Military Helicopter pilot conversions to CPL MEIR (ATPL) (Aeroplane)
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Details on gaining a CPL (H), IR (H) or ATPL (H) can be found here.
Difference between a CPL MEIR and a ATPL are explained here.
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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.
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CAA Class 1 Medical - For a CPL (ATPL) you need a CLASS 1 medical. Initial medical must be completed by a CAA approved centre. CAA Medical Centres
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ATPL Theory Exams - As a military helicopter pilot, you are now credited some of the 14 ATPL theory exams (see below). 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.
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Required exams:
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QMP H
-Air Law
-Aircraft General Knowledge - Airframe/Systems/Powerplant
-Aircraft General Knowledge – Instrumentation
-Mass and Balance
-Performance
-Flight Planning and Monitoring
-Radio Navigation (Unless individual holds/has held military unrestricted IR)
-Operational Procedures
-Principles of Flight
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QMP H with Op Category
-Air Law
-Aircraft General Knowledge - Airframe/Systems/Powerplant
-Aircraft General Knowledge – Instrumentation
-Performance
-Flight Planning and Monitoring
-Radio Navigation (Unless individual holds/has held military unrestricted IR)
-Operational Procedures
-Principles of Flight
Using an online training provider and question bank is the best option for completing the exams.
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More details on ATPLQ, PadPilot and Bristol Ground School, along with discounted military subscriptions can be found on this page: ATPL THEORY
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Flight Radio Telephony Operators Licence (FRTOL) - Practical test credited and theory is covered in the ATPL theory exams. No extra courses required.
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English Language Proficiency - You are credited this requirement in CAP2254.
Aeroplane Hours - You might need to build some additional aeroplane hours before starting the CPL and MEP course. The best option is to gain a PPL with SEP rating via the military credits and then use a service flying club for hours building.
Hours before starting MEP course: 70hrs PIC (captain)
CPL credits are complex, so we have created a dedicated page with the Part-FCL regulation and the CAP2254 military CPL credit. CPL credits
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Once you've passed the ATPL theory exams you need a Multi-Engine Piston rating (MEP), a CPL skills test and a Multi-engine Instrument Rating (MEIR). You also need a APS MCC / MCC and A-UPRT certificate if you're going onto multi-pilot commercial aviation. Details on MCC and UPRT credits below.
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Flying Course:
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MEP - 7hr ground school, 60 question exam, 6hrs flying (including 3hr30min on Asymmetric handling), Licence Skill Test (LST)
CPL - Training course at an ATO which is deemed appropriate by the Head of Training before CPL LST with a CAA appointed examiner (can be in a SEP or MEP aircraft providing MEP course completed). Test can be combined with either SEP or MEP LST. There are no longer minimum hours for the course. Full details in CAP2254 4.4.2.2 and 4.4.2.3
IR - The credits depend on you holding or have held a military IRT, as summarised below:
QMP(H) who hold or have held a military Unrestricted IRT
Training course at an ATO which is deemed appropriate by the Head of Training before an IR LST with a CAA appointed examiner (can be in a SEP or MEP aircraft providing MEP course completed). Training shall be at least 10hrs.
QMP(H) who hold or have held only a Military Restricted IRT
Training course at an ATO which is deemed appropriate by the Head of Training before an IR LST with a CAA appointed examiner (can be in a SEP or MEP aircraft providing MEP course completed). Training shall be in excess of 10hrs and cover procedural instrument flying.
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QMP(H) with no IRT
No credit. IR course is 45hrs (30hrs sim, 15hrs aircraft) before LST with CAA appointed examiner.
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Details of ATOs (schools) that offer military Rotary conversion courses are detailed here with costs: ATOs​​
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Guidance from the CAA on hours building using military aircraft can be found here.
