Training for UK military helicopter pilots
There are a whole host of training options open to UK military helicopter pilots when it comes to gaining civilian qualifications. We are regularly approached by serving and ex-military pilots and on occasion by pilots who began military training and did not complete their flying training course.
Please Note: The Current Derogations for Military Pilots end with the implementation of EASA Part FCL on 7th April 2012.
More Information
If you would like more information or you would like us to advise on the best way forward, please download our Military Pilot Training Questionnaire and email it back to us
at info (at) london-helicopters.co.uk
Options for Qualified Service Pilots
A Qualified Service Pilot [QSP] is eligibile for a PPL(H) or CPL(H) if they meet a number of criteria.
There is one important ommission in the CAA publication LASORS 2010, section C neglects to tell you that if you left military service more than 12 months ago, you are no longer a QSP or ex QSP, it is detailed in Section D, but no reference is made between the two sections.
The easiest option is for current AS350 and Gazelle pilots who have a recent military instructor check ride to be exempted all the flying training requirements, and a PPL(H) Skill test on the type.
A qualified service pilot who does not have current experience on AS350 or Gazelle, but who is current in another type is exempted the Enroute section of the PPL(H) skill test but will need to attend a type rating training course and pass a PPL(H) skill test on the type they wish to open their licence on.
A QSP who has current flying experience in the last five years is credited most of the PPL(H) exams apart from Air Law, Human Performance and Communications.
DHFS Graduates
A graduate of Defence Helicopter Flying School who started training after 2nd March 2009 who has a red bordered certificate is exempt all of the PPL(H) training requirements.
A graduate of DHFS who started training after 2nd March 2009 who has a blue bordered certificate is exempt the training requirements specified on the certificate.
A graduate of DHFS or anyone who started but did not complete flying training, who began training prior to 2nd March 2009 is not exempt any theoretical knowledge examination but is credited all relevant flying training. Any shortfall in hours must be flown and the training required is at the discretion of the CFI. The pilot is required to pass a PPL(H) skill test and possibly conduct a qualifying cross country dependant upon personal circumstance.
References
The best source of reference information is available in LASORS.
LASORS 2010 Section C PPL(H) Section 2.5 Pages 10 - 12
LASORS 2010 Section D CPL(H) Section 6 Pages 29 - 32