How long will it take to complete my licence?
The helicopter private pilot’s licence requires a minimum of 50 hours of flying. If flying regularly it can be completed in between 2 to 4 months. Depending on the individual, most people qualify for their PPLs in between 55 and 80 hours.
What do I do to get started?
We would suggest that you arrange a demonstration flight with one of our instructors. This will enable you to experience the thrill and exhilaration of helicopter flight, and give you the opportunity to discuss your training programme with an instructor. The flying time of the demonstration flight can be credited towards your licence.
Once the decision to fly has been made, you can arrange bookings to begin at your earliest convenience. For the first briefing we set aside 2 to 3 hours to cater for the enrolment, the aerodynamic briefing followed immediately by the first flying lesson. Please remember that our schedules are flexible, and that we attempt to schedule bookings to suit your needs.
No formal qualification or previous flying experience is required to train as a helicopter pilot. The minimum age requirements are 17 years of age for a private pilot’s licence, and 18 years old for the commercial licence. An aviation medical examination is the only further requirement.
Will I be physically able to learn to fly a helicopter?
Flying a helicopter obviously needs a certain level of co-ordination and natural skill. Nearly any person able to drive a car, for example, should be able to learn to fly, although some might find it easier and quicker to “snap into it” than others.
Will I be able to hire a helicopter from CIVAIR after completion of my licence?
Yes, and if you did not complete your training at CIVAIR, you need to undergo a proficiency test with our chief flying instructor to gain access to our fleet.