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UKFlying is a free to use service for military pilots. We'll ensure that you get the right course based on your military experience at the lowest price. You'll be linked to a Dropbox account with all of the pre-course reading material, including exam guides, DA-42 tech and examiners favourite test questions! This will make the conversion process much easier and reduces the time you need to be away from work. ​​Once you have secured a course at any ATO, let us know and we'll send the relevant link.
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WARNING - The civil aviation industry is fragile with companies opening and closing on a frequent basis. Protect your investment by using a credit card where possible, only pay the minimum deposit until you start the course, or use a ELC to secure a course slot.
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Other routes to CPL MEIR
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CPL IR(H) or (ATPL(H)) to CPL (A): You need a CPL IR / ATPL (H), pass 5 ATPL (A) theory exams, have 169hrs total fixed wing (as a QSP(H) you are credited 100hrs) before starting the CPL, MEP, IR course. Approx price £18750 - £23,500. Exact prices on request, use the contact form below. ​​
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Other Courses
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Airline Pilots Standard Multi-Crew Co-operation Course (APS MCC) / (MCC) - Required before starting your first multi-pilot type ratings (airline, business jets, etc). The course is a mix of ground school and simulator time, learning how to operate large aircraft as a crew. We recommend choosing a provider with modern A320 or B737 simulators as this will assist with airline assessment and make the training more realistic. We work with multiple operators in this area, many who provide a discount for military personnel via UKFlying. If you fly a military Multi-pilot aircraft then you are credited the MCC course, but may require the APS MCC to apply to certain airlines.
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Which course do you require?
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MCC is 2-weeks long, APS MCC is normally 3-weeks long and both are best completed in a B737 or A320 sim. The APS MCC has an extra 20hrs of sim training over the MCC, and is therefore more expensive.
One of the reasons for the APS is due to many cadets failing initial Type Ratings due to a lack of familiarity with Multi-Pilot (MP) operations. The extra week of training on the APS helps with this, but it passes the training cost onto the student.
Regulations state you only need a MCC and we haven’t heard of any military pilots struggle with a Type Rating, but a few major airlines have stated that an APS MCC is required to apply.
Only the MCC is credited for military ME and Rotary MP types, no APS credit.
Depending on what job you want to go to, you will have to choose between the courses, or pick a company that can upgrade your MCC to an APS if later required. Contact UKFlying if you want to discuss your options.
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UKFlying recommended APS MCC companies:
Elite Pilot Academy (formally Jet Masterclass) use a modern B737-800 sim at Gatwick airport. Industry leading training with excellent feedback from previous military personnel. APS MCC £7194, MCC £4194. Discounts available via UKFlying.
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Advanced - Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (A-UPRT) - There is a requirement to complete an Advanced UPRT-Aeroplane course before starting an initial multi-crew type rating (Airlines, business jets). The course is fully credited if you hold or have held a military IRT.
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UKFlying recommends Ultimate High as the best option for military pilots. The instructors are either ex-CFS military or airline pilots with significant aerobatic experience. Their course is ELCAS approved, can be completed in a single day from Goodwood and uses Slingsby Firefly T67 and Extra 300 aircraft, which are great fun! They also offer a discount via UKFlying for UK military personnel. More details here.
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Once you've completed a Type Rating (TR) course for an airline you will get a frozen ATPL, which will unfreeze once you have 1500hrs total with 500hrs on multi-pilot aircraft.
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After spending the time and money on all of the items above you want to make sure you get a job as quickly as possible. You will need to create a professional CV and you need to be prepared for the airline or job selection process. It really is worth spending a few extra pounds getting this right as you might only get one shot with a major UK airline.
We strongly recommend you get in touch with Andrew at flightdeckwingman who is ex-Navy and now works for BA. Further details on flightdeckwingman can be found here, He offers a military discount via UKFlying, get in contact for more details.
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If you want more details or advice on any of the courses or companies above, then please use the contact form below. If you require details on the flying elements (CPL, MEP, IR) or ATPL theory options, then use the forms on the links above.
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