Free CPL(H) to DHFS Students...

[BEagle]

However this is currently under scrutiny and is likely to be scrapped to. So if their is another scheme that your paper has arranged then please expand a bit more as everyone on this post is after some answers.

When I raised this point with CAA Head of Personal Licensing last November at an EASA FCL Working Group meeting, both he and the EASA representative confirmed that there are no plans to change the current scheme. Competence for determining military accreditation will remain with the CAA even after the adoption of EASA part-FCL.

The current military accreditation policy is stated in LASORS Section D3 for CPL(A)) and D6 for CPL(H); G2 for ATPL(A) and G4 for ATPL(H).

Note that here is no direct route to a JAR-FCL ATPL (H) for a QSP (H).
In order to qualify for a JAR-FCL ATPL(H), applicants must also qualify for a JAR-FCL IR(H) and a JAR-FCL multipilot helicopter type rating (i.e. certificated for a minimum of two pilots under IFR, or required to be operated by two pilots under JAR-OPS).

The CAA cannot override such JAA requirements.

[ProfessionalStudent]

BEags

I have to agree with the last couple of posts. It's not ingratitude, it's just a request for info regarding a rumour.

In my humble opinion, 2000hrs are far more difficult to achieve these days, certainly far more difficult than it was at the inception of the bridging package - unless you're on the multis fleet, that is...

So, perhaps the accreditation system should be reviewed to reflect a "leaner" (with a small L) air force which affords its pilots fewer hours over a career. If looked at carefully, it could certainly be a "pull" rather than a "push" factor.

As an aside BEags... seeing as you were so instrumental in pushing through the JAA/FCL system, why is there such a massive disparity between the award of a PPL(A) and a PPL(H) for QSPs? The former simply requires the completion of EFT (approx 65hrs) and a couple of extra ground/air bits. The latter requires EFT (inferred as this is a necessary hoop for rotary trainees), SEBRWT, SEARWT (both Squirrel - CAA type approved, approx 120hrs TT), MEARWT (Griffin - CAA type approved, approx 120hrs), OCF (around 100hrs ME) and then, finally, Combat Ready status - all in all around 600 hours' worth. Do you see my point?

Just interested...

Anyway, I do hope they do start dishing out CPL(H) for DHFS grads, it'll save me the nause of doing the dreaded Gen Nav paper...

[BEagle]

.....why is there such a massive disparity between the award of a PPL(A) and a PPL(H) for QSPs?

I negotiated the LASORS Section C1.5 definition some years after the accreditation scheme came into force. With no direct knowledge of the QSP(H) training course, I cannot comment upon RW training.

However, if you feel that LASORS Section C2.1 should be amended in line with C1.5, I recommend that you write a case and submit it to CFS(H) for support, then send it to CAA Personal Licensing Head of Policy for consideration. He might say 'no', but you'll never know unless you try, so what is there to lose?

[ProfessionalStudent]

BEags

Thanks for the reply. I did wonder if it was because you had no experience of the RW trg side of things. I will try and put something together next time I'm on det waiting for the phone to ring. If you don't mind I may may PM you at the time to a) pick your brains and b) run the request by you for a considered opinion. In the meantime I'll maybe do some digging with CFS/DHFS to see if anything's already in hand.

[BEagle]

I see no compelling reason why the QSP(H) definition for PPL(H) purposes should not be eased to be the same as the QSP(A) definition for PPL(A) purposes.

Does your RW training include at least the following all on the same helicopter type:

a. 25 hours dual on Helicopters, including 5 hours dual IF time.

b. 10 hours solo on Helicopters, including 5 hours solo cross-country flight time, (including one cross-country flight of at least 185km (100nm), during which full stop landings at two aerodromes different from the aerodrome were made).

[Vortex 337]

RW Trg and PPL(H)

Chaps

The accreditation of RW trg towards PPL(H) has changed significantly recently. Speak to the CGI at Shawbs for the full info. In short, DHFS SERW (Basic plus Adv) graduates can now qualify for the PPL(H) if they complete the Air Law and RT exams - which can be arranged locally at Shawbs. Completion of 60(R) is not required.

There is a 'start' date for this arrangement as the syllabus was changed to include some CAA requirements and equivalence/exemption agreements. Completion of RAF EFT is not a pre-requisite for the CAA issue of the PPL(H) but the usual route will mean that you have done EFT. Relevence... if you've now done both EFT (including the qualifying landaway) and RW trg, you can apply for you PPL(A) while you're at it!!

Previous RW mates will need to complete the bits that were missing from their 'old' syllabus to get the same privilege.

Changes in LASORS are pending - although the arrangement is in effect immediately, I have no idea when they will print the amended paragraphs in LASORS.

Hope that helps