Helicopter Training / Commercial Licence

The Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopters), or CPL(H), is the professional licence that allows you to be paid to fly helicopters. It is the required licence should you wish to fly helicopters as a career.

The aim of the course is to train PPL(H) holders who have already passed a course of theoretical training to the level of proficiency necessary for the issue of a Commercial Pilot Licence for Helicopters.

Locations
The combination of operating bases in Thruxton, Hampshire and Shoreham, West Sussex (The UK’s busiest general aviation airport) provide excellent training facilities.

Fleet
We pride ourselves on one of the most extensive fleet of aircraft, which are available for ab-initio training, PPL(H), CPL(H), FI(R), IR(H), type rating training, and self fly hire.

Capability
Our experience and professionalism is demonstrated by our holding of approvals that are granted to very few training organisations in the country. From an introductory trial lesson to a Commercial Pilot Licence with Instument Rating, FAST Helicopters will guide you all the way.

Training
With our team of highly experienced, professional career instructors and in-house examiners, you can rest assured that at FAST Helicopters we remain committed to providing exceptional standards of helicopter flight training.

Requirements to start a CPL(H) course

• At least 18 years of age
• Hold a valid Class 1 medical (initial can only be issued by the CAA at Gatwick)
• Hold a valid PPL(H)
• Have passed all professional theoretical examinations:-
  • 9 exams for CPL(H):- Air Law, Aircraft General Knowledge, Flight Performance and Planning, Human Performance and Limitations, Meteorology, Navigation, Operational Procedures, Principles of Flight and VFR Communications
  • 14 exams for ATPL(H):- As above but with the addition of an Aircraft General Knowledge paper, two Flight Performance and Planning papers, one Navigation paper and one Communications paper.
• Have 155 hours flight time as Pilot of helicopters including 50 as Pilot in Command (P1) of which 10 hours shall be cross country

The modular course consists of 30 hours of dual instruction to include 10 hours of instrument instruction.

Requirements for CPL(H) issue

• An applicant for a JAR CPL(H) must have completed a minimum of 185 hours of flight time that must include:
• 50 hours as P1
• 10 hours of cross country flight time as P1, including one cross country flight of at least 100 nm and involving 2 full stop landings at two different airfields
• 10 hours of instrument dual instruction time
• 5 hours night flying (for applicants who do not already hold a night rating) comprising of at least 3 hours dual instruction, including 1 hour of dual cross country navigation and 5 solo take-offs and full stop landings, each to include one full circuit
• Pass a CPL(H) Skill Test with a CAA authorised examiner

Endless Possibilities...
FAST Helicopters are dedicated to helping you realise your ambition with a proven, structured training programme that is tailored to meet individual requirements. Our instructors are always willing to answer questions that may arise, and give extra help on tuition for the self-study of theory examinations where necessary.

You will soon begin to gain confidence in your ability to handle the helicopter as well as having developed airmanship and captaincy skills expected of a commercial pilot.

You may also choose to progress to an Instrument Rating course and type conversion which are also catered for in our in-house training schools.

The scope of the helicopter is limited only by your imagination…

If you would like more information on the CPL(H) and how FAST Helicopters can help you reach your goal, contact FAST Helicopters today, or pop along to either of our bases for a chat.