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Becoming a Pilot

Introduction

You may be considering getting a helicopter licence. If so, a UK CAA CPL (H) licence is the key to almost any of the helicopter pilot jobs in the world, be it instruction, pipeline patrols, long lining, crop spraying, oil and gas rig flying or HEMS. The minimum age to get a CPL is 18 and you will need to hold a Part MED Class 1 Medical Certificate.

Training

ATP H integrated training course:
You can train for a CPL in a single course to the level required to fly helicopters commercially under visual flight rules. This course includes Multi Crew Co-operation (MCC) instruction.

Your theoretical knowledge and examinations will be of the level required for the issue of an ATPL (H) once you have completed the necessary flying experience and skills tests to upgrade your licence.

You will need to complete at least 650 hours of theoretical knowledge training, plus at least 20 hours for Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC). You will need to pass an exam to demonstrate an appropriate level of theoretical knowledge.

Flying training

The requirement of total flying training is at least 150 hours which include all progress tests. *If you hold an ICAO compliant PPL(H), 50% of the hours flown can be credited, up to a maximum of 40 hours, of which up to 20 hours can be dual instruction, or 50 hours, of which up to 25 hours may be dual instruction, if you have a helicopter night rating*

The total flying training requirement must include the following components:

  • Dual instruction
  • Visual instruction
  • Instrument instruction
  • MCC
  • PIC
  • Cross-country flying
  • Night flying
  • Instrument time

Exact hour requirements for each of these components can be found on the CAA website here.

Training routes – Helicopter

CPL(H) integrated training

Train for a CPL in a single course to the level required to fly commercially. This course does not include instrument rating training. There are no pre-requisites for this training.

Theoretical knowledge training:
You will need to complete at least 350 hours of theoretical knowledge training. This theoretical knowledge course will only be sufficient for attempting CPL (H) theoretical knowledge examinations. If you wish to take theoretical knowledge examinations at ATPL (H) level or for an IR (H), you will need to complete additional study.

You will need to pass the CPL (H) theoretical knowledge examinations.

*If you hold a PPL, you need only complete at least 200 hours of theoretical knowledge training.*

Flying:
The requirement of total flying training is at least 135 hours, including all progress tests, of which five hours may be instrument ground time.

*If you hold an ICAO compliant PPL(H), 50% of the hours flown can be credited, up to a maximum of 40 hours, of which up to 20 hours can be dual instruction if you have a helicopter night rating, or 50 hours, of which up to 25 hours may be dual instruction.*

The total flying training requirement must include the following components:

  • Dual instruction
  • PIC
  • Cross-country flying
  • Night flying
  • Instrument time

CPL (H) modular

Training for a CPL to the level required to fly commercially. This does not include instrument rating training.

Before you begin the course, you must have completed 155 hours flight time, including 50 hours as PIC, of which 10 hours must be cross-country. You must also hold a PPL (H) before commencing the groundschool element.

If you are taking your skill test on a multi-engine helicopter you must have completed the prerequisites for the issue of a type or class rating for a multi-engine helicopter. You must complete your flight training in one continuous course at an ATO.

Flying:
To apply for a CPL (H) you must complete at least 30 hours of dual flight instruction, including 10 hours of instrument instruction and 20 hours of visual flight instruction.

Use of simulators or aeroplanes for dual instruction

  • Up to five hours of the instrument instruction requirement can be taken in a FFS, FTD2,3 or FNPT II, III
  • Up to five hours of the visual instruction requirement can be taken in a FTD 1, FNPT I or in an aeroplane

You will also need to complete at least five hours of night flight instruction, comprising three hours of dual instruction, which will include at least one hour of cross country navigation and five solo night circuits, each including a take-off and landing.

If you hold a valid IR(H) you will be fully credited the 10 hours instrument instruction time requirement. If you hold an IR(A) you will be credited with five hours. The remaining five hours must be completed in a helicopter.

You will not need to complete the additional night flight instruction if you already hold a night rating (helicopter)

Experience requirements that must be met before CPL skill test:
You must have at least 185 hours of flight time before conducting the skills test.

This must include the following for Pilot in Command (PIC)

  • 50 hours as PIC, of which 10 hours of cross-country flight as PIC, including a VFR cross[1]country flight of at least 185 km (100NM), in the course of which full stop landings at two aerodromes different from the aerodrome of departure must be made

You may be able to count some other Pilot in Command flying hours towards the 185 hours of flight time required.

These are detailed below:

  • 20 hours in aeroplanes if you hold a PPL(A),
    OR
  • 50 hours in aeroplanes, if you hold a CPL(A)
    OR
  • 10 hours in TMGs or sailplanes
    OR
  • 20 hours in airships if you hold a PPL(As)
    OR
  • 50 hours in airships if you hold a CPL(As)

Cost
This can range from £70- 90k and can be completed full time in 12 months

Joining the Army, Royal Navy or RAF

Another option if you want to become a helicopter pilot but don’t want to work in the commercial sector and can’t afford to train privately, is to join one of the armed forces as a trainee pilot.

There are a number of requirements to bear in mind, including having GSCEs in Maths, English and three other subjects, meeting health and fitness criteria and being able to swim. You also commit to being a part of the service for a certain amount of time, such as 12 years, if you join the RAF.

Although the armed forces train you to become a helicopter pilot, its also important to note that you may not end up flying a helicopter but a different aircraft. A role in the armed forces can be an incredibly rewarding career and is a great way to become a helicopter pilot if you cannot afford to learn privately.