How to become a helicopter pilot
in Sweden – training, requirements and cost

Flying a helicopter is something many people dream about. But how do you actually become a helicopter pilot in Sweden, and what's required to get a licence?

The path usually starts with PPL-H (Private Pilot License – Helicopter), a private helicopter licence. With this licence you can fly a helicopter for pleasure and bring passengers, such as friends and family.

For anyone who wants to go further and work as a pilot, PPL-H can also serve as the first step towards a commercial helicopter licence.

At Arlanda Helicopter, flight training takes place from our base in Åkersberga north of Stockholm. Read more about our helicopter training and our course for a private helicopter licence PPL(H).

PPL-H – private helicopter licence

PPL-H stands for Private Pilot License – Helicopter and is the most common training for anyone who wants to learn to fly a helicopter privately.

With a PPL-H licence you can:

• Fly a helicopter privately
• Bring passengers
• Rent and fly a helicopter on your own
• Build further towards commercial pilot training

The training is modular and flexible, which means it can be adapted to each student's pace and circumstances.

Learning to fly a helicopter is a unique experience, but the helicopter's flying characteristics mean the learning curve varies from person to person.

How long does helicopter training take?

The time it takes to get a private helicopter licence depends on how often you fly and study the theory.

A typical timeframe is: 3–12 months.

Some students fly intensively for a few months, while others spread the training out over a longer period.

Theory training

To get a PPL-H, studies in nine theoretical subjects are required, for example:

• Principles of flight
• Meteorology
• Navigation
• Air law
• Flight performance and planning

Theory is usually studied in parallel with flight training and can be completed through an external flight theory school.

One popular option is Flygteoriskolan. The theory course costs around SEK 25,500.

Flight training – at least 45 flight hours

To get a PPL-H, the minimum requirements are:

• 45 flight hours in a helicopter

The initial flying is done with an instructor, but at least 10 hours must be solo – meaning you fly without an instructor. The training concludes with a check flight with an examiner.

The training is often carried out in helicopter types such as:

• Robinson R44
• Bell 206

During the training you practise, among other things:

• Hovering
• Take-off and landing
• Navigation
• Emergency procedures
• Flying in different environments

What does it cost to become a helicopter pilot?

The biggest cost in the training is the flight time.

A reasonable estimate in Sweden is:

• about SEK 8,000 – 8,500 per flight hour (incl. VAT)

Since the training requires at least 45 hours, the flight training alone often ends up at SEK 360,000 – 382,000.

On top of that come:

• Theory training (~SEK 25,500)
• Medical certificate
• Examinations and fees

PC – Proficiency Check

For pilots who already hold a licence, a Proficiency Check (PC) is sometimes required. It's a check flight where an examiner confirms that the pilot still meets the requirements to fly a specific helicopter type or to renew ratings. Read more about how a Proficiency Check works with us.

Type rating – authorisation for a specific helicopter

To fly different helicopter models, a type rating is usually required, meaning training on a specific helicopter type.

Examples:

• Robinson R44
• Bell 206
• Airbus H125

A type rating typically involves:

• Theory about the helicopter type
• Flight training
• Check flight

When the type rating is complete, the pilot is qualified to fly that specific model.

Want to try flying a helicopter first?

Many of those who consider taking a helicopter licence start with a trial flight together with an instructor.

During the trial flight you get:

• A briefing on the ground
• To fly together with an instructor
• To try the controls yourself in the air

It's a perfect way to get a feel for what flying is actually like. If you're interested in a trial flight, book a trial flight here or contact us. If you want to give the experience away, there are also gift cards for trial flights.