License Conversion

License Conversions

FAA to EASA License conversion

EASA ATPL(H) is the highest level of helicopter pilot certification in Europe. The EASA ATPL theoretical course is meant for future airline pilots. Most companies already require an ATPL(H), therefore it makes sense to get the CPL(H) incl. ATPL(H) theory. As soon as the hour requirements are met to get the “real” ATPL, the theoretical part is already done, and no more theoretical examinations have to be taken. In order to convert an FAA Commercial Pilot License to EASA, students must pass the EASA ATPL written exams in Europe and take the practical training, followed by a practical test.

PPL/H

Theory:
Air Law, Human Performance

Practical Training:
No practical training if over 100 hours in helicopters

English Language Proficiency:
—

Medical:
EASA Class 2

Practical Test:
Yes

Radiotelephony Certificate:
Austrian or German radiotelephony certificate

CPL/H

Theory:
All Subjects

Practical Training:
Depending on aeronautical experience

English Language Proficiency:
ICAO LP Level 4 or higher

Medical:
EASA Class 1

Practical Test:
Yes

Radiotelephony Certificate:
Austrian or German radiotelephony certificate

CPL/H inkl. ATPL/H Theorie

Theory:
All Subjects

Practical Training:
Depending on aeronautical experience

English Language Proficiency:
ICAO LP Level 4 or higher

Medical:
EASA Class 1

Practical Test:
Yes

Radiotelephony Certificate:
Austrian or German radiotelephony certificate

Medical

As the first step, we recommend acquiring an EASA Class 1 Medical! If you do not hold a Class 1 Medical, the first examination needs to be taken at an Aeromedical Center, which are located in Lower Austria, Vienna and Salzburg. The following link provides an outline to Aeromedical Centers in Austria:
https://www.austrocontrol.at/piloten/flugmedizin/zentren

Theory course

The theory course is a combination of classroom ground instruction and Web-Based Training and starts when 3 applicants are available.

Air Law: 5h ATPL(H) VFR or 6h ATPL(H) IFR
Operational Procedures: 4h ATPL(H) VFR or 5h ATPL(H) IFR
Communication: 1h ATPL(H) VFR or 1h ATPL(H) IFR
Flight Planning: 4h ATPL(H) VFR or 5h ATPL(H) IFR

These hours are based on good knowledge, if the knowledge is lacking, they can be slightly higher! The In-House Exams before the Examinations at the authority have to be taken in all 14 subjects. This will be accomplished by using Aviation Exam.

Type Rating

Before starting the practical training, in most cases the type rating for our main training helicopter, the Schweizer 300C, needs to be acquired. It consists of a theory course, 5 hours flight training followed by 1 hour of skill test. Should the applicant have more than 200 flight hours on a helicopter type already, the type rating can be accredited. Additionally there will be an option to complete the flight training on an R-22.

Practical training

For holders of an FAA CPL(H), the practical training required will be determined upon aeronautical experience. As a rule of thumb, the following amount of flight training can be calculated with:

Holders of FAA CPL(H) with ~200 flight hours: 13 – 17 hours of flight training (Day/Night VFR) + Practical test
Holders of FAA CPL(H) with ~1.000+ flight hours: 7 – 10 hours of flight training (Day/Night VFR) + Practical test

These are approximate amounts, the amount of flight training to be approved by the authority for the shortened training course will be determined by a status check at the beginning of the conversion!

Language Proficiency

The Language Proficiency Examination will also be required for the issuance of a pilots license. This examination can take place directly at the flight school with one of our examiners.

Radiotelephony license

For the radiotelephony license, it is highly recommended to start studying for the examination while still abroad. The license most people go for is the “EFZ”, which is almost the same as the “AFZ”, just not including the IFR part. In Austria there is not too much IFR flying going on, therefore the EFZ will be enough most of the time. The webpage to study for the examination is: www.radiocheck.at