Helicopter CPL(H), land anywhere
AvailableRotary-wing training from PPL(H) to CPL(H), arranged through partner schools on request, subject to confirmed availability.
Rotary flying is a different career, not a smaller one: offshore, air ambulance, tourism, utility, VIP charter and government work.
- LicencePPL(H) to CPL(H).
- AvailabilityOn request, subject to confirmed availability.
- LadderSix steps, medical first.
- BudgetHour-intensive early; we plan for it honestly.
- ConversionPlanned for your home regulator.
- ParentsWelcome on every call.
PAWhat you get
Trained for the work operators do
Ab-initio to commercial
Piston trainers for ab-initio training and hour building.
Confined areas
Confined-area, sloping-ground and mountain operations.
Night exposure
Night and instrument exposure where the school supports it.
Test standard
Autorotation proficiency to commercial test standard.
Crew skills
Human factors and crew resource management.
Turbine differences
Turbine differences training where the school offers it.
PAWho it's for
Is this programme for you?
Availability is confirmed with a partner school before anything is agreed.
- You want a rotary-wing career rather than a fixed-wing one
- You can hold, or are ready to take, a Class 1 medical
- You are ready for an hour-intensive early stage and a realistic budget
- You are an existing fixed-wing pilot adding rotary-wing training
PAStep by step
From first hover to a commercial rotary licence
- 1Class 1 medicalThe same medical standard as fixed wing, cleared before any deposit is paid.
- 2PPL(H)Hovering, autorotations, confined-area work and cross-country navigation.
- 3Hour buildingCommand time across varied terrain and landing sites.
- 4Night ratingNight operations, essential for air ambulance and charter employers.
- 5Instrument Rating (H)IFR helicopter operations, the gateway to offshore and air ambulance work.
- 6CPL(H) and conversionCommercial skill test, licence issue and conversion at home.
PAWhere it leads
Where a CPL(H) takes you
Career path
Offshore energy
Crew transfer to rigs and platforms: structured, instrument-heavy flying.
Read more
Career path
Utility and survey
Powerline patrol, sling load, firefighting support and aerial survey.
Read more
Career path
Flight instruction
Teaching new pilots while you build command hours.
Read morePAQuestions
Questions about helicopter training
Is helicopter training available now?
Yes, on request. We arrange it through partner schools, subject to confirmed availability.
Is there a fee to talk to you?
No. The first counselling call to check eligibility and map your route costs nothing, and there is no deposit to talk to us.
Does a CPL(H) guarantee a job?
No. Employers make their own hiring decisions.
Is the medical the same as for airplane pilots?
It follows the same Class 1 standard as fixed wing, and we advise you to clear it before paying any deposit.
Is it more expensive than airplane training?
Helicopter hours are costlier and the early stage is hour-intensive, so we plan the budget with you honestly before you commit. Our helicopter vs airplane pilot training guide compares the two routes.
PAQuick answers
Quick answers
What does helicopter CPL(H) training cover?
Rotary wing training from PPL(H) to CPL(H), arranged through partner schools on request, subject to confirmed availability. The page covers ab initio to commercial training, confined areas, night exposure, crew skills and the test standard, plus the differences you meet when moving on to turbine helicopters and different operators.
Where does a CPL(H) lead?
The page lists offshore energy, utility and survey work and flight instruction among the areas a CPL(H) can lead to. We do not promise jobs, and demand varies by operator and region, so ask your advisor to talk through realistic routes for your background, your budget and the licence you plan to hold.
Is helicopter training always available?
No. Helicopter training is arranged through partner schools on request, subject to confirmed availability. Tell us what you want to fly and when, and we confirm availability, costs and the route in writing before you commit to anything, so you are not asked to pay for a place that cannot be confirmed.
Is helicopter training for international students available?
Helicopter training for international students is arranged through partner schools on request, subject to confirmed availability. Tell us what you want to fly and when, and we confirm availability, costs and the route in writing before you commit to anything. We do not promise jobs, and we explain each stage from PPL(H) to CPL(H) before you start.