The training materials are A4 coil-bound colour books, which are sent as you progress through the modules, with nothing interactive as yet (sample notes can be downloaded from here). We are not convinced that people learn that well from CBT (although there are areas where definite benefits can be obtained), and we are more likely to go online rather than be CD based. There is a course CD, but it contains interesting supportive stuff from many sources, not interactive material. Our feedback indicates that students prefer books that contain everything as they can be conveniently read on the bus (or in the back of a helicopter). The study notes are printed individually, and can take up to 14 days to arrive, although it is usually within 7 working days. Anything else comes directly from ourselves (the Jeppesen flight planning manuals are on loan as we figure students won't want to keep them anyway!) The only things students need to buy include the flight computer and protractors, although we do have a limited number for loan purposes.

One of the books you will receive contains reference material, such as the Air Alamanac, CAP 758 (Performance Manual for two sample helicopters), a Glossary and extracts from JAR OPS in Plain English.

It depends on your career path. The ATPL(H) involves only around 20% extra work, as the academic standard between the two licences is the same (the CPL(H) essentially lacks the IR subjects). However, you have to gain your IR within 36 months of passing the exams. If you take the CPL(H) first, then the IR, you will end up taking two exams twice (you will be exempt Human Factors the second time around), but you won't have the added pressure. On the other hand, you often have to study the same material for both licences, but only get asked half the questions on the CPL(H), increasing your proportionate chances of failure. Interestingly, you also don't get involved with Weight and Balance on the TETH (Twin Engined Turbine Helicopter).

The other thing to consider is that the ATPL(H) requires multi-crew training and a type on your licence that requires two pilots. Realistically, this is unobtainable outside a company operating such helicopters.

This is not recommended, as we have taken considerable trouble to arrange your studies in a way that avoids repetition and provides the best progression. For example, you need a working knowledge of Meteorology in order to study Flight Planning effectively, and Navigation draws heavily on the other subjects, which is why they are in the last modules. By then you should have had plenty of practice at playing with the flight computer, and exam technique, since they both require you to be quite slick (2 minutes per question in Flight Planning!)

Although the study method is to review parts of each chapter in tandem, Human Performance & Limitations is first because it contains important safety implications that should be taken on board before you start flying or studying (it's also the one subject that most people already have at least some knowledge of, so it makes for an easier start). Airframes & Systems draws on concepts and terms introduced in Principles Of Flight, which follows HP & L. Instrumentation and Communications both have questions on radio propagation, which is why they come after Radio Navigation, where it is covered already.

Having said all that, it may be possible to bring a subject forward for experienced pilots, but we'd rather you stuck to the planned order. Check with us first, please.

Contact with us can be made phone, skype or email, usually with an immediate answer. We also have student forums at ppine.org (The Professional Pilot's Information Network).

Progress tests should be submitted weekly for best results - they can be accessed directly from the relevant page on this website (they are also on the course CD). Simply complete the test, print a copy for yourself and one for us, and post, email or fax it to us.

Consolidation courses are held at Wycombe Air Park, 40 minutes' drive NW of London Heathrow, on the M40 (Junction 4). However, we do have an arrangement with Bristow Academy, at their JAA facility in Florida, or with the Civil Aviation Academy near Valencia, in Spain (Netherlands coming soon!). We also have an approved mobile classroom for up to 3 students, so in theory they can be done elsewhere (requires planning!) We can make suggestions as to local accommodation, but can offer no other help.

We also have approval to conduct consolidation via internet conferencing.

Please use this booking form to let us know your requirements:

ATPL(H) exams currently can be taken at several exam centres, notably Gatwick and Oxford, plus Florida and wherever the CAA have an exam centre, in the first week of every month. CPL(H) and IR exams must be taken at Gatwick, alternating in the second week of every month. We hold consolidation weeks for the ATPL(H) in the last week of every month and for the CPL(H)/IR in the first week (alternating). The last date for sumbission of applications is two weeks before the exam date, but we need them a week before that because we have to countersign them to certify that you have done the studying before sending them on to the CAA.

