Minimum age to hold PPL 17 yrs Minimum age to go solo 16 yrs Minimum course time 45 hrs
Part 1
AIM - Solo
2 hours - Familiarisation and straight & level flight
3 hours - Climbing, descending and turning
3 hours - Emergency procedures & Auto rotation
7 hours - Take-offs & landings, hovering and circuits
Part 2
AIM - Consolidation & Navigation
3 hours - Circuit Consolidation
6 hours - Dual navigation
2 hours - Solo navigation
4 hours - Advanced air exercises
Part 3
AIM - Final Test
5 hours - Instrument Flying
5 hours - Cross Country Qualification
5 hours - Revision
Training for the Helicopter Private Pilot Licence - PPL(H), takes a minimum of 45 hours. The training follows a syllabus defined by the Civil Aviation Authority and includes flying training and ground exams. The licence conforms to Joint Aviation Requirements (JARs), which is a European standard for pilot licences.
As you progress through your flying course you will be tested on a number of ground subjects. The ground examinations consist of Aviation Law, Aircraft General, Human Performance, Meteorology and Navigation. Pass mark for all written exams is 75%. We provide either class based ground school or one-to-one tuition if required.
A JAR Class 2 medical is required before your first solo flight. Click here for more information about medical requirements. A VHF Radio Telephony (R/T) Licence course is also required before your licence can be issued, a separate course is taken for the licence which can be arranged at a number of locations around the Midlands.
Two flights, a qualifying cross country and a final handling test, need to be passed towards the end of the course. When you have completed these your training has ended and you can apply for your licence.