AIM

The aim of the CPL (H) modular course is to train PPL (H) holders to the level of proficiency necessary for the issue of a Commercial Pilots Licence for helicopters.

REQUIREMENTS

The applicant has to be a minimum of 18 years of age. They must also hold a class one medical certificate. The applicant must have logged 155 hours total time of which 50 hours must be P1 (Pilot in command) with 10 of these being cross country . 5 hours of night flying must be completed plus the commercial theoretical ground school must have been completed by an appoved Theoretical Knowlege training provider.

The duration of the CPL (H) course, assuming full time attendance of 5 days a week, will last on average for 4 weeks.

The CPL (H) course is structured to last for a minimum of 30 hours. This is broken down into the following,

20 hours of general handling and navigation training
10 hours of simulated instrument flying (no reference to the outside horizon)

A night rating must also be held to gain a commercial pilot’s licence. This rating is often combined with the CPL (H) course, as by this stage you will have the requirements to hold a night rating. This rating comprises of 5 hours flying at night and is broken down into the following,

3 hours minimum of dual instruction (of which 1 hour must be dual cross-country navigation)
5 solo night circuits (each circuit shall include a takeoff and landing)

To find out more infomation on the night rating, please visit our Night Qualification Page.

SKILLS TEST

To complete the commercial pilots course a skills test must be taken. These will assess the pilot’s ability and airmanship both on the ground and in the air. A pass, partial pass or a fail will be awarded in the debrief once the test has been completed

The skills test is broken down into 5 sections.

Pre flight/post flight checks and procedures
Hover manoeuvres, advanced handling and confined areas
Navigation – en route procedures
Flight procedures and manoeuvres by sole reference to instruments
Abnormal and emergency procedures

If you are successful in your skills test you will be granted with a Commercial Pilots Licence. This achievement will allow you to take remuneration from flying helicopters. This opens doorways within helicopter aviation the many opportunities within.