Obtaining a Helicopter Private Pilot Licence (PPL(H)) in the UK is a lot of fun and the first step in gaining the licenses required to become a commercial pilot, if that’s the goal.
A PPL allows you to operate an aircraft for leisure. You don’t need to do much to get started but here's what you need to know about the requirements and syllabus to be granted a license:
Requirements:
Age
You must be at least 17 years old, however student pilots may be as young as 14 years old.
Medical Certificate
You will need to hold a valid Class 2 Medical Certificate.
Flight Hours
You must complete a minimum of 45 hours of flight instruction, including:
- 25 hours of dual flight instruction.
- 10 hours of supervised solo flight time, including at least 5 hours of solo cross-country flight.
Training Syllabus:
Ground School
Theoretical knowledge training covering subjects like Air Law, Human Performance, Meteorology, Communications, Navigation, Principles of Flight, Operational Procedures, Flight Performance and Planning, and Aircraft General Knowledge.
Exams
Pass written exams with a minimum score of 75%. The exams are multiple-choice and cover the theoretical knowledge subjects.
Flight Training
The fun bit! The practical flight instruction in an aircraft. In a nutshell students will go through the following in a structured syllabus:
- Familiarisation with the helicopter.
- Pre-flight and post-flight procedures.
- Air experience, including effects of controls, attitude and power changes, transitions, hovering, take-offs, and landings.
- Navigation, including solo cross-country flights.
- Advanced manoeuvres such as autorotation, confined area operations, and engine-off landings.
Flight Test
Once all the training has been completed there is a practical flight test to assess general handling skills, navigational skills, and general knowledge of the aircraft.
Once you successfully complete the training and pass all required exams, you will be issued a PPL(H), allowing you to fly helicopters for personal and recreational purpose
If you wish to become a professional helicopter pilot a CPL (Commercial Pilots License) is required. For more information don’t hesitate to get in touch.