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UK Civil Aviation Regulations

These are published by the CAA on our UK Regulations pages. EU Regulations and EASA Access Guides published by EASA no longer apply in the UK. Our website and publications are being reviewed to update all references. Any references to EU law and EASA Access guides should be disregarded and where applicable the equivalent UK versions referred to instead.



You will need to complete a course of training at an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) or Declared Training Organisation (DTO) for single-engine type rating for helicopters for which the maximum certified seat configuration does not exceed five seats.

The type rating training course shall include the mandatory training elements for the relevant type as defined in the operational suitability data established in accordance with Part-21.

Training and testing

Theoretical

Theoretical knowledge examination

The applicant for a helicopter type rating must pass a theoretical knowledge examination organised by the ATO to demonstrate the level of theoretical knowledge required for the safe operation of the applicable helicopter type.
For single-engine helicopters, the theoretical knowledge examination will be conducted verbally by the examiner during the skill test to determine whether or not a satisfactory level of knowledge has been achieved

The applicant for a class or type rating must pass a theoretical knowledge examination organised by the ATO to demonstrate the level of theoretical knowledge required for the safe operation of the applicable aircraft class or type of helicopter.

Please refer to AMC2 FCL.725(a) for more details.

Close Theoretical

Flying

An applicant for a helicopter type rating must complete a training course at an suitably approved ATO. The type rating training course need to include the mandatory training elements for the relevant type as defined in the operational suitability data established in accordance with Part-21.

An applicant for a class or type rating shall pass a skill test in accordance with Appendix 9 to Part-FCL to demonstrate the skill required for the safe operation of the applicable class or type of helicopter.

The applicant shall pass the skill test within a period of 6 months after commencement of the type rating training course and within a period of 6 months preceding the application for the issue of
the rating.

Close Flying

Addition of privileges and additional types

AMC2 FCL.725(a) Requirements for the issue of class and type ratings

Training course

Flight instruction for type ratings: helicopters

The amount of flight instruction depends on:

  • complexity of the helicopter type, handling characteristics, level of technology;
  • category of helicopter (SEP or SE turbine helicopter, ME turbine and MP helicopter);
  • previous experience of the applicant;
  • the availability of FSTDs.
    (b) FSTDs

The level of qualification and the complexity of the type will determine the amount of practical training that may be accomplished in FSTDs, including completion of the skill test. Before undertaking the skill test, a student
should demonstrate competency in the skill test items during the practical training.

(c) Initial issue

The flight instruction (excluding skill test) should comprise:

Helicopter types In helicopter In helicopter and FSTD associated training credits
SEP (H) 5 hours

Using FFS C/D: At least 2 hours helicopter and at least 6 hours total
Using FTD 2/3: At least 4 hours helicopter and at least 6 hours total

SET (H) under 3175 kg MTOM 5 hours Using FFS C/D: At least 2 hours helicopter and at least 6 hours total
Using FTD 2/3: At least 4 hours helicopter and at least 6 hours total
SET (H) at or over 3175 kg MTOM 8 hours Using FFS C/D: At least 2 hours helicopter and at least 10 hours total
Using FTD 2/3: At least 4 hours helicopter and at least 10 hours total
SPH MET (H) CS and FAR 27 and 29 8 hours Using FFS C/D: At least 2 hours helicopter and at least 10 hours total
Using FTD 2/3: At least 4 hours helicopter and at least 10 hours total
MPH 10 hours Using FFS C/D: At least 2 hours helicopter and at least 12 hours total
Using FTD 2/3: At least 4 hours helicopter and at least 12 hours total


Additional types

The flight instruction (excluding skill test) should comprise:

