LAPL(H) FAQ

The LAPL(H) is a European leisure pilot licence for light, single-engine helicopters up to 2,000 kg take-off mass.

The license is aimed at hobby pilots who want to fly privately and not commercially.

The minimum legal requirement is 40 flight hours. In practice, however, many students need something more.

The training can usually start from the age of 17, the license is issued from the age of 18.

For the LAPL(H), an LAPL Medical that is less comprehensive than a Class 2 medical certificate is sufficient.

No, the LAPL(H) is exclusively for private, non-commercial flights.

The LAPL(H) is valid in all EASA member states, e.g. throughout the EU and some other European countries.

Lightweight, single-engine helicopters up to a maximum of 2,000 kg take-off mass are permitted, provided that appropriate type training has been carried out.

Depending on availability, weather and personal schedule, the training usually takes between 3 and 12 months.

No, previous knowledge of flying is not required. Training begins with the basics.

The theory takes place as a face-to-face, online training or mixed form and covers all relevant subjects such as air law, navigation and meteorology.

Typical subjects are aviation law, navigation, meteorology, human performance, aircraft/helicopter science, operational procedures and communication.

In the practical test, inter alia: take-offs, landings, hovering, autorotation, navigation tasks and emergency procedures are safely demonstrated.

Yes, after obtaining a license and at least 10 hours of flight time as pilot-in-command, up to three passengers may be taken.

In Germany, as a rule, at least the BZF II (German airborne radio) is required, for English radio the BZF I.

Yes, a later extension to the PPL(H) is possible in principle. Parts of the training can be counted.

Ongoing costs arise, among other things, from helicopter rental, fuel, landing fees, medical renewal, insurance and occasional training and check flights.

There is no rigid annual duty, but to maintain the privileges, minimum flights and, if necessary, a refresher flight with an instructor must be demonstrated within certain periods.

Full self-study without flight school is not possible. The flight school must demonstrate a certain number of lessons.

Very frequently, e.g. the Robinson R22 or R44, as they are well suited for training and scenic flights.

Depending on the type and flight school, the costs are often between about 350 and 650 euros per block hour.

Yes, as long as the flight school trains according to EASA regulations, recognition in Germany is possible in principle. This should be clarified in advance with the Authority.

For leisure licenses such as the LAPL(H) there are usually no state funding programs. Sometimes, however, employers or clubs support.

Depending on the age of the pilot, the validity is typically between 2 and 5 years. After that, a re-examination is necessary.

Only if an additional night flight qualification has been acquired and the legal requirements are met.

With continuous preparation and support from the flight school, the exam must be passed well. But it cannot be done without learning.

Yes, for the long-term maintenance of privileges, a refresher flight with an instructor is required at certain intervals.

A minimum of one PPL(H) and then a CPL(H) is required for a professional activity. The LAPL(H) is a possible first step for this.

With professional training, regular exercise and strict adherence to all procedures, the risk is manageable. Safety is always a top priority.

A good orientation offers comparison sites such as Pilotenausbildung1.de, personal recommendations, information events and trial flights at various flight schools.