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Take advantage of our PPL(H) program to fast track your journey towards an exciting career

Writer's picture: Boeta DippenaarBoeta Dippenaar

Updated: Jul 5, 2023

Getting the necessary qualifications and experience for a Private Pilot’s License (PPL(H)) can be a daunting task. Acquiring a pilot's license entails strict requirements and a complex set of steps to tally flight hours…. it’s not an easy journey, however, all totally worthwhile!


young helicopter student pilot with his instructor shaking hands in front of the helicopter in the airfield at Rand Airport at Henley Air Flight School

Everything You Need to Know About Your PPL(H) Qualification and How to Get the Most Out Of It

A PPL(H) qualifies a pilot to fly without remuneration. A Helicopter Private Pilot License gives the holder the privileges necessary to fly a helicopter recreationally or build time towards a Commercial Pilot License Helicopter (CPL(H)).


It represents an enjoyable, yet challenging learning curve that will culminate in the ability to fly your family and friends in a helicopter safely. Helicopter pilot training at Henley Air Flight School is one of the best experiences a young student pilot can experience!


What You’ll Learn:

  • The fundamentals of helicopter aerodynamics

  • Aviation disciplines

  • How to Fly Solo

  • Cross-Country Navigation

  • Airport & Heliport Operations

  • Radio Procedures

  • And So Much More

Our Preferred Helicopters for your PPL Training

A Robinson R44 helicopter is our primary training machine. This machine is an excellent platform for building a thorough understanding of helicopter flight. We also have the option to train you on a turbine only platform on our Bell JetRanger helicopters. As a student pilot, we can train you on one of our school machines or your own helicopter. You will also have access to our unique world-class Bell222 Flight Simulator, and our instructors are highly skilled on most piston and turbine engines.


Understanding the Requirements for Getting a PPL(H) Qualification


Pass Requirements for your Private Pilot License Helicopter (PPL(H))

A pass mark of at least 75% is required for all your examinations. Total of 8 examinations are required.


The South African minimum requirements for PPL(H) training are

  • 16 years of age, to go solo.

  • 17 years of age, to obtain your PPL.

  • Fluent in English (Speak, read, write, and understand) and pass the English Proficiency Examination

  • A Class I or II Aviation Medical.

  • We will assist you with booking your Aviation Medical appointment

Flight Hours:

Minimum 50 hours flying time, of which 5 can be completed in our B222 FNPT-II simulator.


Ground School Subjects: approx. 40hours

SACAA PPL(H) Subject Credits:

  • Air Law Helicopter

  • Aircraft General, Engines and Airframes Helicopters

  • Human Performance

  • Principles of Flight Helicopters

  • Aviation Meteorology

  • General Navigation

  • Flight Performance and Planning Helicopters

  • Radio Telephony: Restricted Radio License


Contact us with any questions you may have, we have qualified instructors and administrators waiting for your call.


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