This is HOW to get a helicopter pilot's licence | PPL(H) | FLYER

[@shawnsam6452]

i am looking at all your posting, please pose more video it is inspiring.

[@RoryOnAir]

I’ll do my best!

[@peenergysolutionslimited8903]

Top of the requirement list is to have a very large budget and deep pockets! Helicopters are not cheap to fly in. So Rory's advice of going light plane first is perfect advice. I did the same, fixed wing first then rotary once I had saved up the first £20k needed.

[@RoryOnAir]

It’s certainly not cheap, that’s for sure.

[@ranbirsingh7666]

Wow, didn’t realise it was that complicated. Money is deciding factor weather you can PPL/ NPPL, 👍 another great video.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much Ranbir. 👍

[@mikeyswingsacrossthesky2244]

Thanks Rory, heli flying is very very expensive and I am sure restricts many from doing it, however, so very pleased that you have realised your long held dream to just do that. Flyer I read, and watch every Thursday well worth the shout out. Hopefully some time later this year I will get back to doing my PPL last flew August 2019.

[@RoryOnAir]

Totally agree and thanks for watching.

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Thanks Rory, as much as I'd love to, I'll have to stick to the lighter end. Flyer is a great resource. Thanks for taking the time to put this content together.

[@RoryOnAir]

Yes, it's a great magazine. Thanks for watching as always!

[@FlyUK]

I loved my trial helicopter lesson at Leicester. I never really thought about how difficult it would be if you needed a drink during a flight, something that I do on occasion on a longer trip in a fixed wing.

[@RoryOnAir]

Yeah, it’s great having Lizi with me for stuff like that!

[@FlyUK]

@@RoryOnAir 😆

[@garydell2023]

Kudos to you Rory for tackling the helicopter and progressing to where you are now. I'll stick with fixed wing.

[@RoryOnAir]

Ah but then you miss out on being able to levitate in your machine. 😉 Thanks Gary.

[@garydell2023]

@@RoryOnAir Now wait. If my headwind is 60 and my airspeed is 60 then I can 'hover' well sort of.

[@davidcartwright5591]

What a great honest and dare I say “ down to Earth “ appreciation of the processing involved in getting your helicopter license. I admire your drive and enthusiasm . All the very best Rory , I think I you have a very rosy future ahead of you .

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much indeed David, very nice of you to say. I hope you're right!

[@glennwatson]

Disclaimer i am still low hours into my heli experience. Up to steep approaches and have done circuit lessons. So far I've found the transition from planes to helicopters fairly seamless but I spent about 150 hours in home simulator for heli and used procedures books to make it as realistic as possible. What I find a little bit more tricky is maneuvers that you often don't think of like turns around the tail which I haven't practiced in the simulator before hand. I think the mixture of having my plane license and the simulator has helped at least with the initial training. Thanks for the video again Rory.

[@RoryOnAir]

Yes, I think any experience in the air undoubtedly helps in the end Glenn. Thanks for watching as always.

[@ginievlogs3537]

How much will it cost me for heli PPL to CPL to work with an oil company? Please help me with info guys thank you

[@richardtyrer]

From someone who also flys both, great video! Safe flying

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you! 👍👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Great video once again Rory - I love my flying and have often wondered about getting my PPL(H) but the costs of flying a helicopter for fun are just eye watering (I find fixed wing costly enough).....I did think I might just have a trial lesson but fear I may get hooked like I did when I did that trial lesson in the aeroplane 25 years ago!!! Anyway, loving your work, your camera and presentation style are top notch...you obviously picked up a few tips from your previous employer!! All the best....Andy

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you very much Andy - very kind of you. I’m all for encouraging people to give helicopters a try but I know what you mean about them not really being affordable for leisure use (for the majority of people anyway). They are amazing fun though and I think a trial lesson wouldn’t hurt. 😉🚁 Rory

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

@@RoryOnAir .....oh, maybe just one then! ;0)

[@VanSilCreation]

You are an aeroplane pilot too. Great talents you have Rory, BBC or Sky News will be happy if you apply to be their air reporter i think, hehehe

[@kevchilton908]

A great video, Rory. You obviously require some form of natural ability to be able to balance everything out in perfect harmony before you even think of going anywhere in it! So I can play guitar and harmonica at the same time (not when I'm flying).. do you think I'd be a natural? 😝

[@RoryOnAir]

I think those skills are bound to help. On the other hand I have a guitar but I can’t play it and I can hover so I’m not sure it’s that scientific 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@kevchilton908]

​@@RoryOnAir 😂👍

[@ahcmit]

Torn between considering VL3 ownership and an R44, VL3 Evolution is right on my radar at the moment for speed, cost and affordability of private travel within Europe!

