Private pilot PPL(H)

Subjects

General subjects

• 010 | Air Law
• 040 | Human Performance
• 050 | Meteorology
• 060 | Navigation
• 090 | Communication

Helicopter specific subjects

• 020 | Helicopter Knowledge
• 030 | Flight Performance & Planning
• 071 | Operational Procedures
• 082 | Principles of Flight

Theory exams

Each theory subject is completed by a separate theory examination. These are conducted by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation FOCA in accordance with EASA regulations. Several theory examinations can be written on the same day (one session). There is no maximum number of sessions for the PPL(H) level. Each subject can be repeated a maximum of three times.

We recommend spreading all subjects over four sessions. At least 75% of the maximum number of points per subject must be achieved in the FOCA examination in order to pass the examination. The maximum period until completion of all theoretical subjects is 18 months from the date of the first examination session. From the last theoretical subject, the practical training must be completed within 24 months. In order for us to be able to register you for a FOCA examination, you must first complete internal final tests for each subject, which you must pass with 80% of the maximum number of points.

Examination language
At PPL(H) level, you can choose between German, French, English and Italian.

Presence Learning

10 hours of theory lessons on site or virtually via Teams are required.

Creditable theory

• with LAPL(H): full theory
• with PPL(A): Subjects 010, 040, 050, 060 and 090

Basic course per helicopter type

The ground course is an obligatory part of PPL(H) basic training and of retraining for a new helicopter type. The basis for this course is the manufacturer's manual (Pilot Operating Handbook). The following topics are covered in classroom instruction over a period of approx. 12-54 hours, depending on the complexity of the system:

• General Information
• Limitations
• Emergency Procedures
• Normal Procedures
• Performance
• Weight & Balance
• System Description

Another important part of the ground course is the pre-flight check on the helicopter, which every pilot must complete before the flight.

Awareness course

In accordance with SFAR 73 (Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 73 of the Federal Aviation Administration FAA), the awareness course provides training in the peculiarities of a two-blade rotor system. This course is highly recommended for pilots flying a helicopter with a two-blade rotor system. The awareness course is mandatory for Robinson R22 pilots and must be completed before the first solo flight. The following topics are covered in the classroom lessons:

• Energy Management
• Mast Bumping
• Low Rotor RPM / Blade Stall
• Low G hazards
• Rotor RPM decay

The awareness course is part of the ground course and subsequently applicable to any helicopter with a two-blade rotor system.

VFR communication

In aviation, radio communication is mainly in the English language. In order to ensure smooth and correct communication with air traffic control, an authorization for VFR communication (radio communication) is required. Voice training consists of a theoretical and a practical part. The theory is taught in subject 090 (communication) and, like the other theoretical subjects, is completed at the FOCA with a theory examination. The practical voice training usually takes place in the classroom. Various flights are simulated there and the most common aeronautical radio procedures are practiced. During the practical examination, a simulated flight is carried out in the classroom. The candidate has the role of the pilot, while the examiners take on the roles of various air traffic control centers (tower, ground, information, etc.). Candidates must demonstrate that they know and master the standard phraseology of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as well as the applicable regulations and procedures.

The practical voice training is mainly offered for the English language. If required, it is possible to complete the VFR communication in German. However, pilots with a German-language voice entry may only land and take off at airfields that are also served by a German radio communication.

English (language proficiency)

In aviation there are communication situations that are not covered by standard phraseology. In order to ensure adequate communication between the air traffic controller and the pilot in such situations, sufficient knowledge of English must be available. This language knowledge must be demonstrated in a so-called "Language Proficiency (LP)" test. In order to take part in the exam, the voice training must have been completed beforehand. The initial Language exam consists of a written and an oral test. The examination is deemed to have been passed if at least level 4 is achieved on a scale of 1 to 6. For a level 4, this must be repeated every four years by an oral check. As with the practical VFR communication exam, there is also the possibility to obtain a German Language Profciency. The same restrictions then apply as for
a German Language Proficiency (see above).

Creditable practice

• with PPL(A): Total max. 10 % of the PIC (Pilot in Comand) time | but max. 6 h