Helicopter types In helicopter In helicopter FSTD associated training credits
SEP (H) to SEP (H) within AMC1 FCL.740.H (a)(3) 2 hours Using FFS C/D: At least 1 hour helicopter and at least 3 hours total
Using FTD 2/3: At least 1 hour helicopter and at least 4 hours total
SEP (H) to SEP (H) not included in AMC1 FCL.740.H (a)(3) 5 hours Using FFS C/D: At least 1 hour helicopter and at least 6 hours total
Using FTD 2/3: At least 2 hours helicopter and at least 7 hours total
SET (H) to SET (H) 2 hours Using FFS C/D: At least 1 hour helicopter and at least 3 hours total
Using FTD 2/3: At least 1 hour helicopter and at least 4 hours total
ME difference training 1 hour N/A
MET(H) to MET(H) 3 hours Using FFS C/D: At least 1 hour helicopter and at least 4 hours total
Using FTD 2/3: At least 2 hours helicopter and at least 5 hours total
ME difference training 1 hour N/A
MPH to MPH 5 hours Using FFS C/D: At least 1 hour helicopter and at least 6 hours total
Using FTD 2/3: At least 2 hours helicopter and at least 7 hours total
Extend privileges on the same type rating from SPH to MPH (except for initial MP issue) or from the MPH to SPH 2 hours Using FFS C/D: At least 1 hour helicopter and at least 3 hours total
Close Addition of privileges and additional types

Single pilot or multi pilot privileges

Single Pilot to Multi Pilot on the same type rating:
An applicant who already holds a type rating for a helicopter type, with the privilege or either single-pilot or multi-pilot operations, shall be considered to have already fulfilled the theoretical requirements when applying to add the privilege for the other form of operation on the same helicopter type.

Multi-crew cooperation training course - helicopters

  1. The MCC training course shall comprise at least:
    1. for MCC/IR:
      1. 25 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction and exercises;
        and
      2. 20 hours of practical MCC training or 15 hours, in the case of student pilots attending an ATP(H)/IR integrated course. When the MCC training is combined with the initial type rating training for a multi-pilot helicopter,
        the practical MCC training may be reduced to not less than 10 hours if the same FSTD is used for both MCC and type rating;
    2. for MCC/VFR:
      1. 25 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction and exercises;
        and
      2. 15 hours of practical MCC training or 10 hours, in the case of student pilots attending an ATP(H)/IR integrated course. When the MCC training is combined with the initial type rating training for a multi-pilot helicopter,
        the practical MCC training may be reduced to not less than 7 hours if the same FSTD is used for both MCC and type rating.
  2. The MCC training course shall be completed within 6 months at an ATO.
    An FNPT II or III qualified for MCC, an FTD 2/3 or an FFS shall be used.
  3. Unless the MCC course has been combined with a multi-pilot type rating course, on completion of the MCC training course the applicant shall be given a certificate of completion.
  4. An applicant having completed MCC training for any other category of aircraft shall be exempted from the requirement in (a)(1)(i) or (a)(2)(i), as applicable.
  5. An applicant for MCC/IR training who has completed MCC/VFR training shall be exempted from the requirement in (a)(1)(i), and shall complete 5 hours of practical MCC/IR training.

Further training at an ATO may be required before completion of Skill test on type.

The ATO will need to complete a Course Completion certificate.

Close Single pilot or multi pilot privileges

Multi Pilot to Single Pilot on the same type rating:

Further training at an ATO may be required before completion of Skill test on type.

The ATO will need to complete a Course Completion certificate.

Close Multi Pilot to Single Pilot on the same type rating:

Credits available

ICAO third country licence holders

The terms for of ATPL, CPL and the transfer of any 3rd country non-EU Ratings or Certificates to the equivalent Part-FCL Ratings or Certificates are set out in Article 3 of EU 2020/723 of the EASA Aircrew Regulation.

A current and valid class or type rating contained in a licence issued by a third country may be inserted in a Part-FCL licence provided that the applicant:

a) complies with the experience requirements and the prerequisites for the issue of the applicable type or class rating in accordance with Part-FCL;

b) passes the relevant skill test for the issue of the applicable type or class rating in accordance with Part-FCL;

c) is in current flying practice with a current and valid ICAO licence and validating medical certificate;
and additionally:

  • for single-engine helicopters with a maximum certificated take-off mass of up to 3 175 kg, 100 hours of flight experience as a pilot in that type;

If you have flown less than 100 hours on type as detailed above but are still in current flying practise, you may be eligible for a reduced course of training under the terms of Article 3 of EU 2020/723 of the Aircrew Regulation.

The credit given to the applicant will be determined by the UK CAA on the basis of a recommendation from an Approved Training Organisation prior to the course. The applicant should attend an ATO.