[@RoryOnAir]

Well that’s a nice problem to have! The VL3 looks amazing - I’d love a go in that.

[@davidallen9526]

Good information for all of us no matter what skills we currently have and what skill sets we wish to acquire as our plans see fit. I always enjoy your videos buddy. BTW- you seem to have a fuzzy appearance in the last segment. Not sure if there needs to be an adjustment to the camera or what would be needed to correct this phenomenon.🤔 Blue Sky's and Tailwinds

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much David, I’m glad you enjoyed it. It doesn’t look fuzzy to me, unless you’re pointing out that my beard needs a trim! 😂

[@Medge2sc]

Very informative , another great vid

[@RoryOnAir]

Glad you think so! Thanks Matt.

[@philipgledhill7227]

I rory hope you are well buddy. Brilliant achievement buddy. Brilliant video buddy. And happy flying well heard work phil.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Phil

[@musoseven8218]

Nice video Rory. Helicopters are always trying to screw themselves into the ground lol! Iirc AAC start training off on fixed wing 3 axis aircraft (Slingsbys at one time?). I came across an old advertisement for £100k of grants for helo pilot training, many years back - so there's hope for everyone? Helos must be great fun to master and fly in, literally door to door!

[@RoryOnAir]

Yes, they are great fun but it's not cheap!

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

Hello Rory on-air channel from Sydney, Australia. * It's good to see you, and the signs: of Lester airport being busy for the economy. * Quick look at the controls, thank you. Video request application; * I would be interested in seeing the maintenance requirements: such as annual inspections, registration number and License aircraft maintenance engineers for helicopters. * Fantastic magazine I'll look for it in the newsagents. 🌏🇭🇲

[@RoryOnAir]

Hi John, I'm glad you enjoyed this one and I'll have a think about a video on maintenance. The magazine is only available digitally since Covid but that means you can get it here; www.flyer.co.uk

[@misscastro6390]

Thank you so much for making this video , how inspiring 🌹

[@RoryOnAir]

Pleasure - glad you enjoyed it

[@aceace5457]

rory how do i get a helicopter licence when i havent got the right hand side of my body working after suffering a brain heammorrage etc you are one lucky chap wish you all the best and keep posting those videos .

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks for watching Ace.

[@aceace5457]

@@RoryOnAir your welcome rory and when are you taking the wife back up lol my wife she scared of flying lol

[@RoryOnAir]

@@aceace5457 soon if the weather plays ball!

[@aceace5457]

@@RoryOnAir its not playing ball today look outside it pours down buckets lol but i look forward to when your back.

[@M158-o3x]

Congrats again Rory.. pity your former employer didn't follow you with a TV docu... :) Also, have you made your first revenue fee earning trip as a Commercial pilot yet? Am looking forward to seeing your next set of videos for the IR and turbine conversion whenever that may be.. Wishing you all the best , you are a great inspiration to those considering a career change...

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you very much - I'm delighted you are enjoying my flying journey. No, I haven't had a revenue paying job yet - but I hope that happens soon!

[@TheBeggFamily]

Great video.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much.

[@coffeeguy6673]

Another excellent, informative video, thanks, Rory. I think I'll have to stick to my trusty Logitech 3D EXTREME joystick and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 for now. I may be able to stretch to a trial lesson but I don't think going the whole hog is worth it for me personally, I'm 55 years old now and I don't doubt my ability but I just don't have that kind of money to spend. If I was 20 years younger with the money I would defo go for it and put my heart and soul in to making a career out of it. I think you are great and I take my hat off to you for your achievements for such a young man. Would still love to meet you and talk aviation with a coffee sometime. Meanwhile, thanks again Rory, best wishes as always, Daz , Leicester ;-)

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Daz. I'm sure we'll get the chance for that at some stage once things have eased a bit more. Thanks for watching as usual.

[@swannvictor1388]

your post resonated with me! I'm 56, living in Brunei now, semi-retired cameraman. Wanted to fly from early years (pre-teen) but I'm numerically dyslexic. Teachers told me I could never get a PPL due to my lack of math skills and so I had to abandon my dreams at the age of 12. I still look to the sky in awe and wonder and have flown so many times, but in the back...! Too old and knackered now, alas. Life can be brutal sometimes. Good videos though: nice to live vicariously through someone younger and more talented!

