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.

Instructor Tip

Practise flow and readbacks with the free Radio Call Builder before the skills test and early hours.

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.