Learning to fly a helicopter in the UK starts with a Private Pilot Licence (Helicopter), or PPL(H). It requires a minimum of 45 flight hours - most students need around 70 - plus a UK CAA / EASA Class 2 medical, and you can start training from age 17.
A PPL(H) typically costs around GBP 40,000 to GBP 50,000 depending on the aircraft and how regularly you fly. If you want to fly commercially, you go on to a CPL(H). Below are UK schools offering helicopter training.
Helicopter flight schools in the UK (26)
- A H Helicopter Services Limited - Devon
- AA Helicopters - Bobbington
- Advance Helicopters - West Sussex
- Arcus Helicopters - Nottinghamshire
- Bliss Aviation - Dorset
- Castle Air Academy - Gloucestershire
- Central Helicopters - Nottingham
- Cutting Edge Helicopters - Eglinton
- Digital Aerospace - Oxfordshire
- EBG Helicopters - Redhill
- Elite Helicopters - Chichester
- H Helis - Staffordshire
- Heli Air - Wellesbourne
- Heli-Jet - West Yorkshire
- Helicopter Services - Wycombe
- Heliflight UK - Gloucestershire
- Helipower - Belfast
- Helivation - Blackpool
- Hields Aviation - North Yorkshire
- HOFF Aviation - Surrey
- HQ Aviation - Uxbridge
- ICE Helicopters - Hertfordshire
- J K Helicopter Training - Gloucestershire
- Kuki Helicopters - Nottinghamshire
- Northumbria Helicopters - Newcastle Upon Tyne
- Shoreham Helicopters - West Sussex
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to get a helicopter licence in the UK?
A PPL(H) typically costs around GBP 40,000 to GBP 50,000, though it can be less with regular lessons or more depending on the aircraft and hours needed.
How many hours do I need for a PPL(H)?
The legal minimum is 45 flight hours, but most students need around 70 to reach the standard for the skills test.
What age and medical do I need?
You can start from age 17 and need a UK CAA / EASA Class 2 medical for a PPL(H); a Class 1 medical is required for commercial (CPL(H)) training.
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