Private Pilot Licence For Helicopters

Flight Training - Showing a student how to use the instruments The Private Pilot Licence for Helicopters, or PPL(H), entitles you to fly a helicopter for your own personal use. Flight training at Northumbria Helicopters for PPL(H) is conducted in our Robinson R44.

The first step towards becoming a pilot is to take one of our Introductory Trial Lessons. If you choose to pursue your licence this lesson will count towards your PPL time.

Requirements To Gain a PPL(H) Licence - The EASA PPL(H) Course

In order to qualify for the issue of a PPL(H), a candidate must complete the following:

  • A minimum of 45 hours flight instruction, at least 10 of which must be pilot in command (i.e. Solo). This training must be in accordance with the Civil Aviation Authority (EASA) recognized syllabus. (The 45 hours flight training may be reduced to 40 hours if you hold a valid PPL(A).)
  • The requirements for solo flight are that you are 16 years or over and that you obtain a EASA-FCL Class 1 or 2 medical certificate from an Authorised Medical Examiner.
  • Obtain a Radiotelephony (RT) licence - oral exam. This exam is offered at the airfield.
  • Pass a qualifying cross-country and general flight test (GFT). The cross-country flight has to be 100nms and include landing away at 2 aerodromes en-route.
  • Pass 9 ground exams - the pass mark for each exam is 75%. See below for more details.
  • A skills test must be taken with a flight examiner within 6 months of completing the flight instruction.

There is no maximum age for gaining your PPL(H). However, you must be 16 years or over to fly solo, and 14 years or over before your flying experience can count towards obtaining a licence. You can hold your PPL(H) licence on your 17th birthday.

PPL(H) Ground Exams

Controls and dials on the Robinson R22 Helicopter

There are 9 ground exams for PPL(H). The pass mark for each exam is 75%. The ground exams are as follows:

  • Air Law
  • Human Performance & Limitations
  • Navigation
  • Meteorology
  • Aircraft General Knowledge
  • Flight Performance & Planning
  • Communications
  • Operational Procedures
  • Principles of Flight

Preparation For Ground Exams

The written examinations are multi-choice, with a pass mark of 75%, and are all taken at Northumbria Helicopters with our own examiners. These are not difficult and the content of the syllabus is highly relevant to you becoming a safe and proficient pilot.

We can offer one-to-one tuition with your instructor, though you will also need to do some self-directed study. We will also guide you with the materials, books, equipment and question banks required for effective study.

VIEW OUR PRICE LIST CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS