The JAR-CPL(H) is the professional licence for flying helicopters. It allows the holder to earn revenue from being a helicopter pilot.

CPL(H) holders can fill a variety of pilot positions in passenger and VIP transport, Pleasure Flights, search and rescue and emergency services.

There are two routes to obtaining the CPL(H), the integrated route and the modular route. The integrated route trains a student with little to no flying experience right through to the CPL(H). Whereas a modular route would involve completing each stage (PPL, CPL) as separate courses.

Under the integrated route the student pilot requires at least 135 hours of flying training combined with 550 hours of theoretical tuition.

A minimum of 30 hours flying training with 500 hours of theoretical tuition is required for current PPL(H) holders under the modular route.

To be eligible for the CPL(H) modular course the pilot MUST have

1. logged 155 of flying hours in a helicopter
2. this is reduced to 135 hours for PPL(A) holders
3. this is reduced further to 105 hours for CPL(A) holders
4. 50 hours as pilot in command (helicopters) including 10 hours of cross country flight

Modular training consists of only 30 hours of dual tuition which is made up of the following:

• 20 hours of visual instruction
• 10 hours of instrument instruction

Some of these hours may be performed in an approved simulator and up to 5 hours of the instrument tuition may be done in an aeroplane.

The instrument requirement is eliminated for IR(H) holders whereas IR(A) holder only need to complete 5 hours of dual instrument instruction.

Under the integrated route the required 135 hours of flying training MUST include:

1. 100 hours of dual tuition
2. 35 hours as pilot in command
3. 10 hours of dual cross country flight
4. 10 hours of cross country flight as pilot in command. This must include one 100nm cross crountry flight where full stop landings are made at two different en-route airfields
5. 5 hours of night flying made up of at least 3 hours of dual tuition, 1 hour of cross country navigation and 5 full stop solo circuits
6. 10 hours of dual instrument flying, at least 5 hours must be in a helicopter whereas the remaining hours may be in a simulator

A number of hours from the dual tuition part (100 hours) may be performed in an approved simulator.

In order to apply for the JAR-CPL(H) applicants from both the modular and integrated training routes MUST have completed a total of 185 flying hours including:

• 50 hours as Pilot In Command, this is reduced to 35 hours for pilots from an integrated course
• 10 hours of cross country flight as Pilot In Command including a 100nm cross country flight with two full stop landings at different airfields
• 10 hours of dual instrument instruction for applicants without an IR(H). 5 hours may be in an approved simulator
• 5 hours night flying for applicants without a Night Qualification. This MUST include 3 hours of dual tuition, one cross country flight and 5 solo circuits (including takeoffs/landings)

This also means that the 135 hours of training under the integrated course will not be enough in order to actually apply for the CPL(H) licence. Therefore the pilot will need to fly additional hours once they have completed the course.

Each pilot will need to study for and sit the following theoretical examinatons:

1. Air Law
2. Aircraft General Knowledge
3. Flight Performance & Planning
4. Human Performance & Limitations
5. Meteorolgy
6. Navigation
7. Operational Procedures
8. Principal of Flight
9. VFR Communications

Once the pilot has passed all of their ground exams and completed all of the necessary flying training then they must pass the Skills Test with an approved CAA examiner.

The skills test is made up of 5 sections, each section will require the pilot to perform a number of maneouvres/procedures. One must pass all sections, failure on any section will result in all of the sections having to be taken again.

Private Pilots Licence Helicopter PPL(H)

Commercial Pilots Licence Helicopter CPL(H)

Helicopter Night Rating NR(H)

Helicopter Instrument Rating IR(H)

Helicopter Instructor Rating