Neuchâtel base
Plaines d’Areuse 16, 2013 Colombier, Switzerland
BECOME A HELICOPTER PILOT
Get on board
& take control
Whether it’s to start your career as a professional pilot, to save you time when travelling or simply to enjoy the pleasure of flying with your family or friends, our experienced instructors will assist you in obtaining your helicopter pilot’s licence.
Join our training centre to obtain any of the licences shown below:
Private pilot
LAPL(H) & PPL(H)
For if you want to fly for pleasure and take your family and friends without financial gain.
Professional pilot
CPL(H)
For if you want to make it your work business and transport passengers for commercial purposes or on behalf of an airline.
Type Rating
TR
For if you are already in possession of your helicopter pilot’s licence but want to be able to fly other types of helicopter (AS350 B2, EC120).
LICENCE RENEWAL/REVALIDATION
For when you want to renew or revalidate your licence so that you can continue flying. We can offer you all the appropriate courses for this.
MOUNTAIN QUALIFICATION
MOU
The summits attract you and you want to be authorised to land at altitudes of more than 1100m? This national qualification is required.
NIGHT QUALIFICATION
NIT
The NIT qualification allows you to fly after dark. It is also referred to as Night-VFR or NVFR.
As a member of the Swiss Helicopter School Association (HSA), we recommend that all our students follow the theoretical courses through the HSA which has developed e-learning training which is both intuitive and of excellent quality.
Swiss Helicopter School Association CH.ATO.0278 (ATO certificate)
OUR TRAINING HELICOPTERS
Discover our fleet of three single turbine and piston helicopters.
Cabri G2
HB-ZTY
Modern, reliable and very safe machine. Training on the Cabri offers many advantages, both in terms of piloting and technical skills.
Technical specifications:
1 pilot + 1 passenger maximum
Cruising speed: 166 km/h
Engine: Lycoming O-360
R44 Raven II
HB-ZIO
Piston helicopter, 4 seats, high performance and reliability, ideal for training sessions.
Technical specifications:
1 pilot + 3 passengers maximum
Cruising speed: 202 km/h
Air-conditioning
Engine: Lycoming IO-540, 6 cylindres
AS350 B2 Ecureuil
HB-ZIL (VEMD)
A powerful and comfortable single turbine helicopter, it will put your skills to the test.
Technical specifications:
1 pilot + 5 passengers maximum
Cruising speed: 230km/h
Engine: Turbomeca Arriel 1D1
FAQ
Embarking on a helicopter pilot’s licence can appear complicated at first. That is why we have compiled below the answers to questions most frequently asked by aspiring pilots.
WHO CAN BECOME A HELICOPTER PILOT?
To obtain your helicopter pilot’s licence, you must be aged at least 17 (private licence) or 18 (professional licence) as well as being in possession of a medical certificate issued by an OFAC-approved doctor confirming that you are in good health (see the list of approved doctors).
HOW LONG DOES THE TRAINING TAKE?
The duration of the training depends on your availability. To successfully complete both the practical and theoretical training, it generally takes one year for a private licence and an additional year for a commercial licence. Below, you will find the minimum hours required to obtain your licence:
PPL(H) – Private Pilot Licence:
A minimum of 45 hours flying (under instruction) of which at least 10 hours should be solo.
LAPL(H) – Light Aircraft Pilot Licence:
A minimum of 40 hours flying (under instruction) of which at least 10 hours should be solo.
CPL(H) – Commercial Pilot Licence:
A minimum of 155 hours helicopter flying time including 60 hours as a captain/private pilot. CPL(H) training includes 25 hours on the helicopter, 5 hours of night-flying as well as 5 hours in a simulator in addition to the PPL(H) training.
WHY CHOOSE SION INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FOR YOUR LICENCE?
Sion International Airport enjoys a central location in the Alps. It is a controlled airport which means that all movement must be authorised by the control tower. Learning to fly in a professional environment will guarantee you a comprehensive training which will quickly allow you access to a high-performance aeronautical world while preparing you to manage stressful situations in the best possible way.
DO I NEED TO SPEAK ENGLISH TO OBTAIN MY HELICOPTER PILOT’S LICENCE?
English is the principal language used in aviation, particularly in regard to aeronautical information and for radio use. Using English over the radio is strongly recommended for professional pilots in order to be able to move freely within European airspace.
HOW LONG IS THE HELICOPTER PILOT’S LICENCE VALID FOR?
The licence is valid for life. However, you are required to fly at least 2 hours and complete a Proficiency Check (accompanied by an examiner) each year in order to keep your Type Ratings (the qualifications for types of helicopter).
I ALREADY HAVE A FIXED-WING PILOT’S LICENCE, DOES THIS ALLOW ME TO GET MY HELICOPTER PILOT’S LICENCE ANY QUICKER?
You will be able to count 10% of your flying hours (up to a maximum of 6 hours) in your private pilot training depending on the type of licence and the experience that you have. The areas of training specific to helicopter flying will have to be undertaken.
STANDARDS AND APPROVED TRAINING ORGANISATIONS (ATO)
Our school trains pilots in accordance with European standards EASA Part-FCL as well as the directives of the Federal Office of Civil Aviation. Partn’Air Training SA is a member of the Swiss Helicopter School Association (CH.ATO.0278).
You have any other questions?
I am very interested
Let’s take off!
Contact our team for any additional questions or to develop your tailor-made training plan.