Training
Learn to be a helicopter pilot with Cutting Edge Helicopters. Our experienced instructors will take you through all the flight and ground school training needed or help refresh your skills . We have three dedicated pilot training rooms with pilot lounge at our base in Eglinton and encourage a club atmosphere where our old hands and trainees can meet.
Private Pilot's Licence PPL (H)
There is no greater achievement than gaining your helicopter pilots licence. Learning to fly has never been more enjoyable than with Cutting Edge Helicopters. You can discover the thrill and exhilaration of piloting a helicopter yourself and also on completion of your licence take passengers to experience the delights of helicopter flight.
The Private Pilot's Licence Helicopter (PPL H) has a minimum requirement of 45 flying hours. This is the minimum number of hours required by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and in practice is dependent on each individual's aptitude.
The course is broken down into 27 exercises which our instructors will guide you through. The minimum of 45 flying hours consist of:
•35 hours dual flying (training in the helicopter with an instructor present) •10 hours solo flying (training in the helicopter without an instructor present)
The minimum age to log time towards the issue of a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) is 15 years old.
The minimum age to fly solo (as required during your training) is 16 years old.
The minimum age to undertake the skills test for issue of a licence is 17 years old.
Cutting Edge Helicopters will guide you through your ground studies towards the following CAA examinations, which are taken on site with ourselves:
- Aviation Law and Operational Procedures
- Aircraft General Knowledge and Principles of Flight
- Navigation and Radio Aids
- Meteorology
- Human Performance and Limitations
- Flight Performance and Planning
- Communications
- Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence Examination
A PPL (H) applicant must have a valid Class 1 or 2 medical certificate. Please contact Cutting Edge Helicopters for advice on how and where to obtain this certificate.
On completion of your PPL with Cutting Edge Helicopters, you will be able to hire our helicopters at any time. The cost to hire the helicopter is based on an hourly rate and discounts are available for block bookings of flight hours. Where you fly is completely your decision, why not take friends and family away for the weekend or take a loved one to a special hotel for a night away.
R22 type rating course
On completion of your PPL (H) licence you may wish to add the Robinson R22 helicopter to your licence. The R22 is the world’s most popular helicopter for training and is a cost effective way in which to build your flying hours.
- 5 hours flight training with one of our instructors
- Flight test with a CAA examiner
The minimum age to undertake the skills test for issue of a licence is 17 years old.
The ground school requirements for the Robinson R22 Type rating consists of:
- 5 hours ground tuition
- R22 Type rating theory examination
As you will already hold a PPL(H) licence no further medicals are required to undertake the course. Your class 1 or 2 medical must be current to begin the course.
On completion of your R22 type rating with Cutting Edge Helicopters, you will be able to hire one of our R22 helicopters at any time. The cost to hire the helicopter is based on an hourly rate and discounts are available for block bookings of flight hours. Where you fly is completely your decision, why not take friends and family away for the weekend or take a loved one to a special hotel for a night away.
R44 type rating course
On completion of your PPL (H) licence you may wish to add the larger four seat Robinson R44 helicopter to your licence. The R44 is the world’s most popular helicopter ever made, with a top speed of 150mph it is a great way to take your friends and family up in style and comfort.
The flying requirements for the Robinson R44 type rating consist of:
- 5 hours flight training with one of our instructors
- Flight test with a CAA examiner
The minimum age to undertake the skills test for issue of a licence is 17 years old.
The ground school requirements for the Robinson R44 Type rating consists of:
- 5 hours ground tuition
- R44 Type rating theory examination
As you will already hold a PPL(H) licence no further medicals are required to undertake the course. Your class 1 or 2 medical must be current to begin the course.
On completion of your R44 type rating with Cutting Edge Helicopters, you will be able to hire one of our R44 helicopters at any time. The cost to hire the helicopter is based on an hourly rate and discounts are available for block bookings of flight hours. Where you fly is completely your decision, why not take friends and family away for the weekend or take a loved one to a special hotel for a night away.