Helicopter Theory in the UK - CPL H or ATPL H?

[pilot_tolip]

Hi,
is it better to do the EASA CPL H or the ATPL H theory and exams?
If I completed the EASA CPL H theory and exams...and then in a few years decided to get the ATPL H, would I have to do all of the theory and exams again for the ATPL H?
With the current regulations, why would someone study and complete the ATPL H exams over the CPL H? Is this purely due to multi-crew helicopters and number of passengers, or are there other reasons?
Any advice and experience would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[paco]

If you did the CPL/IR you would need to do 12 again to get the ATP.

Phil

[paco]

It's a bit more than that - probably 40% difference these days. In JAA land the difference was literally the IR subjects - the old CPL has now become the ATPL(H) VFR and they created a new, lower standard CPL exam. Hence repeating 12 exams again.

Given that you can be a captain on quite large helicopters as a CPL holder, the only reason to do an ATP would be to have it on your resume when looking at the offfshore market. You would also have to do an MCC course and do a type rating on a machine that requires 2 pilots, which can only effectively be done for most people through a large company.

[pilot_tolip]

Thanks for the replies.

[pilot_tolip]

Thanks for the reply. If I do the ATPL H - and decide not to get the IR within the 3 years, and not do the multi crew, does the ATPL H remain valid or does it get downgraded to a CPL H?

[paco]

If you are issued with a CPL(H) all you would need to do is refresh 4 exams - otherwise the exams remain valid for 7 years after the expiry of the type rating on your licenc - both the CPL and the IR have a 3 year expiry

phil

[pilot_tolip]

If I complete the CPL(H) exams - how long do these exams remain valid? Do the exams have to be retaken after a certain number of years, or do they remain for a lifetime like the PPL(H)? Thanks

[paco]

As long as you have the CPL(H) issued they remain valid for ever, but the ATP validity depends on you getting at least the CPL(H) issued within 3 years.

[pilot_tolip]

OK thanks. Very useful to know