[@RmacNet]

I'm actually coming down for my pilot selection day on the 25th at Leicester Helicentre with aim to start working on my PPL providing all goes well! Greatly appreciate the video and very conveniently timed for me. Your videos certainly factored in for me when ultimately deciding on Leicester. From one Rory to another - Thank you for the fab videos!

[@RoryOnAir]

Best of luck and thanks for watching Rory. I'm sure our paths will cross in the hangar at some stage.

[@RmacNet]

@@RoryOnAir cheers Rory. I'll keep my eyes peeled!

[@somewaresim]

Thanks Rory. I had a discovery lesson in a Cabri G2 last week after flying in a PC sim for a year. To my surprise sim flying actually helped my ability to control the helicopter although nothing prepares you for the wind and torque in the real thing! Got the bug now and am hoping to start my PPL(H) within a year at Redhill. Is it worth doing the theory before starting the flying? What books do you recommend?

[@RoryOnAir]

Hi Gary, great time hear you’re taking it up. I would say your best off doing the theory in parallel with the flying and this will help keep you motivated to study. I haven’t actually ever done a PPL exam as such because I went straight for the commercial ATPL exams so I’m not able to recommend any books I’m afraid. Your flight school will have a preference though so I would check with them. All the very best of luck and thanks for watching my videos. Rory

[@MohammadAlhariri-z5v]

Very helpful and interesting video to someone like me looking to become a helicopter pilot ,quick question how much did it cost until you got your commercial helicopter license. Thanks .

[@RoryOnAir]

I’m glad the video was useful. That’s not something I’m prepared to go into publicly yet, but it was a lot!

[@ericg69er]

Spot on Rory. Cheers.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks. 👍

[@FlightMariner]

Great stuff Rory

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks mate. 👍

[@deanregan7011]

There is a way to get your flying for free, but it does require a complete lifestyle change. Here in the UK all three of the Armed services fly helicopters, you start with flying grading that sorts out those that are suitable for flight training (and those that are not) then a PPL equivalent basic fixed wing course to learn the basics of aviation. If successful you would complete a rotary course including instrument flying and advanced handling at low level, night, mountain, underslung loads, formation etc. Then on to your specific service such as the Army to learn tactics and type conversion to the Wildcat or Apache. At the end of your military career you'd be in a very good position to get a job flying for the police, air ambulance, oil or gas companies or even corporate. It's certainly not for everyone, but you'll do things with helicopters that you couldn't elsewhere.

[@RoryOnAir]

This is an excellent point Dean. The military route is a fabulous opportunity for people to get into flying. I actually tried to sign up myself but was turned away at 16 due to asthma on my medical records and for being too tall. I tell myself it was their loss every time I see an Apache, Wildcat or Chinook. Thanks for watching.

[@deanregan7011]

@@RoryOnAir Thanks Rory, great channel.

[@swannvictor1388]

@@RoryOnAir I had Asthma as a kid, too. My teachers told me at the age of 12 to forget about ever getting a PPL: I had no chance because of my asthma and numeric dyslexia. Tough to have your dreams demolished at 12. I had the second best job in the world; I became a news cameraman. Still hurts though, over 40 years later!

[@RoryOnAir]

@@swannvictor1388 that’s tough Swann. I felt the same deflation at 16 when they all said ‘no thanks’, one call after the other. Luckily I was already involved with the BBC by then. Sounds like a similar story we had. It’s not too late to get your PPL or NPPL now...

[@irisaviation852]

Great video as always Rory.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you very much. I’ve gone full TV presenter on this one.

[@irisaviation852]

@@RoryOnAir I think you should wear your ‘bars’ you worked hard for them....:)

[@RoryOnAir]

@@irisaviation852 it seems to really rub some people on here so I’ve kind of stopped. I do like wearing them though so I might change my mind again. 👍

[@irisaviation852]

@@RoryOnAir I think anyone who’s opinion matters would enjoy seeing you wear what you earnt. You are a CPL! I’ll keep watching whatever as the videos are great. Keep them coming.

[@RoryOnAir]

@@irisaviation852 well you’re very kind. I am very proud of my CPL. 😁

[@Sunrise-e9p]

Brilliant fella.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much. 👍

[@BenAtkinsonVideos]

Sliiiick and some super interesting facts

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks mate, you’re very kind. 😁

[@peterdisley5327]

Hi Rory, could you transfer any of your microlight hrs towards you helicopter licence. Great video and thanks for sharing.

