Basic training to become a helicopter pilot begins with private pilot training. This includes a theoretical as well as a practical part. At the time of the examination, you must be at least 17 years old, have passed the theoretical tests and have a class 2 medical certificate.
The training requires a minimum of 45 flight hours, of which 10 hours are completed in solo flight. Five hours in the simulator can be credited towards the flight training.
The training takes place aboard and aircraft operated by Swiss Helicopter and is completed by a test flight with an examiner. Training aboard your own helicopter is also conceivable.
The private pilot license allows private, non-commercial flights to be carried out. After training, in order to obtain a license, you must complete at least 2 hours of flying every year, including a check flight with an expert.
The following process has proven to be effective when training to become a private pilot:
- Consultation and trial lesson on the desired helicopter model
- Plan the process together with your flight instructor
- Medical fitness assessment, medical class 2/class 1
- Start of flight training and parallel attendance of theory courses and aviation radio telephony course
- Theoretical exam at the Federal Office of Civil Aviation and radio telephony exam
- Practical flight test with an examiner on your training helicopter
Private pilot training can be completed from around CHF 40,000.
PPL(H) theory
The theory behind acquiring a private pilot license is entry into the world of helicopter aviation. Swiss Helicopter offers the following options for acquiring the PPL(H) theory at all flight school bases:
- Distance learning course of the entire PPL(H) theory
- Class room course of helicopter-specific subjects
Regardless of which of the variants you choose to acquire the theory, you will be accompanied by our expert instructors in all courses. The theory courses that are carried out in face-to-face classes take place directly on the base. Ideal for those interested who learn best in frontal teaching.
The distance learning course is suitable for those who want to learn flexibly in terms of time and can learn better through self-study. However, you are not on your own with this training model, because even in distance learning, 10% of the total hours have to be completed in frontal teaching. To do this, you arrange an appointment with your instructor early on, where you can get questions answered and challenging topics can be discussed together. Our flight instructors will advise you personally to find the best solution for you.
You can find out more information about our theory offerings in the flight school calendar.
