Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

Providing flight instruction to train the student pilot to act as pilot in command of a helicopter.

Private Pilot Licence Helicopter Training

If you are looking for a new and exciting challenge a Helicopter Private Pilot Licence could be for you! The licence allows you to fly helicopters privately with friends and family as passengers. It is also the first step to becoming a commercial helicopter pilot.

To keep your Private Pilot Licence current, you must fly at least two hours per year and pass a proficiency check with an examiner. This applies to each type of helicopter you wish to fly.

The Course

The course consists of a minimum of 45 hours of helicopter flight training. This can be reduced to 39 hours if you hold a PPL(Aeroplanes) with at least 60 hours of Pilot in Command time.

This includes 10 hours of solo flying, of which at least 5 must be solo navigation. You will also complete a qualifying solo cross-country flight, covering at least 100 nautical miles and landing at two airfields before returning to the home base.

Private Pilot Licence Requirements

There are no pre-entry requirements for the PPL(H) course. However, before flying solo a student must fulfil the following criteria:

Students must be 17 years of age to qualify for their PPL(H)
Hold a valid medical certificate issued by a CAA Medical Examiner – Minimum Class 2.
Have completed the relevant Emergency Drills training.
Have English language proficiency equivalent to at least ICAO Level 4.

Theoretical Exams

There are 9 theoretical knowledge examinations to pass as well, covering the topics:

Air Law
Aircraft General Knowledge
Communications
Flight Performance and Planning
Human Performance
Meteorology
Navigation
Operational Procedures
Principles of Flight

Each of the examinations are multiple choice papers with a pass mark of 75% and there is also a Radiotelephony practical exam to be completed with one of our internal examiners. We encourage self-study but tuition is available from our instructors on request.

Our Helicopters

As well as the 2 seat Schweizer 300CBi, the 6 seat AS355N twin turbine helicopter and 5 seat Bell 206 Jetranger turbine helicopter are also available.
All have excellent safety records.

Other helicopter types available by arrangement.