Guidance on requirements and how to apply
This page contains the night rating issue requirements and guidance on how to apply for a helicopter night rating using our online application form (SRG1126).
Full details of what to include with your application are set out below.
Please note that attaching the correct documents to your application will enable us to issue your licence more efficiently, with lower risk of errors or rejections with subsequent delays to your application.
What is a night rating?
A night rating allows a pilot to fly at night exercising visual flight rules (VFR). If a pilot wishes to fly at night using instrument flight rules (IFR) they are also required to have an instrument rating.
The night rating is non-expiring (it has lifetime validity).
A night rating for helicopters can be endorsed on a LAPL or PPL, however, the applicant must hold at least a class 2 medical or have passed a colour sight test. (Further information on the medical requirements can be found in Med.A.030. All LAPL holders need to comply with MED.030/AMC14 MED.B.095.)
Requirements
Pre-requisites
You will have to have completed at least 100 hours of flight time as pilot in helicopters after the issue of the licence, including at least 60 hours as PIC on helicopters and 20 hours of cross-country flight, before you can start your training for the helicopter night rating.
Course requirements
In order to apply for a night rating you will have to pass an appropriate training course at a UK Approved Training Organisation (ATO) or Declared Training Organisation (DTO). This course must be completed within a period of 6 months.
The training includes:
- 5 hours theoretical knowledge instruction
- 10 hours helicopter dual instrument instruction time; and
- 5 hours of flight time at night including at least 3 hours of dual instruction, including at least 1 hour of cross-country navigation and 5 solo night circuits. Each circuit shall include a take-off and a landing.
For more detailed information on course syllabus please contact your training provider.
A further breakdown of the Night (H) training course can be found in AMC1 FCL.810(b) Night Rating
Credits
An applicant who holds or has held an IR in an aeroplane or TMG, shall be credited with 5 hours towards the 10 hours helicopter dual instrument instruction time.
Please refer to Part-FCL, Subpart I, FCL.810 for any credits that may apply.
Transferring a night rating from an ICAO licence
If you already hold a night rating/privilege on an ICAO licence (including EASA licences) and you wish to add it to your UK licence, you will need to complete discretionary training with a UK approved ATO/DTO.
How to apply
To apply for a night rating to be added to your licence, please complete the online form SRG1126
What documents to submit
When applying for a night rating online, you will be asked to upload the following documents:
- A night rating online course completion certificate CAA5017
- A copy of your licence, including the certificate of revalidation pages
- A copy of your logbook pages showing your night flying experience
- A copy of your medical certificate
If you are transferring a night rating from an ICAO licence, you will also need to provide a copy of your ICAO licence, including certificate of revalidation pages/logbook pages showing the night privileges. You will also need to submit an Application for the Verification of a Third Country ICAO Licence.
The Fee
The fee for the issued of a night rating is £142. This fee is required prior to submitting your application.
An additional fee will be charged if you wish for your licence to be returned by a courier service.
Please visit our licence fees and costs section for more information.
Accessibility
If you have a disability and require assistance with submitting your application online, please do not hesitate to contact our support team on 0330 022 1972 (Monday-Friday 08:30-16:30).
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