Private Pilot Licence – PPL(H)

A Private Pilot Licence (Helicopter) or PPL(H) enables the holder to act as Pilot-In-Command of a helicopter on private, non-revenue flights.

This qualification is achieved by successfully completing a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved structured training programme consisting of a minimum of 45 hours flight instruction along with associated theoretical knowledge study. Flight instruction is usually undertaken in either the popular Robinson R22 or Robinson R44 helicopter, but for those wishing to learn in a turbine-engine helicopter such as the Bell B206 we can also offer this service as an option. When selecting the most appropriate aircraft type to train in, several factors other than cost need to be considered; not least of which are an individual’s size/weight, comfort, and what the nature of the prospective pilot’s subsequent flying will be (e.g. hour-building, carrying family/friends, normally carrying just one other person, availability of aircraft for Self-Fly Hire, purchasing an aircraft etc).

Whilst a student pilot can start logging training flights from the age of 14, they must be at least 16 years old before they can fly solo, and at least 17 years old before they can actually hold a PPL(H).

The 45 hours (minimum) flight time for the PPL(H) course consists of at least :

Every training exercise is preceded by a pre-flight briefing during which the learning objectives of the flight are explained and discussed, and followed by a post-flight debrief and discussion. All pre- and post-flight briefings are included as part of the hourly flying rate.

In addition to the flight training, there is also a requirement to complete a practical exam for the issue of the Flight Radiotelephony Licence and seven multiple-choice written exams testing knowledge of the following subjects:

All exams are conducted and assessed in-house by our CAA authorised Examiner.

Preparation for these exams is generally achieved through self-study of the recommended course literature, but if you require additional help, your instructor will naturally be able to provide guidance. For those requiring more formal classroom-based tutorials, these are available at a nominal additional cost. All the necessary training materials, books and equipment can be supplied by us.

You will be required to pass at least a CAA Class 2 Medical examination prior to your first solo flight. This medical assessment must be made by a CAA approved Medical Examiner – Elite can assist you in finding one at an address convenient to you.

Upon completion of the flight training minima and written exams, and having achieved a safe, competent level of flying ability, the final hurdle is to pass a Licence Skill Test (LST) with a CAA Flight Examiner within 6 months of completing the flight training.

The PPL(H) course, as has already been stated, comprises a minimum of 45 hours flight instruction; however, depending on various factors such as frequency of training, student aptitude/attitude/dedication, previous experience and the type of aircraft used for training, it is generally accepted that most students may require additional flight time in order to reach the standard required to pass the LST.

Once the Skill Test has been successfully passed and the paperwork completed, all that remains is to send your application form and supporting documentation to the CAA for the issue of your brand new licence.

Congratulations and welcome to the club – you are now a qualified helicopter pilot!

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