The Air Navigation Order 2009

SUB-SECTION 2 Helicopter and gyroplane pilots

Private Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters)

Minimum age – 17 years

No maximum period of validity

Privileges:

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the holder of a Private Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters) is entitled to fly as pilot in command or co-pilot of any helicopter of a type specified in an aircraft rating included in the licence.

(2) The holder may not—

(a) fly such a helicopter for the purpose of public transport or aerial work except in accordance with paragraph (3);

(b) receive any remuneration for services as a pilot on a flight other than remuneration for the giving of such instruction or the conducting of such flying tests as are specified in paragraph (3);

(c) fly as pilot in command of such a helicopter at night unless the licence includes a night rating (helicopters) or a night qualification (helicopter);

(d) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (helicopter) fly as pilot in command or co-pilot 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; or

(e) fly as pilot in command of such a helicopter carrying passengers unless—

(i) within the preceding 90 days the holder has made at least three circuits, each to include take-offs and landings, as the sole manipulator of the controls of a helicopter of the same type; or

(ii) if the privileges are to be exercised by night and the licence does not include an instrument rating, within the preceding 90 days the holder has made at least three circuits, each to include take-offs and landings by night as the sole manipulator of the controls of a helicopter of the same type.

(3) The holder may fly such a helicopter for the purpose of aerial work which consists of instruction or testing in a club environment provided that, in the case of instruction, the licence includes a flying instructor’s rating, a flight instructor rating or an assistant flying instructor’s rating.

Private Pilot’s Licence (Gyroplanes)

Minimum age – 17 years

No maximum period of validity

Privileges:

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the holder of a Private Pilot’s Licence (Gyroplanes) is entitled to fly as pilot in command or co-pilot of any gyroplane of a type specified in the aircraft rating included in the licence.

(2) The holder may not—

(a) fly such a gyroplane for the purpose of public transport or aerial work except in accordance with paragraph (3);

(b) receive any remuneration for services as a pilot on a flight other than remuneration for the giving of such instruction or the conducting of such flying tests as are specified in paragraph (3);

(c) fly as pilot in command of such a gyroplane at night unless the licence includes a night rating (gyroplanes) and the holder has within the immediately preceding 13 months carried out as pilot in command not less than five take-offs and five landings at a time when the depression of the centre of the sun was not less than 12° below the horizon.

(3) The holder may fly such a gyroplane for the purpose of aerial work which consists of instruction or testing in a club environment provided that, in the case of instruction, the licence includes a flying instructor’s rating, a flight instructor rating or an assistant flying instructor’s rating.

Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters and Gyroplanes)

Minimum age – 18 years

Maximum period of validity – 10 years

Privileges:

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

(a) to exercise the privileges of a United Kingdom Private Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters) or a United Kingdom Private Pilot’s Licence (Gyroplanes) which includes respectively either a night rating (helicopters) or night qualification (helicopter) or a night rating (gyroplanes); and

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

(2) The holder may not—

(a) fly such a helicopter on a public transport flight unless it is certificated for single pilot operation;

(b) fly such a helicopter on any public transport flight 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 take-offs and landings, as pilot flying in a helicopter of the same type or a flight simulator of the helicopter type to be used, in the preceding 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;

(f) fly such a gyroplane on a public transport flight unless it is certificated for single pilot operation;

(g) fly such a gyroplane at night unless the holder has within the immediately preceding 13 months carried out as pilot in command not less than five take-offs and five landings at a time when the depression of the centre of the sun was not less than 12º below the horizon; or

(h) fly such a gyroplane on a public transport flight after attaining the age of 60 years unless the gyroplane 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 him to act as pilot in command or co-pilot of that gyroplane.

(3) Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5) the holder is entitled to fly as co-pilot of any helicopter or gyroplane of a type specified in an aircraft rating included in the licence when the helicopter or gyroplane 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 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, in the preceding 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 or gyroplane on a public transport flight.

Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters and Gyroplanes)

Minimum age – 21 years

Maximum period of validity – 10 years

Privileges:

The holder of an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters and Gyroplanes) is entitled to exercise the privileges of a United Kingdom Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters and Gyroplanes) except that the restrictions at sub-paragraphs (2)(a) and (2)(f) of those privileges do not apply.