If you have a passion for Helicopters and you wish to fly them then the PPL(H) is the primary qualification to aim for. It allows the holder to command Helicopters on private, non-commercial flights.

With your PPL(H) you can take to the skies hovering, land in tightly confined spaces and explore the country's airspace in a way which conventional aircraft cannot. As a private qualification you will not be able generate revenue from flying, but you will be able to take your friends and family for pleasure flights.

To obtain a PPL(H) you will need to complete 45 hours of flying tuition, this is made up of the following:

1. 25 hours of dual tuition including 5 hours of instrument flying.
2. 10 hours of supervised solo flight including 5 hours of cross country flying.
3. One supervised solo cross country flight of at least 100 nautical miles including full stop landings at two en-route aerodromes.

PPL(H) training will cover all aspects of flying such that the pilot can safely operate a helicopter and deal with any emergencies which may occur.

To be more precise the current JAA syllabus requires the following exercises to be performed:

• Helicopter familiarisation
• Pre-flight preparation and post-flight checks
• Air Experience
• Effects of the helicopter controls
• Altitude and power changes
• Climbing, descending, turning and level flight
• Autorotations
• Hovering, hover taxying and spot turns
• Taking off and landing
• Transitions, hover to climb, back to hover
• Airfield circuits
• Solo flight
• Manoeuvring backwards and sideways
• Spot turns
• Vortex ring
• Simulated engine-off landings
• Advanced autorotations
• Practice forced landings
• Steep turns
• Transitions
• Quick stops
• Navigation
• Advanced takeoffs, landings and transitions
• Taking off and landing on sloping ground
• Limited power flying
• Confined areas
• Basic navigation
• Emergencies

As well as these practical exercises there are seven multiple choice ground exams to complete, these consist of the following:

1. Aircraft Knowledge and Principles of Flight
2. Aviation Law and Operational Procedures
3. Flight Performance and Planning
4. Human Performace and Planning
5. Meteorology
6. Navigation and Radio Aids
7. Radio Telephony

The pass mark currently stands at 75% for each multiple choice exam.

There is also a Radio Telephony practical test to complete, this combined with the corresponding written test qualifies the student for the Radio Telephony Licence.

The final hurdle to obtaining the PPL(H) is the final skills test. This test is performed under the supervision of a CAA approved examiner. This examiner will observe as the student pilot performs a number of maneouvres contained within the syllabus.

One may start training for their PPL(H) from the age of 14, although one must reach 16 before being allowed to go solo. The minimum age for licence issue is 17.

It is possible for a student to complete all of their training such that they will be issued with the licence on their 17th birthday.

In order to go solo one must pass a CAA Class Two Medical test. The CAA holds a list of approved medical examiners where this can be done.

The most popular training aircraft used by UK flying schools is the Robinson R22.

The R22 has an excellent reputation for being high performing, reliable and durable. Combine these factors with its small size it makes the perfect entry helicopter for new learners.

Unfortunately, learning to fly helicopters is the most expensive form of aviation at the basic level (PPL).

Training rates vary depending on the school and training aircraft. For a small helicopter (R22) one can expect rates of between £220 and £250 an hour.

Over a 45 hour period this can add up to £11,000. Taking into account additional expenses like equipment and exams combined with the reality that the majority of students will require more than 45 hours tuition, then the total cost can be upto £15,000 for a PPL(H).

If you are seriously considering undertaking PPL(H) training then we reccommend a trial flight beforehand.

A trial flight will give you a taste of what it is like to fly helicopters and will provide a better understanding of what's involved.

The majority of schools offer 30 minute trial flights for around £120. A worthwhile investment before undergoing any financial commitment towards your flying training.

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