Helicopter Training / Private Licence

You've had a trial lesson, been bitten by the helicopter bug, and want to learn to fly a helicopter by yourself! So what's next?... The Private Pilot Licence (Helicopters), or PPL(H), is a CAA approved, structured helicopter training course which, once completed and passed, allows you to pilot a helicopter for private, non-revenue flights.

The PPL(H) course consists of 27 air exercises including the effects of controls, hovering and navigation to name just a few. Your experienced instructor will guide you through the various stages of the course via a combination of classroom instruction and air exercises.

In addition to the flight training, 7 theoretical knowledge examinations are self-studied as part of the course (see below).

As you progress through the PPL(H) course, a real sense of achievement is experienced as you master hovering, fly solo for the first time, complete a cross country navigation and finally pass your Skill Test. You are then rewarded with a Private Pilots Licence for Helicopters of your own!

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. You don't have to train for your PPL(H) on the Robinson R22 (pictured above) although it is the most popular choice.

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 PPL(H) course

• Dual training can start from any age. However a student would need to be at least 14 years of age for the hours flown to count towards licence issue, 16 in order to fly solo, and 17 for licence issue

Requirements for PPL(H) issue

• Hold at least a Class 2 medical
• Pass 7 theoretical knowledge examinations:- Aviation Law and Operational Procedures, Human Performance and Limitations, Navigation and Radio Aids, Meteorology, Aircraft (General) and Principles of Flight, Flight Performance and Planning, Communications
• Completed on one type of helicopter a minimum of 45 hours flight time as a pilot of helicopters that must include:-
  • 25 hours dual instruction, including 5 hours instrument dual instruction
  • 10 hours of supervised solo flight time, to include 5 hours of solo cross-country flight time and one cross country flight of at least 100 nm involving full stop landings at two different airfields
• Pass a PPL(H) Skill Test with a CAA authorised examiner

Notes

• If you have not flown a helicopter before, we recommend having an introductory trial lesson which counts towards the PPL(H) course.
• Students must hold at least a Class 2 medical before flying solo
• All theory exams must be passed within a period of 18 months and exam credits remain valid for 24 months after the last exam pass for the purpose of licence issue
• A Skill Test may not be attempted until all the required flying and theoretical training has been completed
• A Skill Test shall be taken within 6 months of completing instruction and all sections of a Skill Test must be completed within 6 months
• A Skill Test has a validity of 12 months for licence issue

Endless Possibilities...
We offer a full range of courses including trial lessons, half and full day courses if you need any further convincing! All the time spent in the helicopter counts towards the full licence when you do further training.

Full PPL(H) courses are available for the beginner as well as those with previous flying experience. All courses are designed to meet the Civil Aviation Authority requirements and include both a flight and ground training syllabus.

A starter pack is available containing all the necessary ground school subject books, navigation equipment and accessories.

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.

Once you gain your PPL(H) you can self fly hire a helicopter with family and friends, arrive in style at a lunch date, explore the UK and Europe by air, take your training further with our additional courses (Night Rating, Commercial Pilots Licence, Instrument Rating, etc) or talk to our sales department who can assist in the purchase of your own helicopter.

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

If you would like more information on the PPL(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.