Communications — PPL(H)

CAP 413 phraseology, standard RT call flows, and helicopter-specific communication situations for the UK CAA Communications exam.

Exam Focus

Most Relevant To

  • Communications
  • Operational Procedures
  • Air Law

Know This Cold

  • ICAO phonetic alphabet — all 26 letters without hesitation.
  • Read-back requirements — must read back: clearances, altimeter settings, squawks, runway in use.
  • MAYDAY format (×3) and PAN PAN format (×3).
  • Radar services: Basic, Traffic, Deconfliction, Full Procedural.
  • Emergency frequency: 121.5 MHz.
  • Helicopter-specific callsign conventions.

Communications Content — Same Exam Subject

The Communications exam is identical for PPL(A) and PPL(H). CAP 413 phraseology, read-back requirements, MAYDAY/PAN PAN procedures, and radar services are exactly the same. See the PPL(A) Communications section for full exam coverage.

Helicopter-Specific RT Situations

While the exam is the same, some RT situations are more common in helicopter operations and worth understanding before your skills test and early hours.

  • Helipad operations: use "[Helipad name] Helicopter" for initial calls if no ATC or AFIS.
  • Offshore operations (advanced): specific procedures exist for oil rig approaches — not required for PPL(H) exam.
  • Landing away from aerodromes: inform ATC of your intentions and establish a SARTIME if appropriate.
  • Hover taxi at a controlled aerodrome: follow ground movement control instructions as you would with aircraft taxiing.
  • Air taxi: a helicopter may air taxi at low level — require ATC clearance at controlled aerodromes.

Instructor Tip

On the skills test, your examiner will be listening to your RT as well as your handling. Use standard phraseology throughout — no shortcuts, no made-up phrases. If unsure, use plain English clearly and concisely rather than incorrect standard phrases.

Key Phonetics and Numbers — Revision

  • A–Alpha, B–Bravo, C–Charlie, D–Delta, E–Echo, F–Foxtrot, G–Golf, H–Hotel, I–India, J–Juliet.
  • K–Kilo, L–Lima, M–Mike, N–November, O–Oscar, P–Papa, Q–Quebec, R–Romeo, S–Sierra, T–Tango.
  • U–Uniform, V–Victor, W–Whiskey, X–X-Ray, Y–Yankee, Z–Zulu.
  • 0–Zero, 1–Wun, 2–Too, 3–Tree, 4–Fower, 5–Fife, 6–Six, 7–Seven, 8–Ait, 9–Niner.