Helicopters

A helicopter pilot license makes it possible to experience the freedom of flying from a completely new perspective. Unlike aeroplanes, helicopter flying opens up fascinating possibilities: vertical take-off and landing, hovering in the air or precise control in hard-to-access areas. These peculiarities make up the appeal of this demanding and at the same time versatile education.

On this page, we would like to provide comprehensive, compact and practical information about all important aspects – without offering training yourself. Interested parties will find neutral help here to take the right path to the right license.

In addition, we offer a clear comparison between LAPL(H) and PPL(H) as well as a large FAQ. Pilotenausbildung1.de lists flight schools in Germany and helps to find the right training location.

In addition, we explain typical costs, timelines and medical requirements so that prospective pilots can develop realistic expectations. Experience reports, useful tips for the selection of the first flight school and advice on further training round off the information offered. Get inspired and start your personal adventure in the world of helicopter flying.

The Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (Helicopter) – LAPL(H) is a private pilot licence for helicopters valid for non-commercial operations within Europe. It provides the basic theoretical and practical knowledge to safely control a helicopter and conduct flights under visual flight conditions. The LAPL(H) is geared towards leisure and hobby pilots and offers an ideal introduction.

The Private Pilot Licence (Helicopter) – PPL(H) is an internationally recognized private pilot license for helicopters. It enables the driving of helicopters for non-commercial purposes and offers enhanced privileges and more extensive training opportunities compared to the LAPL(H). With the PPL(H) larger and more complex helicopters can be flown and additional ratings can be purchased. 

The CPL(H) is the commercial pilot license for helicopter pilots and allows to conduct commercial flights and work as a commercial pilot. A prerequisite is usually an existing PPL(H) as well as extensive flight experience. The training includes additional theoretical content with higher demands and a minimum of 155 flight hours (modular path). Practical training will provide advanced flight skills, including precision manoeuvres, external landings, cargo transport and complex navigation flights. CPL(H) pilots can perform activities such as scenic flights, aerial work, missions for authorities or corporate shuttle. This license is a crucial step for anyone pursuing a professional career in helicopter aviation.

The ATPL(H) is the highest level of pilot licenses and qualifies pilots to work as pilot-in-command (PIC) in multi-pilot helicopter systems. As a rule, a “frozen ATPL(H)” is first acquired – a combination of completed theory examination and CPL(H) with instrument rating – which is “defused” with growing flight experience. ATPL theory is challenging and covers complex topics such as performance calculation, advanced navigation, flight physics and air law at an international level. Areas of application are mainly larger commercial helicopter operations, such as offshore transport, rescue services with large multi-pilot systems or military or state flight operations.

A helicopter flight offers aspiring student pilots an impressive first encounter with the fascination of turning flight. As you gently soar over landscapes, you’ll immediately experience how precise control movements, lift dynamics and spatial orientation work together. This flight not only conveys enthusiasm, but also a realistic sense of future training content such as navigation, communication and flight maneuvers. For those interested in helicopter pilot training, it also arouses an understanding of career prospects, a sense of responsibility, continuous willingness to learn and discipline.