If on the basis of assessment by the ATO the course is to be reduced, the Head of Training may make a written recommendation for a further reduction, and to the ATO's Licensing Standards Inspector who will give the recommendation consideration. Non-UK CAA Approved ATOs should submit Article 3 of EU 2020/723 reduced course requests to fclweb@caa.co.uk.

You will have to ensure that the examiner holds the appropriate qualifications and comply with the requirements of FCL.1015, relating to the examiner briefing where the competent authority for the applicant is different than that of the examiner.

For UK examiners, please refer to Information Notice IN 2016/004 and non UK examiners please refer to Information Notice IN 2016/003.

The simulator to be used must have a Part-FCL approval as well.

Application

We will need to verify your licensing details with your other authority. Therefore you must submit an online form SRG2142 and include a copy of your ICAO licence, medical and logbook with your application.

Close ICAO third country licence holders

UK military

The Military Accreditation Scheme sets out the credits for UK Military Flight Crew, so the scheme is only open to serving Members of HM UK Forces or people discharged from HM UK Forces.  

The scheme is only open to people who can provide proof of UK Military service.

Close UK military

Holders of a UK issued Part FCL licence in another category and flight test pilots

Pilots holding a flight test rating issued in accordance with FCL.820 who were involved in development, certification or production flight tests for an aircraft type, and have completed either 50 hours of total flight time or 10 hours of flight time as PIC on test flights in that type, shall be entitled to apply for the issue of the relevant type rating, provided that they comply with the experience requirements and the prerequisites for the issue of that type rating, as established in this Subpart for the relevant aircraft category.

Close Holders of a UK issued Part FCL licence in another category and flight test pilots

Revalidation and renewal of ratings

Revalidation requirements

For revalidation of type ratings for helicopters, you must:

  • (1) pass a proficiency check in accordance with Appendix 9 to this Part in the relevant type of helicopter or an FSTD representing that type within the 3 months immediately preceding the expiry date of the rating;
    and
  • (2) complete at least 2 hours as a pilot of the relevant helicopter type within the validity period of the rating. The duration of the proficiency check may be counted towards the 2 hours. ( FCL.740.H refers)

When applicants hold more than 1 type rating for single-engine turbine helicopters with a maximum certificated take-off mass up to 3175 kg, they can revalidate all the relevant type ratings by completing the proficiency check in only 1 of the relevant types held, provided that they have completed:

  • 300 hours as PIC on helicopters;
  • 15 hours on each of the types held;

And at least 2 hours of PIC flight time on each of the other types during the validity period.

The proficiency check shall be performed each time on a different type.

The revalidation of an IR(H), if held, may be combined with a proficiency check for a type rating.

Close Revalidation requirements

Renewal requirements

If a type rating has expired you must:

  • (1) take refresher training at an ATO, when necessary to reach the level of proficiency necessary to safely operate the relevant type of helicopter;
    and
  • (2) pass a proficiency check in accordance with Appendix 9 to Part-FCL

The requirements for refresher training at an ATO are detailed in Part-FCL and in the UK Alt MoC1 FCL.740(b)(1). Links at the foot of the page.

If an IR(H) is attached to the type, please refer to the IR (H) section for the requirements.

Close Renewal requirements

Credits available

ICAO 3rd country licence holders

FCL.740(b): Type Rating Renewal requirement for pilots who hold a Type rating on another licence
The UK CAA has adopted a derogation such that where a pilot holds a Type Rating issued by a third country and that rating is compliant with Annex I to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the applicability of FCL.740 (b) may be based on the validity dates of the Type Rating of that other country.

The effect of this derogation is that to renew the type rating on a UK issued licence:

(i) a pilot with a current and valid 3rd country type rating shall complete the revalidation requirements of FCL.740.H(a) and the aircraft category specific requirements for revalidation of the Part-FCL Type Rating; meaning that he must pass the proficiency check, but is not required to undergo training.

Close Credits available

How to apply

Initial issue

There are two ways to apply for a single engine turbine rating; using e-Licensing or using our online Avoka form.

e-Licensing

If you choose to apply using e-Licensing, you will need to upload supporting documents as part of the application.

Applicants will be asked for different supporting documentation depending on the selections they have made during the application. The table below lists the evidence you may be asked for and what you should upload in that section. 

