Commercial Pilot Licence – CPL(H)

A Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopter) or CPL(H) is the basic professional qualification which enables the holder to fly for remuneration.

The aim of the Modular CPL(H) flight training course offered by Elite Helicopters is to train suitably experienced PPL(H) holders to the level of proficiency required for the issue of the CPL(H) (but not the Instrument Rating or any further specialisation).

All our Commercial course instructors are seasoned professional pilots who are able to share valuable insights acquired through many years of diverse experience in real-world commercial helicopter operations. Our first-time pass rate for this most demanding of courses is second to none.

Pre-course Requirements:

Candidates must

  • be at least 18 years of age
  • hold a valid JAA Class 1 Medical certificate
  • hold a valid JAA/ICAO helicopter licence
  • have logged a minimum of 155 hours flight time as Pilot of Helicopters, of which 50 hours are as Pilot-In-Command (PIC), to include 10 hours cross-country as PIC (there are some reductions for qualified fixed wing pilots)
  • have passed the theoretical knowledge exams in ALL subjects at CPL(H) or ATPL(H) level


Please note Elite Helicopters do not conduct CPL/ATPL(H) theoretical knowledge training or examinations, but we can offer guidance in relation to learning providers who offer either distance learning or full-time study courses in order to achieve passes in these exams.

Course Outline:

The standard Modular course typically takes 3 to 4 weeks to complete if conducted intensively (recommended) and consists of a minimum of 30 hours dual flight instruction comprising a mandatory 10 hours Instrument flying with the remaining 20 hours covering General Handling and Navigation exercises. A further 5 hours of night flying instruction will be required if a Night Qualification is not already held.

During the latter stages of the course, candidates are required to pass a ‘170A’ check flight with an external examiner; this is essentially a ‘mock’ test where the candidate demonstrates that they meet the required standards of skill and competence to pass the Licence Skill Test (LST) at the first attempt upon completion of the training.

Elite Helicopters are approved to conduct CPL(H) flight training using any of the following aircraft types:

  • Robinson R22
  • Robinson R44
  • B206/B206L
  • AS350

We also specialise in providing approved bespoke training courses for the purpose of converting foreign (ICAO) professional licences to JAA CPL(H) – contact us with details of your qualifications and experience for further information.

Other training available: