Commercial pilot licence with instrument rating for helicopters

As part of the application for CPL, you will need to demonstrate that you have an appropriate level of theoretical knowledge by passing exams in the following subject areas:

• Air law
• Aircraft general knowledge - airframe/systems/powerplant
• Aircraft general knowledge - instrumentation
• Mass and balance
• Performance
• Flight planning and monitoring
• Human performance
• Meteorology
• General navigation
• Radio navigation
• Operational procedures
• Principles of flight
• Visual flight rules (VFR) communications

You will also need to take ATPL and / or Instrument rating level theoretical knowledge examinations depending on the course of training you are taking.

Please refer to the specific course(s) you are taking for details. These are shown below.

At the end of training, and when all requirements for licence issue have been met, you will need to take a skill test with an examiner.

An applicant for a CPL shall pass a skill test in accordance with Appendix 4 to this Part to demonstrate the ability to perform, as PIC of the appropriate aircraft category, the relevant procedures and manoeuvres with the competency appropriate to the privileges granted.

For the issue of a rating the applicant shall apply not later than 6 months after having succeeded at the skill test.

Please refer to Standards Documents 1A, 3, 7 and Appendices 4 and 7 of Part FCL for more details.

Theoretical knowledge training

You will need to complete at least 750 hours of theoretical knowledge training, plus at least 25 hours for Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) with an Approved Training Organisation (ATO).

Theoretical knowledge examination

You will need to pass the ATPL exams.

Flying training

The total flying training requirement (above) must include the following components:

• Dual instruction
  • Visual instruction
  • Instrument instruction
  • MCC
• PIC
• Cross-country flying
• Night flying
• Instrument time

Exact hour requirements for each of these components are set out below.

Dual instruction requirements

You will need to complete a total of 140 hours dual visual instruction, including the following components:

Dual instruction - visual instruction

75 hours of the total dual instruction requirement must be visual instruction, which may include one of the four options in below:

• 50 hours instrument instruction may include:

(i) up to 20 hours in a helicopter FFS or FTD 2,3 or FNPT II/III;
or
(ii) 10 hours in at least a helicopter FNPT 1 or an aeroplane;

• 15 hours MCC, for which a helicopter FFS or helicopter FTD 2,3(MCC) or FNPT II/III(MCC) may be used.

If the helicopter used for the flying training is of a different type from the helicopter FFS used for the visual training, the maximum credit shall be limited to that allocated for the helicopter FNPT II/III;

• 55 hours as PIC, of which 40 hours may be as SPIC. At least 14 hours solo day and 1 hour solo night shall be made;
  
  
• 50 hours of cross-country flight, including at least 10 hours of cross- country flight as SPIC including a VFR cross-country flight of at least 185 km (100 NM) in the course of which landings at two different aerodromes from the aerodrome of departure shall be made;
  
  
• 5 hours flight time in helicopters shall be completed at night comprising 3 hours of dual instruction including at least 1 hour of cross-country navigation and 5 solo night circuits. Each circuit shall include a take-off and a landing;
  
  
• 50 hours of dual instrument time comprising:

(i) 10 hours basic instrument instruction time;
and
(ii) 40 hours IR Training, which shall include at least 10 hours in a multi- engine IFR-certificated helicopter

Theoretical knowledge training

You will need to complete at least 500 hours of theoretical knowledge training.

This theoretical knowledge course will only be sufficient for attempting CPL (H) and IR (H) theoretical knowledge examinations. If you wish to take theoretical knowledge examinations at ATPL (H) level you will need to complete additional study.

Theoretical knowledge examination

You will need to pass the CPL (H)/IR exam as a minimum to demonstrate an appropriate level of theoretical knowledge.

Flying training

The total flying training requirement (above) must include the following components:

• Dual instruction
  • Visual instruction
  • Instrument instruction
• PIC
• Cross-country flying
• Night flying
• Instrument time

Exact hour requirements for each of these components are set out below.

Dual instruction

You will need to complete 125 hours dual visual instruction.

Dual instruction - visual instruction

75 hours of your dual instruction (above) must be visual instruction, which may include one of the four options below:

Dual instruction - instrument instruction

You will need to complete 50 hours dual instrument instruction, which may include the following hours in simulators or other aircraft categories:

If the helicopter used for the flying training is different from the FFS used for the visual training, the maximum credit shall be limited to that allocated for FNPT II/III.

Remaining requirements

Partial credit towards the theoretical training may be available if you hold:

• a current and valid CPL / IR issued by or on behalf of a third country that is ICAO compliant (see Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention).
  
  
• a validating medical for your third country licence
  
  
• a valid type or class rating on your third country licence for the same type of helicopter that will be used for the CPL / IR skill test (EASA type and class rating list)

You must meet the experience requirements for the CPL with IR (H).

• Complete Part-FCL CPL (H) and IR (H) or ATPL (H) theoretical knowledge instruction as determined by the Head of Training of an ATO and pass all Part-FCL theoretical knowledge examinations at CPL and IR level or ATPL. 
  
  
• Applicants who wish to attempt the ATPL(H) examinations must complete an approved ATPL(H) Modular theoretical knowledge course as set out in Part-FCL Appendix 3(H) and pass all Part-FCL ATPL(H) examinations. 

You must complete Part-FCL IR(H) theoretical knowledge instruction as determined by the Head
of Training of an approved training provider and pass all Part-FCL theoretical knowledge examinations at IR level.

If you who wish to attempt the ATPL(H) examinations must undertake an approved ATPL(H) Modular theoretical knowledge course as set out in Part-FCL Appendix 3(H) and pass all Part-FCL ATPL(H) examinations with IR examinations.

An applicant for an CPL holding a valid CPL in another category of aircraft must complete theoretical knowledge bridge instruction at an ATO according to the differences identified between the CPL syllabi for different aircraft categories.

The applicant must pass the following PART FCL subjects in the appropriate aircraft category:

• 021 - Aircraft General Knowledge: Airframe and Systems, Electrics, Powerplant
• Emergency Equipment
• 022 - Aircraft General Knowledge: Instrumentation
• 032/034 - Performance Aeroplanes or Helicopters, as applicable
• 070 - Operational Procedures,
  and
• 080 - Principles of Flight

The remainder of the CPL(A) examinations are credited.

Applicants holding an IR(A)

If you have already passed the aeroplane instrument rating theoretical knowledge exams, you are credited with Human Performance and Meteorology at CPL level.

You need to complete and pass the remaining CPL (H) theoretical examinations.

Partial credit towards the flying training may be available if you hold:

• a current and valid CPL issued by or on behalf of a third country that is ICAO compliant (see Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention).
  
  
• a validating medical for your third country licence
  
  
• a valid class rating on your third country licence for the same type of helicopter that will be used for the CPL skill test (an EASA type and class rating list )

You must meet the experience requirements for the CPL.

The UK CAA is applying the following policy which may be utilised by an ATO conducting conversion training on ICAO licence holders for a Part-FCL CPL (H) be issued by the UK CAA without seeking prior approval from the Authority for each individual applicant.

These arrangements provide a route to a current and valid ICAO CPL (H) issued in accordance with ICAO Annex 1.

The Aircrew Regulation requires that the holder of an ICAO licence must attend an Approved Training Organisation and complete an approved CPL (H) modular course. If, following assessment, the ATO wishes to reduce the course further than the minimum criteria set out below, they must recommend a reduced course to their Licensing Standard Inspector (for UK CAA approved ATOs) or to the UK CAA for non-UK approved ATOs. The course cannot be reduced to zero hours.

Minimum course content without submission of a recommendation to the CAA

You must:

• Complete at an Approved Training Organisation approved to conduct CPL modular courses the minimum flight time under instruction in a Helicopter as outlined below.

Minimum hours of instruction required depending upon total flight time experience as a helicopter pilot

• Level 1: Experience > 1000 hours: Min 7 hours (23 hours credit)
• Level 2: Experience 500 - 999 hours: Min 10 hours (20 hours credit)
• Level 3: Experience 250 - 499 hours: Min 15 hours (15 hours credit)
• Level 4: Experience 185 - 249 hours: Min 20 hours (10 hours credit)
• Level 5: Experience 155 - 184 hours: Min 25 hours (5 hours credit)

Pass the Part-FCL CPL (H) skill test.

