Self-Fly Hire & Advanced Training

Having completed your PPL(H), it is always advisable to regard this as merely a ‘licence to learn’. It is important to keep current and have regular check flights with Elite instructors to keep your flying skills safe and accurate.

We are constantly being asked for advice on what to do once you have obtained your licence and have many suggestions to help you stay enthusiastic, develop your skills and carry on learning!

Once you are approved to Self-Fly Hire and are confident operating at your home airfield, why not work your way through this list of more advanced flying?

  • Start by doing a cross country flight in the local area
  • Cross country flight with passenger(s) to an alternative airfield (and treat them to an all day breakfast – pilot’s staple diet – at the aerodrome café!)
  • Land at a private site, perhaps a hotel or friend’s property (check with an Elite instructor for suitability of site beforehand)
  • Explore the London Heliroutes (requires instructional flights and approval from CFI prior to flying solo in the London Control Zone)
  • Mountain Flying in Wales
  • Cross Channel flight to Le Touquet / Paris Heliport
  • Add another helicopter type to your licence – generally a minimum of 5 hours dual training plus a flight test (Type Rating Training)
  • Obtain a Night Qualification


Having a structured programme for your Self-Fly Hiring / hour building is crucial in order to progressively build confidence and experience. For those PPL(H) pilots who are intending to continue to Commercial Pilot level, this programme will go a long way to ensure that they have acquired sufficient worthwhile flying experience prior to commencing the CPL(H) course.

Contact us now for more information

Other training available: