PPL(H) training

So you’ve decided you want to learn to fly helicopters… The next decisions are where to learn, what does the course entail, which helicopter type should you choose and how much will it cost?

Choosing a flying school

The important thing is to choose somewhere credible and where you feel comfortable. You will be spending a lot of time and money there and it’s important to find your ‘perfect match’. We are the ONLY CAA ATO(H) at London Elstree Aerodrome and have been delivering FIRST CLASS, accessible PPL(H)/LAPL(H) training for ALL since 1999. Our family run flying school has a highly skilled team of flight instructors (both male & female) offering bespoke tuition in a friendly, training focused environment. Whether you are looking to fly as a career or fly for fun there is no better place to begin your flying journey… Call in for a coffee and a chat and see for yourself.

PPL(H) course

To gain your Private Pilot’s License you will need to complete a minimum of 45 hours of flying hours. 10 of these hours you will be supervised solo which will include 5 hours of solo cross-country flight time which will include your Qualifying Cross Country (QXC) comprising of 100 nautical miles with 2 full stop landings at 2 aerodromes other than that of departure. The finale of the course is a PPL(H) skills test which will be an assessment of everything you have learnt throughout your training; Planning, Navigation, General Knowledge of the Aircraft, Piloting skills and Airmanship including emergencies, confined area landings, using the radio and advanced manoeuvres. For more details please contact our Head of Training or visit the CAA website

In addition you will need a medical; Class 1 for commercial and Class 2 for leisure. If your health/medical history precludes you from a Class 1 or 2 then please look at the LAPL(H) course below.

Ground School

There is quite a bit of study required for the theoretical knowledge and you will need to pass 9 multiple choice exams plus a radio telephony oral. Don’t let this put you off! Students often find the thought of exams and study daunting, many haven’t sat an exam since school and in some of cases not at all. You do not have to have a degree in Maths or Physics just a willingness to learn, ability read and we can help you with rest. Remember the study/exams can be done within reason at your own pace alongside your training and all the questions will be all on your specialist subject. Head over to our dedicated ground school page for more details including our unique bi-weekly evening ground school and our mentoring scheme.

Which aircraft?

We have an impressive, well maintained fleet; Robinson family (R22, R44 & R66), Guimbal Cabri G2 and Bell 206BIII Jet Ranger so plenty of choice for PPL(H) training and progression. The best way to choose which helicopter is right for you is to first have a trial lesson in 1, 2 or more, check any height and weight restrictions that may apply and perhaps what your funds will allow. Our Head of Training will be able to help guide you through this process and find the perfect helicopter for you.

How much will it cost?

Obtaining a PPL(H) is no longer a reserve for the rich and famous, we offer a range of training programmes, packages and pay as you go options across our fleet to suit your flying funds. The majority of our students opt for one of our pre-paid packages and benefit from our reduced rates and advanced bookings. Your choice of aircraft has quite a bearing on the cost of learning to fly; the bigger the helicopter the more expensive it is to run. Your ability and availability is also a factor. Each student learns at different paces and inevitably some exercises take longer for some to master than others but the more time you have available be it in the cockpit or in the classroom then the better the continuity. Your training is tailored to you and is never static it evolves with you, so your instructor will be able to give you regular updates as to your progress and your spend.

Helicopters coming to land

training programmes

Ready for take off

10 hours

The perfect way to begin your flying journey and benefit from a discounted rate and advance bookings

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Zero to Hero

Go solo in 25 hours

Covers all the flight training and ground school required to FLY SOLO in 25* hours!

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Moving on Up

35 hours

The perfect partner to Zero to Hero this package should see you to the end of your PPL course 

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Be a Captain

60 hours

Often described as our pre-paid PPL, you receive our best rate and over £1000 of course related extras absolutely FREE

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LAPL(H) training

The LAPL(H) is a Light Aircraft Pilot’s License. This fast track license entitles you to fly any single engine helicopter up to a max. weight of 2000kg and a max. of 3 passengers (4 in total). The LAPL(H) programme can be achieved with less flight time than the PPL(H) requiring a minimum of 40 hours flight training. These hours must include 10 hours of solo, 5 hours of which will be cross-country/land aways.

The Qualifying Cross Country (QXC) element of your training is also reduced requiring only an 80 nautical mile land away at just one aerodrome other than departure. However, all the usual Ground School, written and radio exams and final skills test all still apply. Night ratings can be added to your license at a later date.

The LAPL(H) has slightly different medical requirements; a PPL(H) requires the more in-depth Class 2 medical whereas for the LAPL(H) there is a specific medical which can be issued by your own GP or AME.

A ‘Lighter’ license is a great choice if you are training to a budget, time constraints or if you have a condition which precludes you from holding a Class 2 medical. For more info on the course, ground school or to book a trial lesson please email training@elstreehelicopters.co.uk or call 0208 099 7766

Helicopter hovering cabri g2

training gallery