Type Ratings
Having gained your helicopter licence, you will be limited to the type of
helicopter that you have trained on. There may come a time when you want to
take more passengers, or you require more speed and comfort.
Northumbria Helicopters provide conversion courses onto a range of helicopter types. We are a CAA-approved Type Rating Training Organisation (TRTO), which allows us to train pilots to fly other types of helicopter.
The conversion course is designed to familiarise the pilot with the differences in aerodynamics, mechanics, technology, operation and performance, together with an understanding of the differences in emergency procedures.
The course requires a minimum of between 2 and 5 hours flight training which is dependent on the helicopter type(s) you already fly. The time that you will require depends very much on your individual progress and your levels of experience.
Our instructor's aim is to ensure you fly the type safely and with confidence. You will then be ready for your test with a CAA approved examiner.
Remember you will need to take a Proficiency Check (PC) test annually on each type that you fly with one of our examiners to maintain currency.
Night Rating
In order to fly during the hours of darkness you will need to obtain a Night
Rating. This rating covers any helicopter types that you are licensed to fly.
Night is defined as the starting 30 minutes after sunset and ending 30 minutes
before sunrise.
Night flying must be conducted under VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions), i.e. clear of cloud and in sight of surface illuminations.
Requirements to start a Night Rating Course
Pre-requisite experience: 100 hours of flight time in helicopters AFTER the issue of the PPL(H) including 60 hours as Pilot in Command, of which includes 20 hours cross-country flying.
Night Qualification Course consists of:
- 5 hours theoretical knowledge instruction followed by 10 hours dual instrument flying. This instruction is in addition to any instrument instruction completed prior to the course.
- 5 hours helicopter night training, including 3 hours of dual instruction and 5 solo night circuits. Each circuit shall include a take-off and landing.
The course must be completed within 6 months.
Licence Proficiency Check / Re-validation
Remember you will need to take a Proficiency Check (PC) test annually on each type that you fly with one of our examiners to maintain currency.