An applicant for a type rating shall complete a training course and the base training/take offs and landings at an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) or Declared Training Organisation (DTO).
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 Annex I (Part 21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012.
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 aircraft, the theoretical knowledge examination shall be conducted verbally by the examiner during skill test to determine whether or not a satisfactory level of knowledge has been achieved.
Refer to AMC1 FCL.725(a) Requirements for the issue of class and type ratings for more details
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 Annex I (Part 21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 Skill test.
An applicant for a class or type rating shall pass a skill test in accordance with Appendix 9 to Annex I (Part 21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 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.
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.
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 training time as specified in column 2 in the table below unless otherwise foreseen in the operational suitability data established in accordance with Annex I (Part 21) to Commission Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 (OSD). If, in accordance with Appendix 9 to Part-FCL Section A paragraph 1 third subparagraph, training is conducted in a combination of FSTDs (other than FFS) and the helicopter, the in-aircraft training time will depend on the specificities of the FSTD used. In such a case, in-aircraft training time should comprise, as a minimum, the training time given in column 3 of the table below unless otherwise foreseen in the OSD.
| Helicopter types | Minimum training time | Minimum training time in the helicopter, when also using FSTDs other than FFS |
|---|---|---|
| SEP(H) | 5 hours | 4 hours |
| SET(H) under 3175 kg MTOM | 5 hours | 4 hours |
| SET(H) at or over 3175 kg MTOM | 8 hours | 4 hours |
| SPH MET(H) CS and FAR 27 and 29 | 8 hours | 4 hours |
|
MPH, when the applicant has already completed: -MCC course -50 hours of flight time in multi-pilot operations in SPH |
5 hours |
Using FTD2/3: At least 2 hours in the helicopter |
| MPH | 10 Hours | 4 hours |
Additional types
The flight instruction (excluding the skill test) should comprise training time as specified in column 2 in the table below unless otherwise foreseen in the OSD. If, in accordance with Appendix 9 to Part-FCL Section A paragraph 1 third subparagraph, training is conducted in a combination of FSTDs (other than FFS) and the helicopter, the in-aircraft August 2025 Page 904 UK Regulation (EU) No. 1178/2011 Annex I PART-FCL training time will depend on the specificities of the FSTD used. In such a case, in-aircraft training time should comprise, as a minimum, the time given in column 3 of the table below unless otherwise foreseen in the OSD.
| Helicopter types | Minimum training time | Minimum training time in the helicopter, when also using FSTDs other than FFS |
| SEP(H) to SEP(H) within AMC1 FCL.740.H (a)(3) | 2 hours | 1 hour |
| SEP(H) to SEP(H) not included in AMC1 FCL.740.H (a)(3) | 5 hours | 2 hours |
| SET(H) to SET(H) | 2 hours | 1 hour |
| SE difference training | 1 hour | N/A |
| MET(H) to MET(H) | 3 hours | 2 hours |
| ME difference training | 1 hour | N/A |
| MPH to MPH | 5 hours | 2 hours |
| Extend privileges on the same type rating from SPH to MPH (except for initial MP issue) or from the MPH to SPH | 2 hours | N/A |
| Extend privileges on the same type rating from SPH to MPH (except for initial MP issue), when applicants have completed 50 hours of flight in multi-pilot operations on that type |
1 hour |
Training in helicopters or FFS C/D |
Single pilot or multi pilot privileges
An applicant who already holds a type rating for a helicopter type, with the privilege of 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 form of operation on the same helicopter type.
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.
Multi-Crew Cooperation helicopter course
The Multi-Crew Cooperation Helicopter course (MCC) should be completed within 6 months at an ATO.
Unless the MCC course has been combined with a multi-pilot type rating course, on completion of the MCC training you will receive a certificate of completion.
| The course should comprise at least: | ||
| For MCC/IR: | Theoretical knowledge | 25 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction and exercises |
| Practical training | 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; | |
| For MCC/VFR: | Theoretical knowledge | 25 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction and exercises |
| Practical training | 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. | |
MCC Credits
An applicant having completed MCC training for any other category of aircraft shall be exempted from the theoretical knowledge requirements for MCC/IR or MCC/VFR (as applicable).
The practical training would still apply. An applicant for MCC/IR training who has completed MCC/VFR training shall be exempted from the theoretical knowledge requirement and shall complete 5 hours of practical MCC/IR training.
Refer to FCL.735H Multi-crew cooperation training course — helicopters for more information.
Revalidation and renewal of ratings
Revalidation requirements
For revalidation of type ratings for helicopters, you must:
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.740H Revalidation of type ratings — helicopters)
When applicants hold more than 1 type rating for single-engine piston helicopters, they may achieve revalidation of all the relevant type ratings by completing the proficiency check in only 1 of the relevant types held, provided that they have completed at least 2 hours of flight time as PIC on the other types during the validity period. The proficiency check shall be performed each time on a different type.
Only the following SEP helicopter types can be considered for crediting of the proficiency check. Other SEP helicopters (for example, R22) should not be given credit for.
| Manufacturer |
Helicopter type and licence endorsement |
| Agusta-Bell |
Bell47 |
| Bell Helicopters |
Bell47 |
| Westland |
Bell47 |
| Brantley Brantley |
B2 |
| Enstrom |
ENF28 |
| Helicopteres Guimbal |
Cabri G2 |
| Hiller |
UH12 |
| Robinson |
R44 |
| Hughes or Schweizer |
HU269 |
| Breda Nardi |
HU269 |
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.
Renewal requirements
If a type rating has expired you must:
- (1) take refresher training at an ATO or DTO, 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 Annex I (Part 21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012
The requirements for refresher training at an ATO or DTO are detailed in Part-FCL and in AMC1 FCL.740(b) Validity and renewal of class and type ratings.
Credits available
ICAO third country licence holders
The terms for ATPL, CPL and the transfer of any 3rd country non-EU Ratings or Certificates to the equivalent Part-FCL Ratings or Certificates were previously set out in Article 8 of the EASA Aircrew Regulation. Further guidance is now avaiable in CAP1939.
Requirements:
(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
For all other helicopters, 350 hours of flight experience as a pilot in that class.
If you have flown less than 100 or 350 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 Acceptance of licences from third countries.
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.
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.
UK military
The Military Aircrew Accreditation Scheme (MAAS) as detailed in CAP2254: Military Aircrew Accreditation Scheme | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk) (sets out the credits for UK Military Flight Crews, for the purpose of obtaining Part-FCL licences, ratings or certificates.
Changes to the MAAS now include credits available to QMP(A)s to gain a helicopter licence, and QMP(H)s to gain an aeroplane licence. Instrument ratings are also now included.
All available credits can be found in CAP2254: Military Aircrew Accreditation Scheme | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)
In all instances the SRG2133 should be submitted with the application to the CAA, along with the relevant supporting documentation.
How to apply
Initial issue
There are two ways to apply for a single engine piston 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 |
| Type Rating ATO Course Certificate |
Course completion certificate Multi Crew Cooperation course completion certificate (MCC) if it is your first multi-pilot test |
| Certified copy Type Rating (H) Update Rating(s) | A certified copy of your licence |
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:
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. 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 licence
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. 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 |
|
Type Rating ATO Course 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 SRG 3180
If you choose this method, you will need to upload the following supporting evidence:
Guidance on documentation
For questions relating to paperwork, such as how to obtain certified copies of documents, refer to Guidance on documentation.
Contact us
If you have any questions 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
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
- UK ATOs are listed in Standards Document 31
- List of Declared Training Organisations
- UK examiners