We regularly get some questions about our helicopter pilot training. We gather the most frequently asked questions here. Do you still have a question or would you like more information? Call us on +32 3 613 21 00 or email us at info@helicopterflights.be.
No, our helicopter pilot training is structured in such a way that you can always follow and succeed from any level.
Some backgrounds can of course help you to understand the subject matter a little faster (e.g. technical in the field of engines, mathematical for aerodynamics or insightful for navigation...
Yeah, that's not a problem. Both in terms of hearing and sight, certain shortcomings or corrections are allowed.
You can always ask the medical centres in advance whether a certain problem would impede your medical examination.
A theory course in evening school lasts 6 months. The practical training depends on your agenda, we fly 7/7, also on Sundays and holidays. The record a student once achieved was at 3 months (theory in private lessons and almost every day practical lessons).
You can also spread this over a longer period of time (1 to 2 years).
Every pilot who has completed his training with us can subsequently hire a helicopter for his own flights or movements.
We have several devices and types available for rental.
Yes, after a PPL (H) course you are allowed to fly at home & abroad with passengers.
The only condition is that you are not paid for your services as a pilot.
Yes, EASA legislation very clearly foresees the principle of cost sharing flights.
In addition, the passengers you take with you in the helicopter pay an equal part of the rental price, calculated on the number of persons that fly with you.
You as a pilot also have to pay a proportional part of the rent.
After the PPL(H) course you can build up flying hours. As soon as you have 155 flight hours experience you can start the CPL(H) course (Commercial Pilot License). This allows you to fly commercially as a pilot (= paid).
Info about the CPL(H) course can also be found in our online brochure.
Within our company we fly with a number of permanent pilots. In addition, we periodically supplement this with freelance pilots. Chances are that you can fly assignments with us. Keep in mind that we mainly fly commercially with larger helicopter types and that you need to have a specific typing.
In our online brochure, we calculate the cost price of training to become a CPL(H) professional pilot, including the PPL(H) training in advance.
You will receive a permit for the type of device with which you did your training.
Afterwards, you can be authorized to fly other types of helicopters by means of a typing course.
A typing normally consists of 5h theory, 5h practice (+ possibly turbine or Airbus rating). You do an exam flight on the new aircraft to get this final on your license.
In principle, a permit (the paper) does not expire. However, your type ratings (authorisation to fly a certain type of helicopter) will expire.
You keep a typing valid by flying at least 2 hours a year. You also have to do a profcheck with an examiner every year. That is an exam flight. You have to do this for every type of helicopter you fly with.
In Belgium, you obtain an EASA licence by default, which is valid in all EASA member states (EU + some other countries).
An EASA licence can be converted administratively and without extra exams into an FAA (= American) licence.
With the permit you obtain from us you can in principle rent and fly a helicopter worldwide (with the exception of the countries and Africa that have their own system).
As a holder of at least a PPL(A) fixed wing (aircraft pilot) you have to rehearse 4 theory subjects and take an exam:
- Aircraft General Knowledge, navigation
- Principles of Flight
- Operational Procedures
- Flight Performance and Planning
You can charge 10% of your flying hours on fixed wing with a maximum of 6 hours.
Theoretically you could do your exam after 39h instruction in helicopter.
No, the holder of an FAA license is required to retake certain exams before being allowed to fly EU registered aircraft.
On an American registered aircraft (N-xxxx) you are allowed to fly with an FAA license.
ELP stands for English Level Proficiency. Your knowledge of (aviation) English.
You need a valid ELP certificate to operate an aeronautical radio. Depending on how good your English is, you will be assigned a certain Level. The validity of each level is shorter or longer.
Level 6 is the highest level in an ELP and does not expire. In principle you will only get it if English is your native language, but we see that sometimes Level 6 is assigned to people who speak almost perfect English.
You need to obtain an ELP certificate before your license PPL(H) is issued.
You will undergo a medical examination at an appointed medical centre or at a licensed doctor. We can provide you with a list of these.
The validity of your medical certificate (called medical) depends on your age.
More information about the medical and its validity can be found in our online brochure
In consultation with your instructor it will be determined whether you are still allowed to fly during your recovery.
A medical certificate is only required as soon as you fly solo (without an instructor). As soon as you have a medical certificate and you undergo an operation or other important operation, you must report this to the competent authorities. They can then temporarily suspend your medical certificate.
An ATPL(H) is actually one step further than a CPL(H). With an ATPL(H) you are authorized (if enough flight hours) to be captain on multi-engine and multi-crew, as well as IFR.
An ATPL(H) has a minimum of 1500 flight hours. CPL(H) can be obtained from 185 flight hours.
Still have questions about our training courses? Would you like to know the cost price of the helicopter pilot training? Download our online brochure.
Didn't find what you're looking for, did you? Contact us, we'll be happy to help you.