Helicopter Training
London Helicopter Centres have been training helicopter pilots since 1994 and were one of the first companies to be approved for JAR training in 2000. With eleven instructors, including four full time and seven part time instructors and four flight examiners we are well equipped to provide you with comprehensive training from an initial Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) through to Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) and Instructor ratings as well as type rating conversions on ten different types of helicopter.
Part of the Patriot Aerospace group we are conveniently situated at four airports: Redhill, Coventry, Gloucestershire, and Halfpenny Green, near Wolverhampton. We have a range of helicopters you can train in from Robinson R22’s to Robinson R44’s and Eurocopter EC120 and AS350s and Bell 206 Jet Rangers when you want to fly a turbine machine.
How Do I Get Started ?
Helicopter Introductory Flying Lessons &
Discovery Days are ideal for anyone interested in flying or who wishes to undertake a flying course. Lessons can be purchased as gift vouchers, they can be booked for a specific date or issued as "open date" vouchers which are valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Prices include VAT. Flights are offered 7 days a week, subject to availability.
So what’s involved in learning to fly a helicopter and what opportunities lie ahead once you are qualified? The first step is to obtain a
Private Pilot’s Licence. This is a qualification that allows you to fly a specific type of helicopter and it is recognised throughout Europe. The licence allows you to fly for fun and take your friends and family out and about, we offer a number of helicopters for
self fly hire. You can progress to qualify to fly bigger helicopters, learn to fly at night, and get an instrument rating.
If you want to fly helicopters for a living you will need to train for a
commercial pilot's licence. This licence permits you to be paid for flying helicopters and requires some additional training. You usually must have your PPL and a total of 155 hours of flying under your belt before you begin the course.
Beyond the commercial licence is the
helicopter instructor rating or FI(H). This rating allows you to train students for their private pilot’s licence. Instructors are often in demand, so this can be a good qualification to have if you want to work in the industry.
Type Rating Training
Once you are qualified as a pilot you may wish to progress onto larger and more complex aircraft, London Helicopter Centres has one of the largest approvals for conducting
type rating training, being approved for the R22, R44, Bell 206, AS350 Single Squirrel, AS355 Twin Squirrel, EC120, EC135, Gazelle and Agusta 109 helicopters.
Further Training
London Helicopter Centres can also offer a wide range of ancillary ratings such as the night qualification and advanced training for mountain flying and more in depth navigation.