CPL(H) Commercial Helicopter Pilot Training & Hour Building: United Kingdom UK
Holding a Commercial Pilot Licence, CPL(H) gives you the status of professional helicopter pilot. Train with HQ, one of the UK's most experienced Robinson training organisations.
Fly For A Living
The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL/H) is the gateway to a professional career in helicopter aviation. Whether you're aiming for charter work, aerial survey, emergency services, or flight instruction, the CPL is the qualification that makes it possible. HQ Aviation offers CPL training on the Robinson range, the aircraft type you're most likely to fly in your early commercial career.
The Journey
PPL(H)
Your foundation licence and the entry point to all further helicopter training
Hour Building
Accumulate flight time to reach 155 total hours including 50 as Pilot in Command
Ground Exams
ATPL(H) Frozen theoretical knowledge examinations at approved centre
CPL Training
Focused CPL-standard instruction with an HQ approved FI(H) instructor
Skill Test
CAA skill test with an authorised examiner. Your CPL awaits.
Ground School Subjects
The CPL(H) requires passing 9 ATPL(H) Frozen examinations. These cover a broad range of subjects, some familiar from your PPL study, others covering entirely new material.
Air Law
Regulations, airspace classification, rules of the air
Aircraft General Knowledge
Systems, structures, powerplants, instruments
Flight Performance & Planning
Weight, balance, fuel, performance calculations
Human Performance
CRM, fatigue, decision-making, stress management
Meteorology
Weather patterns, forecasting, icing, turbulence
Navigation
Dead reckoning, radio navigation, GPS, charts
Operational Procedures
Standard operating procedures, safety management
Principles of Flight
Aerodynamics, rotor mechanics, stability
Radio Navigation
VOR, ILS, ADF, transponders, GNSS
Training Process
Ground School
9 ExamsComplete ATPL(H) Frozen theory examinations. Most candidates self-study with a ground school provider; HQ can recommend approved courses and supports you through the process.
Hour Building
100+ HoursBuild the required flight time through training flights, self-fly hire, and type ratings. HQ's fleet and instructors support this phase throughout.
CPL Flight Training
15+ HoursFocused CPL-standard training covering advanced manoeuvres, precision flying, and the commercial operating standards examiners expect.
Skill Test
1 DayFinal assessment with a CAA-authorised examiner. HQ prepares you thoroughly. We know what examiners look for and we train to that standard, not just the minimums.
Career Pathways
The CPL(H) opens doors across commercial helicopter aviation. Here are some of the sectors that regularly hire newly-qualified commercial pilots.
Charter & Air Taxi
Private passenger transport, corporate travel, and VIP operations across the UK and Europe.
Tours & Sightseeing
Helicopter tours over major cities and scenic locations. London, Scotland, the Lake District.
Aerial Survey & Photography
Mapping, inspection, infrastructure surveys, film and TV production work.
Flight Instruction
Teach the next generation of pilots. Requires an additional FI(H) rating after your CPL.
Emergency Services
Police aviation, coastguard, HEMS. Typically require significant additional hours and ratings.
Corporate Aviation
Fleet management and dedicated piloting roles for private companies and high-net-worth individuals.
Take The Next Step
Talk to our training team about your current hours, your goals, and how HQ can support your CPL journey. We'll give you an honest assessment of where you stand and a clear path forward.
Denham Aerodrome
Mon – Sun · 08:30 – 17:00