Helicopter type ratings
Your PPL(H) or CPL(H) carries the helicopter types you are qualified to fly. Arcus provides the ground training, flying and examiner support needed to add a new type, revalidate a current rating or renew one that has expired.
Is this course for you?
Course length depends on the aircraft, the rating sought and your previous experience. Many initial single-engine piston or turbine type courses use a five-hour flight syllabus excluding the skill test, while some additional-type routes may be shorter. Arcus will confirm the applicable syllabus before quoting or booking.
What you will develop
Your course
Arcus first checks your licence, medical, existing ratings, recency, flight time and whether you need an initial rating, revalidation or renewal.
Train on an available Arcus R22, R44, R66 or Bell 206, subject to current approvals and availability. Training in your own helicopter may also be possible where the aircraft, documentation, insurance and approvals are suitable.
Learn the aircraft systems, limitations, performance, procedures and the type-specific knowledge required before flying.
Develop accurate, safe handling through a programme matched to the applicable regulatory course and your previous experience.
Complete the relevant skill test or proficiency check. Arcus has an in-house examiner, helping make assessment and ongoing rating support more straightforward where availability and authorisations allow.
Use self-fly hire where eligible, remain current, join fly-outs and mark the achievement by adding your name to the milestone blades in the Arcus hangar.
Frequently asked questions
Requirements can change and individual circumstances differ. We will confirm the current position before you commit to training.
A helicopter licence is endorsed for the specific type or types the holder is qualified to fly. If you want to fly another helicopter type, you normally need the relevant approved training and test rather than repeating your whole PPL(H).
Arcus can provide training on types in its resident fleet, including the R22, R44, R66 and Bell 206 JetRanger, subject to current aircraft availability, approvals and instructor or examiner authorisations. The team can also discuss whether another suitable aircraft could be used for training at Arcus.
No. Five hours is common for many initial simple single-engine helicopter type ratings, excluding the test, but the required syllabus can vary with the aircraft, previous ratings, experience and current operational suitability data. Arcus will check the route that applies to you.
Revalidation keeps a rating current before it expires and normally involves meeting the applicable experience requirement and completing a proficiency check. Renewal applies after expiry and may require refresher training before the proficiency check. Arcus will review your documents and explain the correct route.
For many helicopter type ratings, current UK requirements include a proficiency check within the final three months of the rating validity period and at least two hours as pilot of the relevant type during that validity period. Crediting and multi-type provisions can vary, so Arcus will confirm what applies to your licence.
Yes. Arcus can assess the time since expiry and your experience, provide or arrange the refresher training that is required, and support the proficiency check and paperwork.
Yes, potentially. This depends on the aircraft, its documentation and insurance, the relevant approvals, and instructor and examiner availability. Arcus cannot, however, provide the training at other locations; it would need to take place at Arcus in Nottingham.
Where to next
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.