PPL(H) FAQ

The PPL(H) is the private pilot’s license for helicopters and entitles to non-commercial flying with single-engine helicopters.

As a rule, the training lasts between 6 and 12 months, depending on weather, availability of the flight school and personal scheduling.

Legally, at least about 45 flight hours are prescribed, in practice, depending on the learning progress, often a few hours are added.

You must pass several subjects, including Air Law, Navigation, Meteorology, Human Performance, Helicopter Science, Flight Performance and Operational Procedures.

Yes, after obtaining a license and a few flight hours as responsible pilot (PIC), you are allowed to take passengers with you.

You need a Class 2 medical certificate issued by an approved aviation medical examiner.

No, the PPL(H) is intended exclusively for private, non-commercial flights. A CPL(H) license is required for professional assignments.

Depending on the flight school, type of helicopter and personal training requirements, the total costs are usually between 25,000 and 45,000 euros.

The PPL(H) is valid in the EASA area. Outside Europe, it can often be recognised on the basis of conversion procedures.

You can start your training at the age of 16, and you can take the practical examination at the earliest at the age of 17.

You are allowed to fly single-engine helicopters, for each type helicopter you need a separate type rating.

Basic English skills are helpful, especially for radio and documents. For English radio traffic, a corresponding language test is necessary.

Yes, you need a limited radio record, usually BZF II for German-speaking radio or BZF I for German and English.

Only if you have additionally acquired a night flight rating (NVFR) for helicopters.

During the practical exam, you will fly with an examiner various maneuvers, emergency procedures, navigation tasks and flight preparation demonstrations.

With structured teaching and consistent learning, the exams can be handled well. Many flight schools offer preparation courses and practice tests.

Yes, you can aim for additional permissions such as night flight, other types or even the transition to the CPL(H) license.

After longer flight breaks, refresher flights or check flights with a flight instructor may be required to safely re-board.

The Class 2 Medical is valid for different lengths of time depending on the age, usually up to five years, in older pilots at shorter intervals.

Many flight schools recommend or require special student liability insurance to cover you during your training.

Very common are training courses on Robinson R22 and R44, sometimes also on other lightweight training helicopters.

Previous flight experience, such as on powered aircraft, can be credited in certain cases. This is decided by the flight school within the framework of the legal requirements.

Depending on the flight school, you should expect about 100 to 150 hours of theory, divided between lessons and self-study.

Yes, many contents of the PPL(H) training can later be credited to a CPL(H) training and facilitate the entry into the professional career.

In bad weather, practical flights are postponed or replaced by theory units and simulator training, if available.

Depending on the school, there are installments, package prices or individual billing per flight hour. A cost plan before training starts makes sense.

With good maintenance, professional training and compliance with all procedures, flying with helicopters is very safe.

Many flight schools and operators offer charter options for license holders. A prerequisite is usually a current check flight.

There is no fixed age limit. It is crucial that you continue to receive the aero-medical certificate.

Yes, provided that the flight school is approved according to EASA standards. An exact coordination with the local authority or flight school is recommended.