ICAO IR(H) holders

Complete a minimum of 15 hours instrument time under instruction including recommendation for test in accordance with the approved procedures of the ATO, of which 5 hours may be in a FNPT I or 10 hours in a FNPT II or higher qualified device.

Holders of a current and valid IR(H) issued in accordance with ICAO Annex 1, but with privileges obtained on single-engine helicopters only, seeking a Part-FCL-FCL ME IR(H) will be required to attend an approved IR(H) training provider. In addition to the 15 hours instrument time under instruction training, an applicant must comply with the Part-FCL requirements for an ME Type Rating and the Part-FCL SE(IR) to ME(IR) training course requirements of FCL.630.H.

The Military Accreditation Scheme sets out the credits for UK Military Flight Crew, so the scheme is only open to serving Members of HM UK Forces or people discharged from HM UK Forces.   

The scheme is only open to people who can provide proof of UK Military service.  

Flying Experience Credits 

QMP(H)s with a minimum of 70 hours logged as PIC/P1 Capt or PICUS/1st Pilot Non-Capt who hold or have held a Military Unrestricted Green Instrument Rating (Helicopter)are given full credit as regards the requirement to undergo a training course prior to undertaking the skill test(s) for the issue of a CPL(H) and IR(H).

Applicants for the issue of a Part-FCL licence shall have fulfilled the experience requirements and prerequisites for the issue of a type rating as set out in Part FCL Subpart H for the helicopter used for the test.

The helicopter used for the skill test shall meet the requirements for training helicopters.

• A QMP(H) for Single Engine Helicopters only who has not graduated from all SERW, SLIC and MERW (or legacy) courses, or who does not hold (or has not held) an operational category to operate military Multi-Engine helicopters, may take that skill test in a Single Pilot Single Engine helicopter, alternatively may take the test in a Single Pilot Multi-Engine helicopter provided they complete the ME helicopter type rating training course at an ATO prior to the CPL Skill test and the approved Multi- Engine IR(H) training at an ATO on that type comprising at least 5 hours instruction in instrument flying in Multi-Engine helicopters, of which 3 hours may be in a FFS, FTD 2/3 or FNPT II/III.
• A QMP(H) who has graduated from all SERW, SLIC and MERW (or legacy) courses, or holds (or has held) an operational category to operate military multi-engine helicopters, may take the skill test(s) in a single pilot multi-engine helicopter.    

Skill test

The skill test must be conducted by the holder of a single pilot Type or Class Rating Examiner (CRE or TRE) Certificate for the aeroplane type, authorised to conduct an CPL skill test, issued under Part-FCL.

The skill test must be conducted in: 

• an appropriate class or type of military helicopter on which you are or have been qualified to operate as a QMP, suitably equipped for the purpose, which has an EASA civilian equivalent;
  or
• an appropriate class or type of civilian helicopter provided you have completed the Part-FCL requirements for inclusion of that type or class in a Part-FCL licence except the type rating skill test.     

Applicants who hold a UK issued Part FCL licence in another category

Hours as PIC of other categories of aircraft may count towards the 200 hours total flight time, in the following cases: 

• 30 hours in TMGs or sailplanes;
  or
• 30 hours in airships, if the applicant holds a PPL(As);
  or
• 60 hours in airships, if the applicant holds a CPL(As).

The specific modular course requirements must be met.  The credit only applies to the total flight time.

Applicants holding a current and valid IR(A) must complete a minimum of 5 hours dual instrument instruction time in a helicopter.

CPL(H)

Hours as PIC of other categories of aircraft may count towards the 200 hours total flight time, in the following cases:

• 30 hours in TMGs or sailplanes;
  or
• 30 hours in airships, if the applicant holds a PPL(As);
  or
• 60 hours in airships, if the applicant holds a CPL(As).

The specific modular course requirements must be met. The credit only applies to the total flight time.

Applicants holding a current and valid IR(A) must complete a minimum of 5 hours dual instrument instruction time in a helicopter.

