Commercial Flying Course CPL

The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) course at The Helicopter Centre is a transformative professional training programme designed to take helicopter pilots from competent recreational flyers to career-ready aviation professionals. This course goes far beyond basic licence skills, developing the precision, judgement and airmanship required to operate safely and effectively as a commercial pilot in real world environments.

The CPL course emphasises practical flying ability, advanced navigation competence and professional decision-making. It combines structured flight instruction with challenging exercises, including night flying and cross-country navigation, and culminates in a comprehensive skills test that assesses your readiness to work as a licensed commercial pilot.

Entry Requirements
To begin the Commercial Flying Course you must meet the following prerequisites:

• Minimum age 18 years
• Hold a valid ICAO Private Pilot Licence for Helicopters (PPL(H))
• Have passed all ATPL theoretical exams
• Hold an EASA Class 1 medical certificate
• Have logged a minimum of 155 total flight hours, including at least 50 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC)

These requirements ensure that students begin the CPL course with a solid foundation of flying experience, medical fitness and theoretical knowledge.

Course Structure and Training Content
The CPL training programme is designed to refine and build upon everything you have learned in earlier licences, focusing on the skills commercial operations demand most. The syllabus includes:

• 30 hours of daytime flight instruction with an experienced instructor
• 5 hours of dedicated night flying training to develop confidence and competence in reduced-visibility conditions
• Preparation for and completion of the CPL Skills Test

Night flying is not only a regulatory requirement but one of the most thrilling and valuable parts of the course. The programme includes a dedicated navigation flight to Barcelona, flown using conventional maps and charts to perfect your use of radio navigation and position-fixing skills. Flying over the illuminated city at night adds both excitement and real-world complexity to your training, dramatically enhancing instrument awareness and situational perception.

CPL Skills Test
The Commercial Pilot Licence culminates in a CPL Skills Test conducted by an authorised examiner. This assessment brings together the full range of knowledge, precision and operational skills acquired during the course. The test comprises five individual sections, covering all aspects of the commercial syllabus and ensuring that you can safely manage a helicopter as a professional pilot in diverse flight conditions.

Success in the CPL Skills Test results in the award of your Commercial Pilot Licence, enabling you to fly helicopters professionally and pursue aviation careers in areas such as charter services, aerial work, corporate operations, law enforcement support, emergency services and more.

The Helicopter Centre supports each student with flexible course structuring to fit individual schedules, personalised instruction from experienced pilots and access to a vibrant flying community in one of Europe’s most favourable climates for year-round flight training.