[@RoryOnAir]

Unfortunately not Peter, but the navigation, Radio and airmanship experience did help me. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@tgm9991]

@@RoryOnAir Is it only part-FCL PPLs in other categories and not the LPPL or NPPL where some of your prior flying and exams can be credited towards a PPL(H) then?

[@RoryOnAir]

@@tgm9991 I believe so, yes.

[@ForFunFlyer]

Nice informative video! 👌🏻

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Jolmer. 👍

[@Bullet4MyEnemy]

£25k for the PPLH, but what about the cost for a commercial license? Feels like there’s a bit of a class barrier the cost is so prohibitive.

[@RoryOnAir]

Well it’s not cheap - it depends whether you go modular or integrated and each school is different. The purpose of this video was to explain the PPLH.

[@Justtellmetheanswer6910]

Cheers Rory. How do you log the hours? Ie physically?

[@RoryOnAir]

I have a paper logbook and a spreadsheet backup.

[@liquidusblue]

More GA in the UK!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks for watching.

[@richardtierney7724]

Excellent as per :-)))))

[@RoryOnAir]

Cheers Richard.

[@pineappleroad]

Even though i have had some level of interest in helicopters since i was young (probably around 8, 9, or 10), ignoring the period of time when all of my interests went out the window (partly due to someone pressing the reset button on my life when i was 12, and more recently someone pressed that reset button again), chances are i wont be able to ever afford to become a pilot (the chances of me being able to afford it even 10 years from now are the same as my odds of winning the lottery) I was considering a trial lesson, until i found out how much the cost of a PPL is, and i am now beginning to wonder if i should even bother with taking a trial lesson

[@EinkOLED]

Many helicopter pilots do start off flying fixed wing first. With your commercial helicopter pilot licence complete, will it just require a type rating to fly larger turbine powered helicopters such as those used by the emergency services? And will they provide the cost of training?

[@RoryOnAir]

Yes, any additional types - piston or turbine - will require a type rating course and test but the licence covers me for every helicopter I'm subsequently rated on. I would hope an employer would pay for the rating they need me to have to fly their aircraft, yes... but I guess we'll see!

[@deanregan7011]

Most employers will specify in the initial job application if they require you to already hold the relevant type rating or will provide the training. The larger employers will normally provide the training in exchange for a training bond. This generally requires you to agree to stay with that employer for a number of years with a sliding scale of refund of training costs if you leave early. For instance, when my employer (the Police) decided to purchase a new type of aircraft (EC135 from AS355) we pilots had to sign a 3 year training bond in exchange for the 4.5 hours of type rating raining. The Air ambulance charities have similar arrangements.

[@RoryOnAir]

@@deanregan7011 thanks for the intel Dean. Seems fairly reasonable to me.

[@alefredorosales9614]

I have nearly a thousand flying hours on mi-35 helicopter with no license but a diploma and a flight instructor certificate. I am 49 and a refugee. It has been 10 years since I did my last flight. I want to be back to my job, how can I afford it and do it ?

[@firefighterleetiktok85]

Did I miss it but how much was the course?

[@RoryOnAir]

This video was specifically about doing a PPL(H) as a stand alone course, so I didn't mention the cost of the integrated CPL(H) I was on.

[@flyingaccountant2636]

"Flying Carpet" you say. Black magic - that's how helicopters work 🎱🧙

[@RoryOnAir]

Either way, I like it! 🚁🤘

[@AG-xo2qs]

75 grand to CPL, and 1 year no income. Takes commitment and deep pockets, and / or loan

[@RoryOnAir]

Yeah and this is just for a CPL. I had to fund hour building and an instrument rating too.

[@paulsweet6235]

lots and lots of money :)

[@RoryOnAir]

Yeah it’s not a cheap hobby or career choice.

[@hoop5824]

How to get a helicopter licence......WATCH A SHIT LOAD OF ADVERTS BY THE LOOKS OF IT???

[@RoryOnAir]

KZbin decide where and what adverts to show I'm afraid. Thanks for watching though - I hope you found the content useful.

[@hoop5824]

@@RoryOnAir You tube might choose the adverts, but you have to agree for them to put them there in the first place!

[@RoryOnAir]

@@hoop5824 the ads are a tiny price to pay for the many many many hours I spend unpaid producing content. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@hoop5824]

@@RoryOnAir Says you! But the kid who plays with his lego can claim the same too!

[@swannvictor1388]

@@RoryOnAir No ads shown here in Brunei...guess I got lucky, lol. Great video, thanks Rory.