Military Rotary Pilot to Civilian Helicopter (CPL H / ATPL H)
UKFlying have been working in partnership with 22Gp and the CAA to create the latest edition of the military credits, which was released on 01 Apr 26. This should be treated as the master document. A summary of the requirements and training options are listed below.
CAA Class 1 Medical - For a CPL or ATPL you need a CLASS 1 medical. Initial medical must be completed by a CAA approved centre. CAA Medical Centres
ATPL Theory Exams - As a military helicopter pilot with Op Cat, you are only required to pass 5 of the 13 ATPL theory exams. You have 18 months from the first sitting to the last sitting to complete the exams. You have 6 sittings in total and you can take any 1 exam up to 4 times before having to start again. Take the ATPL exams, not the CPL exams.
Required exams:
-Air Law
-Performance
-Flight Planning and Monitoring
-Operational Procedures
-Radio Navigation (Unless individual holds/has held military unrestricted IR)
Using an online training provider and question bank is the best option for completing the exams.
More details on ATPLQ, PadPilot and Bristol Ground School, along with discounted military subscriptions can be found on this page: ATPL THEORY
Flight Radio Telephony Operators Licence (FRTOL) - Practical test credited and theory is covered in the ATPL theory exams. No extra courses required.
English Language Proficiency - You are credited this requirement in CAP2254.
Once you've passed the exams you need to complete a Type Rating, CPL and Instrument Rating course or an ATPL(H) Skill Test, this depends on which military helicopters you have flown.
CPL(H) / IR(H) / ATPL(H) providers - Depending on experience you may be able to open your CAA licence as an ATPL (H) IR with Type Rating. Babcock offer this option via UKFlying for military rotary pilots. If you don't meet the ATPL requirements then you'll need a CPL, Type Rating and IR. Contact UKFlying using the form below for more details on the ATPL or CPL IR (H) training routes.
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