Type rating (TRS)
Basic training typically takes place on our two-seater Guimbal Cabri G2 training helicopter. If you later want to fly on higher landing spots or with a helicopter with more passenger capacity, you have the option of retraining on the next larger type, for example the Airbus Helicopter H120 Colibri with a total of 5 seats. This is also how you get your first turbine rating on a helicopter. Of course, conversion from a turbine helicopter to the Guimbal Cabri G2 piston engine helicopter is also possible.
We offer type rating training on all types of helicopters we have in our fleet. Type rating training takes at least 5 hours of flight and also includes a basic theoretical course. If you already fly different types of helicopters, the flying part of a type rating course can be reduced to 2-3 hours of flying time.
f you would like to rent the helicopters privately after the type rating, this is possible. We require a certain level of basic experience with the new type of helicopter in order to rent the helicopter without being accompanied by a flight instructor.
We would be happy to advise you individually about the minimum requirements before starting type rating training.
To acquire a new type rating, for example for the Airbus H120, a ground course is required. In this ground course you will learn the technical details of the new type, the structure and functionality as well as the specifications. If this involves conversion to the first helicopter with a turbine engine, you must also complete an initial turbine course (Turbine Engine Knowledge Course/TEKC).
Ground courses as well as TEK courses for the two common training models in the fleet (Guimbal Cabri G2 & Airbus H120) are offered at regular intervals at all flight school bases. Ground courses for other types that are in the Swiss Helicopter fleet are available upon request.
You can find out more information about our theory offerings in the flight school calendar.
Flight instructor training FI(H)
As a flight instructor, you will train the next generation of pilots of all levels. In order to be able to act as a flight instructor, training is required, which is completed with an examination and a subsequent license entry.
To start the course, you need a PPL(H) license with CPL theory or a CPL(H) license. The training consists of a theoretical and a practical part.
In the theoretical part of the course, you will be trained pedagogically and didactically as well as in the various teaching techniques and lesson preparation during 100 theory hours (“Teaching & Learning”). The knowledge acquired is applied and tested in simulated lessons. Working alongside an experienced flight instructor, you will also learn how to safely carry out various training scenarios.
The practical training includes at least 30 hours of flight together with an instructor for flight instructor courses. Up to 5 hours of this can be completed in a simulator.
After completing your training, you can work as a flight instructor and train pilots and student pilots. For the first 100 hours as a flight instructor, an experienced colleague will normally accompany you as a “godfather” to introduce you to the new activity step by step.
In order to be able to train commercial pilots, you must also hold a commercial pilot license CPL(H) and already have 200 hours of experience as a flight instructor.
Info Sheet FI(H)
Night flight training NIT(H)
The night flight training includes at least 5 hours of flying time at night for the authorization to be entered into the license. The entire course must be completed within 6 months.
If night flying privileges are to be included in a private pilot license, you will need at least 100 hours of flight experience after completing private pilot training. You will also need 60 hours as a pilot-in-command, 20 of which will be on cross-country flights. This restrictions do not apply if the night course is completed to obtain a commercial pilot license, see Commercial Pilot License CPL(H).
Private pilots are required to complete an additional 10 hours of simulated instrument flight, of which 5 hours can be counted as simulator flight.
Once you have completed your training, you are authorized to carry out night flights according to visual flight rules. This training does not result in an examination to obtain the license entry.
Important for CPL candidates:
Night flight training can be combined with CPL training. The required 5 hours are not part of the 30-hour CPL module but are flown separately. The minimum hours listed above before the start of training (100 hours according to PPL, 60 hours as PIC) are not required in this case.
Info Sheet NIT
Conversion of foreign licenses / fixed-wing licenses
Swiss Helicopter will be happy to advise you for conversion of a license issued from outside of Europe to a European EASA pilot license. Depending on the pilot's existing license and level of experience, there are individual bridge courses available for acquiring an EASA license.
This also applies to pilots with an aeroplaneor sailplane license. Ask at one of our flight school locations, we will be happy to advise you individually.
Simulator
Certain parts of different training courses can be completed in the simulator or procedure trainer. Swiss Helicopter works with several simulator operators at various locations in Switzerland.
You can complete the simulator lessons with your flight instructor. Of course, it is also possible to fly additional or modular exercises on the training equipment.
Englisch für Piloten - Vorbereitungskurs auf das ICAO Level 4
In order to be allowed to do radio calls in controlled airspace, in addition to aviation radio telephony license, you must also provide proof of your knowledge of the English language. The lowest level that must be reached is level 4 out of 6.
