it's a study list, not a black mark.
After you test
- You get your Airman Knowledge Test Report at the test center; it shows your score and the codes of any knowledge areas you missed, and you'll show it to your examiner.
- A passing result is valid for 24 calendar months — complete the ATP helicopter practical test within that window.
- Next comes the ATP helicopter practical test under FAA-S-8081-20A, often in a Part 135 operator's or training provider's program and sometimes combined with a type rating; the examiner also reviews your missed topics.
Official sources and further reading
- ATP and Type Rating PTS — Helicopter (FAA-S-8081-20A) ↗The official standard for the ATP helicopter practical test and the knowledge it draws on.
- FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix ↗Official question count, time, minimum age and the authorization each test requires.
- 14 CFR 61.165 — Additional aircraft category and class ratings (ATP) ↗Why ATP holders adding a helicopter rating take a knowledge test (ARH).
Ready to start?
394 questions and scenarios across the blueprint — and growing.
QuizMe is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA or PSI. All questions are original. Details are summarized from FAA sources (ACS, testing matrix, 14 CFR); rules and policies change — always confirm at faa.gov. Estimated scores are rough guides.