ATPL(H) VFR/IR
Airline Transport Pilot License Helicopter (Theory)
The overarching goal is to acquire the theoretical knowledge required for an airline transport pilot license, optionally for visual flight rules (VFR) or instrument flight rules (IR) . With the IR option, the theoretical content for the Instrument Rating (IR) is already integrated. The privileges of holding an ATPL(H)/VFR or ATPL(H)/IR include the right to operate as pilot-in-command of aircraft in commercial air transport.
Basic information
- for private pilots (PPL/H)
The ATPL/H theory course is taken during professional pilot training instead of the CPL/H theory course. It is more time-intensive and significantly more comprehensive. It forms the basis for obtaining and having the highest-level license – the Air Transport Pilot Licence for Helicopters. ATPL/H theory training can begin immediately after obtaining a private pilot's license. The course is offered either as visual flight rules (VFR) training or with instrument flight rules (IFR) training. For ATPL(H) IFR, the theory module for the instrument rating is already included in the course. The practical flight training for ATPL/H and CPL/H is identical. After completing the ATPL/H theory training and/or passing the examinations with the national aviation authority, Austro Control, practical training follows the CPL/H curriculum.
- for professional pilots (CPL/H)
For holders of a commercial pilot's license, ATPL/H training consists solely of theoretical instruction. Upon successful completion of all required subjects, they will receive the endorsement "ATPL/H Theory" on their license. If the applicant subsequently fulfills all practical requirements (see "Practical Requirements for ATPL/H" below) for the issuance of an ATPL/H, the license will be issued by Austro Control.
Requirements / Prior knowledge
Entry requirements
In order to be officially admitted to the training to become a commercial helicopter pilot, the following criteria must be met:
The minimum age for obtaining a license is 21 years.
The minimum age for obtaining a pilot's license is 18 years.
Positive medical fitness examination Class 1
a. Here you can find the legal basis for the fitness test
b. List of AMCs (Aero Medical Centers) for aviation medical fitness checksValid Austrian PPL/H or CPL/H or valid PPL/H or CPL/H of an ICAO member state
Knowledge of mathematics and physics *
English language skills: minimum level 4
* For students who lack sufficient prior knowledge in mathematics and physics, a course covering the basic knowledge required for the CPL(H) course will be held. Contents:
Mathematics: Trigonometry (sine, cosine), calculation of area and volume, conversion of units
Mechanics: Force, torque, momentum, angular momentum, pressure, density, Newton's laws, Bernoulli
Electrical engineering: Kirchhoff's laws, capacitance, resistance, direct current, alternating current
Prior knowledge
Persons with an ATPL/A flight rating can attend an ATPL/H “Bridge Course”.
The applicant for this “Bridge Course” must take examinations in the following subject areas to demonstrate their theoretical knowledge:
021 – Aircraft General Knowledge (System & Power Plant)
022 – Aircraft General Knowledge (Instrumentation)
034 – Performance
071 – Operational Procedures
082 – Principles of Flight
Applicants for an ATPL(H) VFR who have passed the theoretical examinations for a CPL(H) will have their theoretical knowledge in the following subjects credited:
010 – Airlaw
082 – Principles of Flight
091 – VFR Communication
Applicants for an ATPL(H) with IR(H) who have passed the theoretical examinations for a CPL(H) will have their theoretical knowledge in the following subjects credited:
082 – Principles of Flight
091 – VFR Communication
Applicants of the Austrian Armed Forces for an ATPL(H) VFR/IFR who hold a military pilot license (helicopter) and have completed their training in accordance with MLPV 1968 (All military helicopter pilots up to and including flight group 49), but not in accordance with Curriculum Part FCL, must complete a “MIL-Bridge-Examination ATPL” which includes “Gap Training & Gap Examinations or Full Examinations acc. to Part FCL”.
In a personal consultation, we will gladly discuss your individual prior knowledge and inform you about the extent of credit transfer. The creditable elements of your PPL/A, CPL/A, or ATPL/A training will be deducted from the price upon confirmation.
Theoretical training
The modular ATPL(H) training consists solely of theoretical training.
The course consists of a combination of classroom instruction and web-based training. The curriculum includes 13 theoretical subjects (14 for ATPL(H) IR), which must be completed within a maximum of 18 months.
010 – Air Law
021 – Aircraft General Knowledge (System & Power Plant)
022 – Aircraft General Knowledge (Instrumentation)
031 – Mass & Balance
033 – Flight Planning and Monitoring
034 – Performance
040 – Human Performance
050 – Meteorology
061 – General Navigation
062 – Radio Navigation
071 – Operational Procedures
082 – Principles of Flight
091 – VFR Communication
092 – IFR Communication
Minimum number of teaching hours:
ATPL(H)/VFR
As a PPL(H) holder: 500 hours of distance learning / 50 hours of in-person instruction
as a CPL(H) holder: 270 hours of distance learning / 30 hours of in-person learning
ATPL(H)/IR
as a PPL(H) holder: 590 hours of distance learning / 60 hours of in-person instruction
as a CPL(H) holder: 360 hours of distance learning / 40 hours of in-person learning
As an IR holder: 450 hours of distance learning / 50 hours of in-person learning
As a CPL/IR holder: 225 hours of distance learning / 25 hours of in-person instruction
Detailed timetables can be requested via fly@rotorsky.at .
Practical requirements for ATPL(H)
In order to be issued an ATPL(H), the applicant must, according to EASA Part FCL.510.H, hold a CPL(H) license, a Multi Pilot Helicopter Type Rating and an MCC course.
According to EASA Part FCL. 510.H, the flight experience listed below and required must be demonstrated before taking the practical exam.
Applicants for an ATPL(H) must demonstrate a minimum of 1000 hours of helicopter pilot training. Of these 1000 hours, up to 100 hours can be credited towards the Standard Flight Training (STD), but no more than 25 hours if using a Flight Training Program (FNPT). The total number of hours must include at least:
350 hours on helicopters with 2 pilots
250 hours either as pilot in command, or at least 100 hours as pilot in command and 150 hours as co-pilot, performing the duties and activities of the pilot in command under his supervision, provided that the nature of the supervision meets the requirements of the competent authority; or
250 hours as co-pilot on helicopters with 2 pilots, performing the duties and activities of the pilot in command under his supervision, provided that the nature of the supervision meets the requirements of the competent authority and the rights of the ATPL are limited to operation with 2 pilots, up to 100 hours as PIC have been completed;
200 hours of cross-country flight, of which at least 100 hours must be as pilot in command or as co-pilot, performing the duties and activities of the pilot in command under the supervision of the pilot in command, provided that the nature of the supervision meets the requirements of the competent authority;
30 hours of instrument time, of which a maximum of 10 hours are spent on the instrument floor; and
100 hours of night flying as pilot in command or co-pilot.
For IR(H): to be granted the IR(H) rating, the applicant must additionally demonstrate the requirements and flight training in accordance with PART-FCL Section G.