Helicopter Flight Training

Learn to fly a helicopter

Here at EBG Helicopters we specialise in flight training and have been doing so for over ten years. We are proud of the service we offer and of our success rate. We offer a personal service and do our best to make sure that you enjoy your time with us.

The helicopters we use are the piston-engine Robinson R22 & Robinson R44 which are reliable and well-tested aircraft. We also use three Turbine models the Colibri EC120, Jetranger and Gazelle. They are all dual-controlled and accommodate both you and your instructor in heated comfort.

All our aircraft are available to train for the PPL(H). These are small, fun to fly helicopters with a very good safety record.

If you want to fly a turbine helicopter once you have passed your PPL(H), why not learn in the same machine from the start. We offer courses on the Colibri EC120, Jet Ranger and Gazelle.

The PPL(H) licence

The PPL(H) will allow you to pilot your own helicopter or hire one of our fleet. There are many requirements associated with getting a PPL(H) but here at EBG Helicopters we will make it as enjoyable for you as we possibly can.

For your licence you will be required to complete a minimum of 45 hours of flight training. If at the end of the 45 hours you feel you are not ready to take the test, you will be able to carry on with your training until you are ready. Of the 45 hours, 10 must be flown solo. At no stage would you be asked to do anything for which you were not qualified or confident to carry out. Before you go solo you will be required to pass a Civil Aviation Authority Class 2 medical. This can be taken locally at Gatwick or if this is not convenient then please ask for a list of authorised examiners.

There are seven written examinations with multiple choice answers. You will find these easy to pass with help from our flying instructors. You will be tested on the following subjects:

  • Aviation Law
  • Navigation
  • Meteorology
  • Human Performance
  • Radio Telephony
  • Helicopter Technical
  • Flight Performance & Planning

You are required to pass aviation law before you fly solo, it is therefore advisable that you study ground school subjects along with the flying training.

When you and your instructor both feel that you are ready you will be entered for your Skills Test by a CAA Qualified Examiner.

Once you have gained your licence you will only be required to fly a minimum of 2 hours each year. The experience of gaining your licence is a most enjoyable one and going it alone is extremely exciting.