Getting Started — PPL(H)

How the UK CAA PPL(H) training path works, what the 9 written exams cover, and how helicopter training differs from fixed-wing.

The PPL(H) Pathway

The UK CAA PPL(H) is a Part-FCL helicopter licence. You need a minimum of 45 hours total flight time on helicopters, including at least 25 hours dual instruction and 10 hours supervised solo. The skills test is conducted by a CAA-authorised examiner. All 9 written exams must be passed before the skills test.

Training typically takes place on a Robinson R22 or R44, though other helicopter types are used at some organisations. Your instructor will introduce the unique handling characteristics of rotary flight — particularly the coordination required to manage collective, cyclic, tail rotor pedals, and throttle simultaneously.

  • Minimum 45 hours total flight time — all on helicopters.
  • At least 25 hours dual instruction with a qualified FI(H).
  • At least 10 hours supervised solo, including a qualifying cross-country.
  • Qualifying cross-country: solo, at least 100 nm, two full-stop landings at different aerodromes.

The 9 Written Exam Subjects

  • Air Law — same framework as PPL(A) but helicopter-specific operational rules apply.
  • Meteorology — identical content to PPL(A); weather does not change for rotary pilots.
  • Navigation — same principles; helicopters often fly lower and slower with different handling.
  • Aircraft General Knowledge (AGK) — helicopter systems: rotor, transmission, governor, engine.
  • Flight Performance and Planning (FP&P) — helicopter performance charts, hover calculations.
  • Human Performance and Limitations (HPL) — same subject matter as PPL(A).
  • Operational Procedures — helicopter-specific emergencies including autorotation and vortex ring state.
  • Principles of Flight — rotary aerodynamics: torque, transient effects, retreating blade stall, vortex ring.
  • Communications — identical to PPL(A); same CAP 413 phraseology.

Instructor Tip

Meteorology, HPL, Air Law, and Communications content is essentially the same as for PPL(A). AGK, Principles of Flight, FP&P, and Operational Procedures diverge significantly — focus your helicopter-specific study time there.

Recommended Study Order

Step 1

Air Law + Operational Procedures — rules and helicopter emergency procedures early.

Step 2

Communications — RT confidence from lesson one.

Step 3

Meteorology + HPL — quick wins with shared content.

Step 4

AGK + Principles of Flight — rotary systems alongside handling training.

Step 5

Navigation + FP&P — planning and performance alongside cross-country preparation.

Exam Focus

Most Relevant To

  • All 9 subjects

Know This Cold

  • Minimum 45 hours, 25 dual, 10 solo — all on helicopters.
  • Qualifying cross-country: 100 nm solo, two full-stop landings at different aerodromes.
  • Skills test cannot be taken until all 9 papers are passed.
  • Autorotation: the primary emergency procedure for engine failure in a helicopter — not equivalent to a glide.