Private Pilot Licence — PPL(H)
Learn to fly safely, competently and confidently, whether a helicopter licence is a lifelong ambition, a remarkable way to spend your weekends or the first step towards a professional career.
Is this course for you?
The UK CAA minimum is 45 hours of flight instruction on helicopters, made up of 35 hours of dual instruction and 10 hours of supervised solo flight time, of which at least 5 hours must be solo cross-country. Forty-five hours is a regulatory minimum rather than a guaranteed completion time, and many students need more; Arcus will help you plan and budget around your individual progress.
What you will develop
Choosing a helicopter school
Where you train matters. We genuinely encourage prospective students to visit more than one helicopter school, meet the instructors and spend time in the environment before deciding.
Ask about instructor continuity, aircraft availability, realistic costs, lesson frequency and what happens after the skills test. Just as importantly, notice whether you feel comfortable asking questions and can imagine being part of the community.
Your course
Begin with a free one-to-one conversation, meet the instructors and see the aircraft. Arcus actively encourages you to visit other schools and choose the people and environment that feel right for you.
You can hold the licence from age 17 and fly supervised solo from 16. You will need a UK Part-MED Class 2 medical and at least ICAO Level 4 English proficiency. Choose an R22, R44 or Bell 206 JetRanger route around your goals and budget.
Build core handling, hovering, circuits, navigation and emergency skills with an instructor.
Work through the nine PPL(H) subjects using Pooleys-supported self-study textbooks, ongoing instructor tuition and optional tailored classroom help at Arcus. Each written examination is £55; the separate Radiotelephony Operators Licence Exam (FRTOL) is also required.
Complete at least 10 hours supervised solo, including at least 5 hours of solo cross-country and the qualifying 100 NM flight, then demonstrate the required standard to an authorised examiner.
Hire a familiar Arcus aircraft, buy and hangar your own, join fly-outs and events, or progress to a night qualification, another type rating or commercial training. Passing is the start of your place in the community, not the end of the relationship.
Theory and examinations
Your theory studies and practical training each take time. Talk to your instructor early about a pace that works for you, check the dates that apply to your examinations and leave room for further study or changes along the way. A regular plan can help you avoid a last-minute rush as a deadline approaches.
Frequently asked questions
Requirements can change and individual circumstances differ. We will confirm the current position before you commit to training.
No. You can begin flying straight away and work through the nine theoretical knowledge subjects alongside your lessons. Most students find the theory makes more sense once they have flown, and Arcus will help you sequence the examinations sensibly around your progress.
Arcus can provide PPL(H) training on the Robinson R22, Robinson R44 or Bell 206 JetRanger. The right aircraft depends on your goals, budget, suitability and availability, and we will explain the differences before you decide.
While a lot of people train on the R22, many choose the R44 because that is the aircraft they are likely to fly once they pass, so they prefer to learn on that machine from the outset. Alternatively, after qualifying on an R22, many pilots add an R44 or Bell 206 JetRanger type rating to broaden the aircraft they can fly.
The total depends on aircraft choice, hourly rates, ground tuition, examinations, medical and how many hours you need to reach test standard. The minimum syllabus is 45 hours, but some students need additional training. Arcus will provide current pricing and a realistic personalised estimate.
That depends on how frequently you fly, weather, availability and individual progress. Regular lessons usually improve continuity and can reduce time spent revising earlier skills. Generally speaking, students having one lesson a week usually complete the licence in around 12 to 18 months.
No previous flying experience is required. Many students begin with a trial lesson and an informal visit before committing to the course.
Visit more than one school. Meet the instructors, look at aircraft availability, ask about the true likely cost and instructor continuity, and consider what support exists after qualifying. Arcus actively encourages you to find the school and community that fit you best.
The minimum age for licence issue is 17. Other minimum ages apply to logging flight time and solo flight; Arcus will confirm the current requirements for younger students.
You need English language proficiency equivalent to at least ICAO Level 4. Speak to Arcus if you are unsure how this is assessed or recorded.
A UK Part-MED Class 2 medical is the minimum for a UK Part-FCL PPL(H). If your goal is commercial flying, consider discussing the Class 1 standard with an AeroMedical Examiner early. Arcus can recommend several AMEs, so please do not hesitate to ask.
Yes. Arcus offers flexible scheduling, although maintaining regular flying is usually beneficial for progress.
You can remain part of Arcus through self-fly hire, aircraft ownership and hangarage, type ratings, night qualification, London Heli Lanes familiarisation, fly-outs and further professional training. Arcus celebrates the milestone with you and continues supporting the flying life that follows it.
From my first trial lesson in March to passing my PPL in July, I loved every minute and made friends I will have for life.Olivia TRead more testimonials →
Not sure where to start?
Tell us about your experience, ambitions and availability. We will offer clear guidance and help you understand the most sensible next step, without pressure.