Helicopter Training in South AfricaHelicopter Private Pilots LicenceA PPL(H) is effectively a license to fly helicopters in your private capacity. The PPL allows you to fly friends and family in a rented helicopter or your own machine. Acquiring your helicopter private pilots licence is probably the most exhilarating and rewarding experience you will ever endure. It is a huge achievement in terms of uniqueness. There is certain criteria before you initiate your private pilots licence. The Minimum Requirements for helicopter training in South Africa are :
You may start your training at 16 Yrs old and you may also go solo at this age, however you need to be 17 Yrs old to complete your PPL(H) skills test. Training Method
Our approach to training is 100% tailored to the needs, goals and lifestyle of our students. All flight training and ground briefing is done ONE-ON-ONE so you can train at your own pace. Some students cannot afford the time or the money to train intensively whilst other students prefer to get stuck in and get it done as quickly as possible. Helicopters
As we are a Robinson Helicopter dealer we train primarily on the R22 and the R44. Both these machines are great platforms to build a solid understanding and respect for helicopter flight. As a student pilot we can train you on one of our school machines or your own helicopter. Our instructors are rated and experienced on most piston and turbine engine helicopters. How to get started!
Introductory Flying LessonsThis is the first chance to experience the flying of a helicopter. This short "sortie" incorporates a full 30 minute pre flight briefing to explain the principles of flight and the effects of the controls for the helicopter. Next is to go airborne, your instructor will demonstrate each of the controls before inviting you to take each of them yourself. This is the initial stage of learning to fly; the flight time will be logged towards your licence. Flying Lessons are ideal for anyone interested in flying or who wishes to undertake a flying course. Discovery Day
The Flight Discovery Day provides a thorough introduction to the initial stages of learning to fly. The day consists of two hours briefing and two hours flying covering the effects of the controls, power and altitude changes, turns, climbing, descending and hovering; once again this time can be logged towards a PPL(H). CAA written subjects
To complete your helicopter training in South Africa, the following subjects need to be written in order to complete your PPL in South Africa. The exams may be completed online through a CAA registered training facility. Alternatively, the exams may be written at the CAA offices in Midrand, Johannesburg. The pass-mark for the below list of CAA exams is 75%. Is is also worth mentioned that all PPL exams are multiple choice.
Did you know ?
We have a Helicopter Simulator. Did you also know that 5 hours of Helicopter Simulator dual training counts toward your 50 hours required for your PPL? Please contact us for more details.
The Private Pilot’s Licence Air Exercise Syllabus for Helicopter Training South Africa
1 Familiarisation with helicopter. 2 Prep for flight & action after flight. 3 Air experience. 4 Effect of controls in forward flight. 5 Attitude & power changes. 6 Straight & Level; Climbs & descents. 7 Medium turns. 8 Basic hover in-ground effect. 9 Lift-offs & touch-downs. 10 Hover & taxi out of wind. 11 Transitions. 12 Circuit flying. 13 Vortex ring state. 14 Basic auto-rotations. 15 Emergencies; engine-off landings. 16 First solo: (maximum of 2 circuits). 17 Consolidating of skills learned to date. 18 Advanced hovering and manoeuvring. 19 Precision transitions. 20 Quick stops. 21 Tight circuits 22 Steep turns 23 Advanced auto-rotations 24 Limited-power operations. 25 Transition in various wind directions 26 Slope landings and take-offs. 27 Confined area & out-of-ground effect ops. 28 Low Flying 29 High altitude familiarization 30 Navigation |
