Resources — PPL(H)
Useful references, publications, and planning aids for UK CAA PPL(H) students.
Official UK CAA Publications
- CAP 413 — Radiotelephony Manual: the definitive RT reference.
- CAP 1536 — PPL(H) Syllabus: learning objectives for all 9 exam subjects.
- CAP 1535 — PPL(A) Syllabus: useful reference where HPL, Met, Air Law, and Communications overlap.
- AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication): airspace, procedures, and aerodrome data.
- NOTAMs: temporary changes to airspace — check before every flight.
Study Materials
- Jeppesen PPL(H) series: comprehensive textbooks covering all 9 exam subjects with rotary-specific content.
- AFE Flight Theory for Pilots (Trevor Thom): fixed-wing focused but covers Met, Air Law, HPL, Navigation, and Communications correctly.
- Pooleys Ground Studies for Pilots: another well-used reference.
- Your RTO will recommend specific materials — follow their list and supplement with question banks.
Instructor Tip
Many fixed-wing PPL study books cover 6 of the 9 subjects accurately (Air Law, Met, Navigation, HPL, Communications, and FP&P basics). For AGK, Principles of Flight, and helicopter-specific FP&P, use a dedicated PPL(H) textbook.
Pre-Flight Briefing Tools
- VFR Wise Pro briefing: NOTAMs, airspace, aerodrome information, and weather in one place.
- Met Office Aviation: UK TAFs, METARs, and SIGWX charts.
- NATS AIS: UK AIP, NOTAMs, and temporary restrictions.
- Charts: CAA 1:500,000 and 1:250,000, plus suitable digital chart applications used with proper pre-flight checks.
Use these references to build a clearer rotorcraft briefing picture.
Pro helps you connect NOTAM, weather, and airspace checks in one view, which reduces missed interactions and makes low-level helicopter planning easier to justify.