Skip to main content

This is a new service - your feedback will help us to improve it.

Commercial Helicopter Pilot

Regulators
  • Civil Aviation Authority
Nations
United Kingdom
Sectors
  • Transport

Regulatory or professional bodies

Primary regulator

Regulatory authority
Civil Aviation Authority
Address

Civil Aviation Authority
Aviation House
South Area
Gatwick Airport RH6

Email address
infoservices@caa.co.uk
Phone number
+44 (0)1293 567711

Regulation

Regulation summary

Helicopter pilots fly single- and multi-engined helicopters for business, leisure or emergency services.

Regulation:
The following licence types:
ATPL(H) - Airline transport licence for helicopters
CPL (H) - Commercial pilot licence - helicopters
CPL H / IR - Commercial pilot licence with instrument rating - helicopters

The minimum age to get a CPL is 18 and you will need to hold a Part MED Class 1 Medical Certificate.
If you hold a CPL you can, on the appropriate aircraft category:
• exercise all the privileges of the holder of a LAPL and a PPL.
• act as pilot in command (PIC) or co-pilot of any helicopter engaged in operations other than commercial air transport
• act as PIC in commercial air transport of any single-pilot helicopter.
• act as co-pilot in commercial air transport subject to some restrictions.
An applicant for the issue of a CPL shall have fulfilled the requirements for the class or type rating of the aircraft used in the skill test.
Requirements
Training requirements differ depending on the aircraft category and training route you take.
At the end of training, and when all requirements for licence issue have been met, you will need to take a skill test with an examiner.
An applicant for a CPL shall pass a skill test in accordance with Appendix 4 to this Part to demonstrate the ability to perform, as PIC of the appropriate aircraft category, the relevant procedures and manoeuvres with the competency appropriate to the privileges granted. For the issue of a rating the applicant shall apply not later than 6 months after having succeeded at the skill test.

Please refer to Standards Documents 1A, 3, 7 and Appendices 4 and 7 of Part FCL for more details - https://www.caa.co.uk/general-aviation/pilot-licences/part-fcl-requirements/

Regulation type

Licence

Reserved activities

N/A

Protected titles

N/A


Qualifications and experience

New professionals

Routes to qualification

Complete a training course at an Approved Training Organisation. Hold a UK Class 1 medical. Complete theoretical examinations and undertaking flight training. Pass a skills test.

Professionals from outside the UK

Recognition for professionals outside the UK
All - there are routes to recognition for professionals from all countries
Summary of routes

The process of conversion of flight crew ratings are stated within UK Regulation (EU) 2020/723


Registration

Registration requirements

Information available at link below


Legislation

Title of relevant act or charter

UK Regulation (EU) no. 1178/2011 UK Aircrew Regulation - https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/regulations/commission-regulation-eu-no-11782011

Title of relevant act or charter

N/A

Licence Finder

You may need licences and permits to carry out certain activities in the UK. These are called authorisations. Use the licence finder to find what you need.