Cpl Ir (h)
 

I've been through LASORS, spoken to the CAA and am still a wee bit confused:

What are the implications of obtaining an IR more than 36 months after passing the CPL (H) ground exams and CPL skills test?

What is the advantage of an ATPL (H)?

Any good school recomendations or are there any freelance instructors if one was able to provide a suitable aircraft?


Thanks

Stik

You can't do an IR with only the CPL(H) ground exams - you need either ATPL(H) or IR(H) exams. Therefore, the 36 months is irrelevant and either set of exams is required.

I would suggest that the ATPL(H) is really only necessary for offshore flying.

Cheers

Whirls

WG - that is what I thought! So to fly the Air Amby or the Old Bill - is that a CPL job?

Thanks,

Stik

Yes - don't be put off by ads that say ATPL required - they are usually badly worded by an HR department.

Cheers

Whirls

Lots of advantages, but primarily needed for commanding a multi-pilot aircraft. Like Whirls said, only really necessary for the offshore market. Oh, and under JAR, you will need 350hrs of multicrew time before you can qualify for an ATPL(H). Not to be confused with the older CAA ATPL(H) (which didn't have either the IR or multicrew requirements).


One school always comes out ahead with regard to personal recommendations - Severn Aviation (now Bristow) at Staverton. If you can get a booking, Bond Air Services (also at Staverton) are also worth investigating


Not really viable in the rotary world. For starters, a significant part of the training has to be completed in a twin-engined, SPIFR helicopter. Even your most 'basic' AS355 or A109 is going to cost >£500,000. And on top of that, the aircraft has to be registered with a IR training school, an approval that a freelance instructor is very unlikely to hold.


HTH

Thanks for all the feedback guys.

So, can I summarise by saying that yes, one can aquire an IR with a CPL(H) which is over 36 months old as long as one doesn't intend to have or need an ATPL.

To achieve this, a flight training course + 6 exams are necessary (taking out Human Performance)?

Once completed, the pilot will be able to fly a twin engine (obviously having gained the relevant ME rating), silngle pilot helicopter with IR privileges for charter/commercial flights within the EU?

Stik ('s mate!)

Yes. And no.

6 IR exams first, then the 50 hour IR course and a twin rating. However, one twin rating does not mean any twin; each is separate. But twin squirrel might be a good starting point for your mate.:ok:

And there's no such thing any more in the UK as single engine IR.

Cheers

Whirls

Pretty much. Although bear in mind that you will also need somewhere in the region of 1500hrs experience, of which at least 500hrs wants to be in twins. (SPIFR flying in a helicopter is some of the most demanding civilian flying out there).

Thanks to all.

Regards

Stik's mate.

You must also have at least 70 PIC before you can get your first ME rating.

"One school always comes out ahead with regard to personal recommendations..."

Errrmmm, actually personal recommendations I have heard suggest Heli Services in Wycombe. The same put Bristow second admittedly, but "always" is taking it rather far.

You might be a few months/years behind the curve, I'm afraid, 12Watt Tim. I've got personal experience of both IR training establishments and I can assure you that if I was to spend my cash again, I would go to Severn/Bristow.

If in doubt, visit both schools - the difference is quite apparent.

Bravo73, I guess that depends on the type of person you are. (not you specifically by the way as we've never met) but some folk get along with Leon and co. some don't! :E

Oh, for an ATPL, you'll also need 100 hours of night flying. 50 can be fixed wing and 50 helicopter. Now that is a right pain in the a&&e to get if you mainly fly day. :mad:

I'm with Bravo73 on this one, the difference is gigantic! VERITAIR are worth a look as well. Danny.