Bristow Academy provides a variety of UK CAA-approved JAA-CPL(H) training courses designed to prepare pilots for the demands of the real world of professional helicopter aviation.
Graduates of these courses will earn the JAA-CPL(H) qualifying them to apply for a wide variety of jobs flying helicopters. Those completing the combined JAA/FAA course will also receive the American FAA CPL(H) and Flight Instructor ratings. These courses include all ground and flying instruction, and most are designed to be completed within a specific academic time period.
Based on the training program developed by Bristow Helicopters Ltd., the JAA-CPL(H) course combines over 835 hours of rigorous classroom instruction integrated with 135 hours of flying instruction. The result is a training course unsurpassed by any flying training facility in the world.
Our JAA CPL(H) course has matured in to a highly efficient program of outstanding quality. Initially developed by Captain George Bedford, who had over 20 years of experience in developing and refining the CPL(H) program at Bristow Helicopters, Bristow Academy’s JAA CPL(H) course is now perhaps the finest training program in the world. Captain Mike Bowden, who brings almost 20 years of experience to Bristow Academy, now leads the program. Captain Bowden is assisted by his 4 full-time ground instructors, and a team of flight instructors under the leadership of Captain Peter Wilkinson.
As America's leading flight school, Bristow Academy brings many years of professional experience, training hundreds of people from dozens of countries, to take their place in the exciting world of professional helicopter aviation.
In addition to getting the very best flying instruction available anywhere in the world, you will save substantially over the cost of similar programs in other countries. These cost savings are due to a variety of factors including:
- An exchange rate that makes courses 30% cheaper than those offered in the UK
- No VAT
- No landing fees
- No circuit fees
- Prices include all taxes and fuel
- Virtually year-around flying weather which seldom causes delays in training. More flying means faster progress, which reduces the time required to complete your training. Many students combine their flying training with some sightseeing, taking advantage of the school's close proximity to many famous landmarks.
The Combined JAA/FAA Course
For cost and time efficiency this course is the smart approach for students looking to return to the European flight market. Successful students can remain in America and obtain work experience as flight instructors (after completion of the Certified Flight Instructor Course) for as long as their visa allows, gaining experience and building important flight hours.
You will complete this course having earned JAA-CPL(H) and a US FAA CPL(H). In addition to meeting the JAA course requirements specified in the previous section, the combined JAA/FAA course includes the following:
- Completion of FAA Private Pilot License;
- 100 hours of Pilot in Command experience. Advanced instruction will focus on flight in congested airspace, off-airport operations, and instrument flying;
- Pre-checkride test preparation;
- Ground school in preparation for FAA written examination.
This course takes approximately 12 months to complete.
During this course you will receive 836 hours of ground instruction. Subjects covered include:
- Aviation Law and ATC Procedures
- Flight Performance and Planning
- Operational Procedures
- Navigation
- Communications
- Meteorology
- Principles of Flight
- Aircraft General Knowledge
- Human Performance and Limitations
You will also receive 135 hours of flight training to enable you to meet the flying experience requirements of Appendix 1 to JAR/FCL 2.160 and 2.165(a)(2).
This course takes 48 weeks to complete.
Start dates for the UK CAA JAA CPL(H) courses (Integrated and FAA/JAA Combined)
Bristow Academy runs three JAA CPL(H) (Integrated and FAA/JAA Combined) classes per year. They start in January, May, and September. For current start dates please click here.
Bristow Academy can provide training to a maximum of 18 students per class. Call UK Freephone 0800 1698647 or +1-321-567-0382 to find out about class availability.
