End of Interim Helicopter exams in the UK notified

[Alex Whittingham]

There's an AIC published on the NATS site (http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/aip/current/aic/white/EG_Circ_2008_W_051_en.pdf) which describes the end of the interim procedure for ATPL(H) and CPL(H) exams.

In essence, anyone starting studying for professional helicopter exams after 30 Nov 08 will need to go to a training provider that offers a proper helicopter orientated course, those who start before that date have the option of following the interim procedure where largely ATPL/CPL(A) subjects are taken. The AIC says that anyone who starts the interim procedure must have passed all the exams within 18 months of 30th Nov, meaning that the CAA's current intention is to stop offering interim exams on the 30th May 2010.

There's a note at the bottom which says that the changeover to EASA may impose additional time restrictions, this means the CAA haven't cleared this plan yet with EASA and so, in the worst case if EASA say 'no', they may be unable to offer the interim exams after April 09.

[kpd]

Alex,
Thanks for notifying people of this change. You are the professional in this area but does it not make sense that prospective helicopter pilots should be tested differently than prospective fixed-wing??
Will Bristol GS be offering a suitable course or is it too early to state that??

[Alex Whittingham]

Yes, it does. The only possible problem is that many of the FTOs offering the interim system won't bother writing a helicopter-specific course. We started writing our course some time ago. It might be ready by December, if not it won't be long after that.

[kpd]

Many Thanks for reply and your advice on preparation. Think CAPT also has been aware of this happening also.