Convert PPL(H) to PPL(A)

How to Convert a PPL(H) to a PPL(A)

How to convert a rotary PPL(H) or CPL(H) helicopter licence to a fixed-wing aeroplane PPL(A), CPL(A) or ATPL(A)

  • PPL(H) to PPL(A) 
  • CPL(H) to CPL(A) or ATPL(A)

Can I carry any previous experience from a PPL(H) towards the issue of a PPL(A)?

Yes - An applicant for the PPL(A) who holds a pilot licence for another category of aircraft, with the exception of balloons, shall be credited with 10% of their total flight time as PIC on such aircraft up to a maximum of 10 hours. It is important to note, however, that the PPL(A) requires a minimum of 45 Hours total flight time training. This is broken down as follows: 

  • 25 hours Dual 
  • 10 hours Solo 
  • 10 hours - Mix of dual + solo 

In practice, the hours credited from your PPL(H) experience will be used to help fulfil the requirements in the last of these categories i.e. the 10 hours which can be a mix of dual or solo. There is still the requirement, however, to ensure that the 10 hours solo, as described below, is completed on a fixed-wing aircraft: 

- 10 hours of supervised solo flight time, including at least 5 hours of solo cross-country flight time with at least 1 cross-country flight of at least 270 km (150 NM), during which full stop landings at two (2) aerodromes different from the aerodrome of departure shall be made. 

To convert PPL(H) to PPL(A), the following ground exams, which are specific to aircraft categories, must be passed: 

  • 080 - Principles of Flight (PoF)
  • 070 - Operational Procedures (OPS)
  • 032 - Flight Performance & Planning (PERF)
  • 021 - Aircraft General Knowledge (AGK)
  • 022 - Instrumentation (INST)

Further Guidance: 

CAP804 - Part I, Section 4 Part C, Subpart 1 

CAP804 - Part I, Section 4 Part L, Appendix 1

PPL(H) to PP(A) Theoretical Ground Course (Conversion)

PPL(H) to PPL(A) Theoretical 'Online' Ground School (Conversion) UK CAA + EASA

£ 234 GBP

i.e. PPL online ground course price £525 / 9 subjects * 4 subjects 

Our PPL(H) to PPL(A) theoretical conversion course can be studied 100% ‘online’, full or part-time, from home, anywhere in the world

There is no requirement to enroll into a formal ground school.

AGK, INST, PERF, OPS & POF are the exams needed to complete a PPL(H) to PPL(A) conversion.

Fly EPT Spain provides an 'Online' theoretical conversion course that allows PPL(H) licence holders to flexibly self-study the required PPL(A) subjects at their own pace, in their own time, around their own schedule, from home anywhere in the world. 

If you would to sign up and register, complete the Ground School Enrollment Form, attaching your passport copy

Convert ATPL(H) to CPL(A)/ATPL(A)

ATPL(H) to ATPL(A) dispensations in respect of the requirements for IR(A) and CPL(A)

  • PPL training reduced from 45 to 35 hours
  • ATPL(A) ground exams reduced to 5 (AGK, INST, PERF, OPS & POF)
  • Night rating not required prior to commencing IR(A) or CPL(A) 
  • 50 hour IR(A) course reduced to 10 hours including 5 in simulator 
  • 25 hour CPL(A) course reduced to 20 hours or 15 hours if IR(A) already completed 
  • 200 hours total time prior to commencing CPL(A) skill test reduced to 100 hours total ‘fixed-wing’ time 
  • 100 hours PIC in aeroplanes not required prior to CPL skill test (but 70 hours PIC in aeroplanes is required prior to MEP course)

Rotary to Fixed-wing conversion - Do I have to attend ground school?

For PPL, there is no formal requirement to attend a ground school. However, most students choose to attend a ground course to consolidate their learning.

For both CPL and ATPL licences, students are required to study an approved theory course with an Approved Training Organisation (ATO).

If you are looking to convert your helicopter rotary licence to a fixed-wing aeroplane pilot licence via the modular flight training route, Fly EPT Spain offers both CPL(A) and ATPL(A) theoretical conversion courses, and our theory training courses are delivered 100% 'online'