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.
For a free first pass on active UK notices, open the UK NOTAM map and list, and check fields in the UK Aerodrome Directory alongside NATS AIS when you brief.
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.