Learn everything you need to know with HeliTrain and become a certified PPL helicopter pilot - we’ll take you from start to finish with expert training that can take you across the country and around the globe.
This is where it all starts and the foundation training you receive at the early stage of your helicopter career is vitally important. This is where the core helicopter flying skills are mastered and along with the fundamentals of airmanship, shape the pilot you will be throughout your helicopter pilot career. This alone is why we believe it is so important to have an experienced pilot with advanced instructor skills and qualifications actively directing theses core skills and attitudes.
To be eligible for a PPL, you need to meet the following criteria:
Be at least 17 years of age
Hold at least a class 2 CAA medical certificate
Pass 6 written exams which are listed in detail below
Meet the flight experience requirements which are also listed below
Meet the Civil Aviation Authority Fit & Proper Person requirements
Pass an English language test
You also need to sit and pass 6 exams which are relatively straight forward and will teach you all the things you need to know about safely flying a helicopter. These exams are as follows:
How to operate your helicopters radio to communicate with other aircraft in the air and to air traffic control on the ground
Gain an awareness of how your body reacts to the challenging flying environment
PRIVATE PILOTS
3 friends out fishing for the day
Learn how the helicopter works otherwise known as Helicopter Principles of Flight
Learn the rules that govern us as pilots and aircraft operators
Manage the aircraft and learn how to navigate the skies
About the weather and how it affects us as pilots
The minimum experience required for the issue of a PPL(H) is 50 hours of flight time. This time is made up of the following minimum requirements:
20 hours dual instruction
15 hours of solo flight time
10 hours of cross country navigation
5 hours of mountain flight
5 hours of advanced dual instruction
Once you have completed these requirements, flying competently and have passed all your exam credits you will be able to sit your PPL flight test with a flight examiner.
We can provide a clear overview of the costs associated with your PPL Licence. Sometimes a unique scenario is required so please contact us to find out more.
Approximate Cost of Flight Training based on CAA Minimum Requirements for a Private Helicopter Pilot Licence
52 hours in an R44 @ $1200 = $62,400
Medical fees – $200 (DL9)
Books, Maps, Navigation Computer, Scale Rulers, Protractor etc – $650
PPL Issue & Flight Test fee – $575 plus travel cost for testing officer – $154
Exam fees 6 @ $85 = $510
Total $64,489 NZD
$1200 per flight hr is based on an average over the entire PPL.
Hourly rates are:
$1000 per flying (hobbs) hour for the helicopter
$175 per instructing (clock) hour
Additional Flying is as per the above hourly rates
All prices are in NZ Dollars (exc GST) and subject to change
Please be aware that whilst the CAA minimum hour requirement to sit the Private Helicopter Pilot Licence Test is 50 hours, most students find they sit the test between 60 and 65 hours.
Helicopter Confidence
We’ll teach you how to have full control of your helicopter
