There are two ways to train as a commercial pilot: modular or integrated training.
Modular training
This option requires initial training as a private pilot and subsequent solo flying of a privately chartered helicopter together with, for example, additional training to carry out mountain landings at altitudes higher than 1100 metres above sea level. This is followed by commercial pilot training, which can be completed after a minimum of 185 flying hours.
You can begin to train as a commercial pilot once you are a qualified private pilot with at least 50 hours as pilot in command. The training includes mandatory theory modules that cover the same subjects as private pilot training, albeit expanded to go into the greater depth required for commercial pilots.
As CPL training requires a minimum of 30 flying hours, with the examination demanding minimum experience of 185 flying hours, training can begin once you have logged 155 hours of total flying time.
You must have logged ten hours of simulated instrument flight and five hours’ night flying before you can take your commercial pilot’s examination. If you have already logged the required hours of night flying, these can be counted as part of the total. Hours corresponding to simulated instrument flying in a simulator cannot be added to the total, and must be completed separately in the course of CPL training.
Although the entire training course can be completed aboard a piston-engine helicopter, we recommend that you undertake at least part of your training on a turbine helicopter in order to increase your chances of future employment.
Modular training can be completed on a part-time basis.
Successful completion of training authorises you to carry out commercial flights for an approved air operator.
Integrated commercial-pilot training
Our integrated course allows you to bypass the intermediate step of qualifying as a private pilot and go directly for your commercial pilot’s licence examination.
This variant will be of particular interest to anyone aiming at a career as a commercial pilot. Passing this course of full-time training offers you the most-direct route to your commercial pilot’s licence.
You will require at least 135 flying hours, in addition to your theoretical training. Fifty of these hours must correspond to fly as pilot in command, with ten hours of simulated instrument flying and five hours’ night flying.
An integrated course can take from nine months up to a maximum of 24 months to complete. Integrated courses are completed on a full-time basis. Please note that you cannot take this course as “on-the-job training” while working elsewhere.
You will need a budget of approximately CHF110,000 to cover the costs of training (including theory and materials) on a piston-engine helicopter.
Successful completion of training authorises you to carry out commercial flights for an approved air operator.
Please contact us for a detailed course quotation. We will be pleased to advise you regarding the various modules and options available.
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