I'm currently doing a ton of research before committing down the path of being completely skint and giving all of my hard earned to a heli school. I've just come across the LAPL(H) and now I'm confused
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From what I can gather, gaining the LAPL(H) is a shorter (and therefore cheaper) route to getting into the air in a non-commercial capacity, it's even slightly easier as the medical requirements are more relaxed than PPL(H).
I see there are some restrictions to the LAPL(H) but they aren't very onerous or draconian (not such that the majority would be put off from gaining the LAPL(H)). You can still fly all over the EU, you can still fly with passengers, and you can still fly some of the smaller "starter" aircraft (inc. turbine) that a new PPL(H) holder would be flying anyway.
So:
What is the CAA's intention/aim by introducing the LAPL(H)?
Why wouldn't you do the LAPL(H) (as it can be "topped up to a PPL(H) anyway)?
Are there any significant downsides to doing the LAPL(H) over the PPL(H) in the first instance?