The Private Pilots Licence, PPL(H), is a licence which entitles you to fly a helicopter for your own personal use either for business or pleasure.

This document is intended to provide basic guidance about the PPL(H). Please contact Sterling Helicopters if you would like more information or to book your training.

PPL(H) REQUIREMENTS

The minimum course requirements must be met in full and include:
A minimum of 45 hours flying instruction
Pass 7 ground examinations
Hold a JAR Class 2 medical
Obtain a Radio Telephony (R/T) Licence
There is no maximum age, but you must be 14 before your flying experience can count towards obtaining a licence and 16 before going solo. Licence holders must be 17 years.

FLIGHT TRAINING

The course consists of 27 flight exercises, these are split into three categories: General Handling, Navigation and Basic Instrument flying.
Of the minimum 45 hours required, the following must be achieved:
25 hours dual instruction
5 hours dual instrument instruction
10 hours supervised solo (5hrs cross-country including one qualifying cross country flight of at least 100 Nautical Miles)

GROUND EXAMINATIONS

Whilst the exams are not particularly difficult, they do require some well directed self-study. The contents of the exams are highly relevant to you becoming a safe and proficient pilot. We will guide you on the provision of books and equipment. One to one tuition with your instructor is available. The examination questions are of multiple-choice format. The pass mark is 75%.
The subjects are as follows:
Air Law & Operational Procedures
Aircraft General & Principles of Flight
Performance and Planning
Human Performance
Meteorology
Communications
Navigation

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Before going solo it is required that you hold at least a Class 2 medical certificate.
The Class 2 medical is for a private flying licence (PPL) and can be conducted by any UK CAA AME (Authorised Medical Examiner).
Your nearest AME can be found at www.srg.caa.co.uk/medicals .

SKILL TEST

On completion of your flying training you are required to undertake a flight test with a JAA approved examiner. This is a formal endorsement of what your instructor should already think about your competence as a pilot i.e. you are now ready to hold a licence.
We have a JAA examiner on staff so all tests are conducted in house.