CAA application forms (and other documents) can be downloaded from here. This AIC contains the exam timetables.

Please note that this is our only involvement with examinations - it is up to the student to know when and where the exams will take place and to get the paperwork to us in a timely fashion! Although we send the forms by recorded delivery (sometimes even personal delivery), we are not responsible for what happens in the depths of the CAA building!

Yes, all your studies must be completed within 18 months from the end of the month in which the first exam is taken. This does not appear to include the taking of exams or any flying.

Normally, a cheque or banker's draft is OK, and we can take bank transfers (ask us for details). We can also take credit card payments through paypal, on the relevant page, but this sometimes does not work due to their somewhat strange security arrangements. We can take credit cards directly, but a commission charge of 3% will be applied.

Yes! Only where it is required in the syllabus are fixed wing aircraft even mentioned! And then only for comparison purposes.

Ground school is an opportunity to brush up on areas that are not best studied over a distance, or which need extra emphasis, or which may have changed at the last minute. For example, PPL(H) holders typically will not have had exposure to autopilots, navaids or EFIS. We have simulators available for that. In addition it is also an opportunity to get used to the types of question being asked, and exam technique.

Ground school is for brushing up - it is not an opportunity to go through the whole syllabus in the space of a week! We are entitled to assume a minimum amount of knowledge, as you will have a PPL(H)! Remember that mock exams have to be fitted into the time available as well, which means that the work must have been done before you come! If you don't know your stuff by the time you get to the classroom, you won't know it inside a few short days! Having said all that, we find that most people finish by the end of the fourth day.

There is one week in the classroom for every module, but the minimum time is 10% of the official study time, which is 41 (405) hours for the CPL(H) and 65 (605) hours for the ATPL(H). ATPL(H) students combining consolidation weeks can reduce the total to two weeks instead of the normal three.

As mentioned above, we also have approval to conduct consolidation classes through internet conferencing.

In theory, yes, but it is wise to check if you want to take the exams in your own country, since all training should be done in one State. They will probably want to see our certificate of approval, which you can download from here. The Irish and Finnish authorities have already gone through the process. Note that you cannot take the UK-based exams in another country, even under supervision.

Obviously, your exam success depends on your own efforts! However, we do guarantee our materials to be amongst the best in the world, if not the best, since they are used by Transport Canada and the Royal Air Force, amongst others. We will also stick with you until you do pass, within the 18 month time limit mentioned above.

If you purchase a course, and decide to change your mind within 7 days, we will refund your money, less £250 for the notes and hassle. If you purchase a course and submit no progress tests for 8 weeks, no refunds will be applicable.

Yes, they start every 2 months.

There is a new syllabus planned for the future, under NPA 25, but nothing will happen until at least the end of 2009. A lot of the material is already incorporated into our notes where it is does not interfere with current material. The new notes are already prepared and our digital printing means that the new syllabuses will be available almost instantly.

What's happening is that the current CPL(H) will become the ATPL(H)(VFR) to cover pilots flying large machines in mountainous areas where an Instrument Rating is inappropriate (as mentioned above, the academic standard is the same). Then a new CPL(H) of a lower standard will be created to replace it, similar to the current CPL (Aeroplanes), which will have 13 examinations. At this time, it is expected that CQB 15 will be phased in, bypassing CQB 14.

Anyone currently studying will be allowed to finish their course and it will all be sorted out in the paperwork afterwards. We don't think the average student will notice any difference. It is certainly not worth delaying the start of your studies!

Any time you like! If you are sending a cheque or banker's draft, please also email us (see above left) with your address so we can get the printing process started. If you are using a credit card through paypal, we will get that anyway. When returning the application form, which will come in the starter pack, please also include a copy of your ICAO PPL(H) and a photo ID, so we know that it is really you when you turn up for consolidation classes! The study notes usually arrive by Fedex about a week later.