Light Helicopter Pilot’s License LAPL(H)

Privileges and conditions

A LAPL (H) will allow you to act as pilot in command (PIC) on single engine helicopters with a maximum take-off mass of 2000 kg or less, carrying a maximum of 3 passengers, with no more than 4 persons on board.

Your privileges will be limited to the type and class of helicopter you took your skill test on unless you complete additional training. See the extension of privileges to another type or variant section of this page.

To fly a non-EASA helicopter you need a PPL(H) licence because you cannot attach a type rating for a non EASA helicopter to an EASA licence. You can then attach the relevant type rating for that helicopter to your licence.

Experience requirements and crediting

If you do not already hold a licence, you will need to complete 40 hours of flight instruction on helicopters, including at least:

• 35 hours on the type of helicopter that is used for the skill test
• 20 hours of dual flight instruction
• 10 hours of supervised solo flight, including at least 5 hours of solo cross-country flight of a least 150km (80NM), during which one full stop landing at an aerodrome different from the aerodrome of departure shall be made

Apart from the practice, theoretical training also has to be held – the same for LAPL(H) and PPL(H), carried out in parallel or before commencing flight training. It includes 12 hours of lectures and 88 hours of self-study with the help of publications, educational materials created by Helipoland and instructors who will be happy to explain any issues indicated.

Ask for training

After completing the theoretical training, 9 theoretical examinations must be passed at the seat of the Civil Aviation Office, which usually takes one to three days. The rules for passing examinations and the exam session plan for a given year can be found here (link).

List of theoretical examinations (link).

All training ends with a practical exam with an examiner of the Civil Aviation Office (usually less than 2 hours of flight), which takes place at the agreed airport, in Helipoland helicopter. The current list of practical examiners can be found here (link).

Getting a LAPL(H) if you have an existing licence

If you have a relevant current rating on another type of licence for helicopters and you are applying for a LAPL(H) you will not have to do any additional training or skill tests. If your rating has lapsed you will need to complete the LAPL skill test.

Extension of privileges to another type or variant

The privileges of your licence will remain valid for the specific type of aircraft if you have completed the following in the last 12 months as pilot of that type:

» Find out more about privileges extension

5 hours of flight instruction, including:

• 15 take-offs, approaches and landings under instruction
• 15 supervised solo take-offs, approaches and landings

A skill test to demonstrate adequate competence in the new type, during which you will also need to demonstrate an adequate level of theoretical knowledge for the type in the following subjects:

• Operational procedures
• Flight performance and planning
• Aircraft general knowledge

To extend the privileges of a LAPL(H) to include more complex variants of the class in which the skill test was taken, you will need to complete differences or familiarisation training, which will then be entered into your log book and signed by your instructor.

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Keeping your licence current, and what to do if you don’t meet the requirements

Regulations related to Flight Crew Licensing contained in consolidated document:

Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 from 3 November 2011 with further changes