IR (H)

If you hold an IR (A) the total single-engine flying training requirement can be reduced by 10 hours. This cannot be used in place of the 10 hours instrument instruction flown in an IFR certified single engine helicopter.

If you hold an IR (A) the total multi-engine flying training can be reduced by 10 hours.

This credit cannot be used in place of the 10 hours instrument instruction flown in an IFR certified multi engine helicopter.

If you hold a PPL (H) with a night rating or a CPL (H) the total instrument time under instruction can be reduced by 5 hours.

If you choose to apply using e-Licensing, you will need to upload supporting documents as part of the application. Applicants will be asked for different supporting documentation depending on the selections they have made during the application.

The table below lists the evidence you may be asked for and what you should upload in that section.

CPL modular application

CPL with military credits

You should not upload Online application form as e-Licensing replaces this form.

Please note that you cannot use e-Licensing to submit your application if you are using credits from a Third Country Licence. In this instance, you would need to submit the Online form instead along with the Online application for a Third Country Verification.

You can submit your application using our online form.

If you choose this method, you will need to upload the following supporting evidence:

• CPL examiner report form SRG2197, with a copy of the non-UK Simulator approval certificate if you used a non-UK simulator for the skills test
• Instrument rating examiner report form SRG2135, with a copy of the non-UK Simulator approval certificate if you used a non-UK simulator for the skills test
• A copy of your Examiner's licence, medical and authorisation (only required if you used a non-UK examiner for the skills test)
• A certified copy of your licence (only required if one is already held)
• Proof of your ID (This can be a certified copy of your valid passport/full UK photographic driving licence, or a close up photo of you holding your ID in which your face and ID are clearly visible)
• A certified copy of your relevant logbook pages to confirm your hours and experience.
• A copy of your course completion certificate (CAA5008 and CAA5004 if modular course, CAA5000 if integrated course) or Training Organisation equivalent
• A copy of your IR course completion certificate (CAA5011 or Training Organisation equivalent)
• A copy of the Approved Training Organisation approval certificate (only required if the course was completed with a non-UK ATO)
• A copy of BIFM certificate (only required if this option is selected on online application form)

If your Theoretical Knowledge (TK) exams have been passed with another NAA:

• A copy of Part-FCL theoretical knowledge exam results as provided by the relevant authority
• A copy of theoretical knowledge course completion certificate completed by the relevant authority (CAA5004 or Training Organisation equivalent)
• A copy of the non-UK ATO approval certificate detailing TK assessment approval (You are only required to submit the front page of the Non-UK ATO approval, the pages relevant to the aircraft type or course and the final page signed by the National Aviation Authority (NAA)).

If you do not have a UK issued RT licence:

• A copy of your evidence of UK Examination and Test for Grant of FRTOL (CAA5003)

UK military pilots need to additionally submit completed Military Accreditation Scheme (MAS) form SRG2133, with certified copies of relevant pages of the military logbook

Pilots applying on the basis of holding a Third Country ICAO licence will also need to submit the following paperwork:

• Third country verification application
• A certified copy of valid ICAO licence and medical
• A certified copy of ICAO logbook pages to confirm your hours and experience

How to get copies of your documents certified

File size limit

Please note that there is currently 200Mb size limit to files uploaded to our forms. If your attachments exceed 200Mb, you should send all supporting documentation to fclweb@caa.co.uk quoting your application reference number.

All documents should be uploaded with different filename clearly stating the content of the file attachment (for example Passport, Licence copy etc.)

Submitting documents with the same filename may result in the loss of information in the system and added delays to the application assessment.

• UK Regulations
• UK ANO

• Licence fees and costs

Please ensure that your training provider is approved to conduct the training that you are undertaking.

We strongly recommend you check that your instructor and examiner hold the relevant privileges to conduct the training and any flight test, examination or assessment of competence that is being carried out.

How to find a UK examiner or UK approved school

• UK ATOs are listed in Standards Document 31
• List of Declared Training Organisations
• UK examiners

EASA ratings list and flight simulators

• ratings
• flight simulators ( FSTD)