Name in e-Licensing  Document required
Identification Document A certified copy of your ID
Type Rating Skills Test

Examiner report form SRG2138

Examiner's licence, medical, examiner certificate if non-UK

ATO approval if non-UK

Type Rating Course Completion Certificate 

Course completion certificate

Certified copy Type Rating (H) Update Rating(s)  A certified copy of your licence

Please note that you cannot use e-Licensing to submit your application if you are using credits from a Third Country Licence. In this instance, you would need to submit an online form instead.  

Online application 

You may choose to submit your application using our online form SRG 3108.

If you choose this method, you will need to upload the following supporting evidence:

  • Examiners report form SRG2138
  • A copy of your Examiner's licence, medical and Authorisation (only if you used a non-UK examiner for the skills test)
  • A copy of the simulator approval certificate (only if you used a non-UK simulator for the skills test)
  • Course completion certificate or SRG1107
  • A copy of the EASA ATO Approval Certificate (if the course was completed with a non-UK ATO)
  • A certified copy of your licence

UK military pilots need to additionally submit completed form SRG2133 

Pilots applying on the basis of holding the type rating on a Third Country ICAO licence will also need to submit the following paperwork: 

  • Third country verification application SRG2142
  • Original or certified copy of valid ICAO licence and medical 
  • Evidence of currency on type (certified logbooks pages)
Close Initial issue

Revalidation

If your licence has been signed up in the field, there is no need to make an application. However, you must ensure that your examiner emails the paperwork to licenceapplications@caa.co.uk, so this can be stored on your file. 

If you have an e-Licensing account, you will need to update the expiry date of your rating so that the information in your portal matches your licence. Please refer to our e-Licensing guidance for more information. 

If your examiner has not endorsed your licence, you will need to submit online application form SRG3108 for us to reissue your licence. You will need to upload the following as supporting evidence during the application:

  • Examiners report form SRG2138
  • A copy of your Examiner's licence, medical and authorisation (only if you used a non-UK examiner for the proficiency check)
  • A certified copy of your licence
Close Revalidation

Renewal

If your licence has been signed up in the field, there is no need to make an application. However, you must ensure that your examiner emails the paperwork to licenceapplications@caa.co.uk, so this can be stored on your file. 

If you have an e-Licensing account, you will need to update the expiry date of your rating so that the information in your portal matches your licence. Please refer to our e-Licensing guidance for more information.

If your licence was not endorsed by your examiner, or the rating is on the back of your licence, you need to submit an application to the CAA.

There are two ways to apply for a renewal; using e-Licensing or using our online Avoka form.

e-Licensing

To renew your rating, click on the 'i' next to your rating and then click on 'Apply to Reinstate Rating'.

The table below lists the evidence you may be asked for as part of your application and what you should upload in that section. 

Name in e-Licensing Document required 
Identification Document A certified copy of your ID
Type Rating Skills Test Reinstate 

Examiner report form SRG2138

Examiner's licence, medical, examiner certificate if non-UK

ATO approval if non-UK

Type Rating Course Completion Certificate Reinstate

Course completion certificate
Certified copy Type Rating (H) Update Rating(s) 

 

A certified copy of your licence

Online application

You can submit your application using our online form SRG3108

If you choose this method, you will need to upload the following supporting evidence:

  • Examiner report form SRG2138
  • A copy of your Examiner's licence, medical and Authorisation (only if you used a non-UK examiner for the proficiency check)
  • A copy of the EASA simulator approval certificate (only if the simulator used is not approved by the UK CAA)
  • A copy of the EASA ATO Approval Certificate (if the course was completed with a non-UK ATO)
  • Certificate of Course Completion or form SRG1107
  • A certified copy of your licence
Close Renewal

Guidance on documentation 

For questions relating to paperwork, such as how to obtain certified copies of documents, please refer to guidance on documentation. 

Contact us

If you have any questions please contact our licensing team:  

Email: fclweb@caa.co.uk (preferred) 
Phone: 0330 022 1972 (Mon - Fri 08:30 - 16:30) 

Related information

Schools and training

Please ensure that your training provider is approved to conduct the training that you are undertaking.

We strongly recommend you check that your instructor and examiner hold the relevant privileges to conduct the training and any flight test, examination or assessment of competence that is being carried out.

How to find a UK examiner or UK approved school

EASA ratings list and flight simulators




Close Schools and training