Obtain Your Helicopter Pilot Licence

The Private Pilot Licence (PPL-H) is your gateway to the exciting world of helicopter aviation. It allows you to act as pilot-in-command or co-pilot of helicopters for which you hold the appropriate type rating, always in non-commercial operations.

With this licence, you can enjoy the unique versatility of helicopter flight, access areas where other aircraft cannot operate, enhance your piloting skills, and take the first step towards new opportunities within the aviation sector.

Course description

Whether you wish to fly for leisure or are taking your first steps towards a professional aviation career, the Private Pilot Helicopter Course (PPL-H) is the gateway to the world of rotary-wing flight.

It is one of the most versatile training programmes, as it not only provides you with the essential skills of helicopter piloting but also opens up a wide range of future development opportunities. With the PPL-H licence, you can progress to different types of helicopters and explore various areas within the aviation sector.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to specialise in disciplines such as mountain flying, confined area operations, or precision flying, as well as expand your capabilities through additional ratings such as the instrument rating for helicopters (IR-H) or specific type ratings. These qualifications will allow you to operate more advanced aircraft, fly in more demanding weather conditions, and significantly expand your operational range.

Finally, the PPL-H licence can be the first step towards a professional helicopter pilot career. Through programmes such as the CPL(H) or the modular ATPL(H) pathway at Barcelona Flight School, you can continue your training and progress towards a professional role, turning your passion into a long-term investment in your future.

Structure

The course structure is organised into two distinct phases: a Theoretical Training Phase and a Flight Training Phase, the contents of which are detailed below.

To be eligible for the Flight Training assessment, it is a mandatory requirement to have successfully passed the examinations corresponding to the Theoretical Training Phase.

The Theoretical Training Phase consists of the following subjects:

Common subjects

  • Air Law
  • Human Performance and Limitations
  • Meteorology
  • Communications

Aircraft category specific subjects

  • Principles of Flight
  • Operational Procedures
  • Flight Performance and Planning
  • Aircraft General Knowledge
  • Navigation

The Flight Training Phase consists of 45 hours of flight instruction in helicopters, of which at least 35 hours must be completed in the same type of helicopter used for the skill test, and must include at least:

  1. 25 hours of dual flight instruction
  2. 10 hours of supervised solo flight, including at least 5 hours of solo cross-country flight, with a minimum of one cross-country flight of at least 185 km (100 NM) during which at least two full-stop landings must be performed at aerodromes other than the point of departure.

The course can be completed on any type of helicopter operated by the club:

  • Robinson 22
  • Robinson 44
Duration

The course duration is approximately 3 months, and it allows students to combine the Theoretical Training Phase with the Flight Training Phase. However, the total time required to obtain the licence depends on the time available and the number of examination sessions needed to pass the different subject exams and the flight test. As a result, the overall duration typically ranges between 6 and 12 months.

Requirements

Applicants for this licence must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 17 years old on the date of the examination
  • Hold a valid Class 2 Aeromedical Certificate

Would you like to become a helicopter pilot?

Call us at 937 101 290 or use the contact form to find out how L’Aeroclub can help you turn your dream into reality.

CONTACT