The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2012

42.  In Sub-Section 2 of Section 1 of Part A of Schedule 7 (helicopter and gyroplane pilots)—

(a) in the entry for Private Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters)—

(i) omit “No maximum period of validity”; and

(ii) in paragraph (2)(d)(ii), after “unless” insert “flying at night,”;

(b) in the entry for Private Pilot’s Licence (Gyroplanes), omit “No maximum period of validity”;

(c) in the entries for Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters and Gyroplanes) and Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters and Gyroplanes), omit “Maximum period of validity – 10 years”; and

(d) after the entry for Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters and Gyroplanes), add—

“Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters)

Minimum age – 18 years

Privileges:

(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (5), the holder of a Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters) is entitled—

(a) to exercise the privileges of a Private Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters) which includes a night rating (helicopters); and

(b) to fly as pilot in command of any helicopter which is of a type specified in an aircraft rating included in the licence when the helicopter is flying on a flight for any purpose.

(2) The holder may not—

(a) fly such a helicopter for the purpose of commercial air transport or public transport unless it is certificated for single-pilot operation;

(b) fly such a helicopter for the purpose of commercial air transport or public transport after attaining the age of 60 years unless the helicopter is fitted with dual controls and carries a second pilot who has not attained the age of 60 years and who holds an appropriate licence under this Order entitling the second pilot to act as pilot in command or co-pilot of that helicopter;

(c) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (helicopter), fly as pilot in command of such a helicopter in circumstances which require compliance with the Instrument Flight Rules—

(i) in Class A, B or C airspace at any time; or

(ii) in Class D, E, F or G airspace unless remaining clear of cloud and with the surface in sight;

(d) fly as pilot in command of a helicopter carrying passengers unless the holder has carried out at least three circuits, each to include a take-off and landing, as pilot flying in a helicopter of the same type or a flight simulator of the helicopter type to be used, during the previous 90 days;

(e) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (helicopter), act as pilot in command of a helicopter carrying passengers at night unless during the previous 90 days at least one of the take-offs and landings required in sub-paragraph (d) has been at night.

(3) Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5), the holder is entitled to fly as co-pilot of any helicopter of a type specified in an aircraft rating included in the licence when the helicopter is flying on a flight for any purpose whatsoever.

(4) The holder may not—

(a) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (helicopter), fly as co-pilot of such a helicopter flying in circumstances which require compliance with the Instrument Flight Rules—

(i) in Class A, B or C airspace at any time; or

(ii) in Class D, E, F or G airspace unless remaining clear of cloud and with the surface in sight; or

(b) as co-pilot serve at the flying controls in a helicopter carrying passengers during take off and landing unless the holder has served as a pilot at the controls during take off and landing in a helicopter of the same type or in a flight simulator of the helicopter type to be used, during the previous 90 days.

(5) The holder must not at any time after attaining the age of 65 years act as pilot in command or co-pilot of any helicopter on a flight for the purpose of commercial air transport or public transport.

Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters)

Minimum age – 21 years

Privileges:

The holder of an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters) is entitled to exercise the privileges of a Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters) except that the restriction at sub-paragraph (2)(a) of those privileges does not apply.”.