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Navigate / EASA / Aircrew Nov 2025 / ANNEX I (Part-FCL) / SUBPART H - CLASS AND TYPE RATINGS / SECTION 3 - Specific requirements for the helicopter category /

FCL.720.H Experience requirements and prerequisites for the issue of type ratings - helicopters

EASA FCL.720.H sets experience and prerequisites for first helicopter type ratings, including PIC hours, MCC, ATPL theory, and co-pilot limitation rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before starting the type rating training course for a multi-pilot helicopter, an applicant must have at least 70 hours as PIC on helicopters, have passed the ATPL(H) theoretical knowledge examinations, and, unless the course is combined with an MCC course, hold a certificate of satisfactory completion of an MCC course in helicopters or have completed at least 500 hours of flight time as a pilot in multi-pilot operations in any aircraft category.

* Aviation.Bot's Suggestion - Always consult the original regulation for confirmation

Yes, a graduate from an ATP(H)/IR, ATP(H), CPL(H)/IR or CPL(H) integrated course who does not have 70 hours PIC on helicopters may undergo the type rating training course for a multi-pilot helicopter type, but the issued type rating will be limited to co-pilot privileges only.

* Aviation.Bot's Suggestion - Always consult the original regulation for confirmation

The co-pilot limitation is removed once the pilot has completed 70 hours as PIC or pilot-in-command under supervision on helicopters and has passed the multi-pilot skill test on the applicable helicopter type as PIC.

* Aviation.Bot's Suggestion - Always consult the original regulation for confirmation

Before starting flight training for a first multi-engine helicopter type rating, the applicant must have either passed the ATPL(H) theoretical knowledge examinations or hold a certificate of completion of a pre-entry course conducted by an ATO covering specific ATPL(H) subjects: Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe/systems/power plant, instrument/electronics) and Flight Performance and Planning (mass and balance, performance).

* Aviation.Bot's Suggestion - Always consult the original regulation for confirmation

Applicants who have not completed an ATP(H)/IR, ATP(H), or CPL(H)/IR integrated training course must have completed at least 70 hours as PIC on helicopters.

* Aviation.Bot's Suggestion - Always consult the original regulation for confirmation

No, an MCC course is not always required. The requirement to hold an MCC certificate or have 500 hours in multi-pilot operations is waived when the type rating course is combined with an MCC course.

* Aviation.Bot's Suggestion - Always consult the original regulation for confirmation

As an alternative to holding an MCC course certificate, an applicant may have completed at least 500 hours of flight time as a pilot in multi-pilot operations in any aircraft category.

* Aviation.Bot's Suggestion - Always consult the original regulation for confirmation

The pre-entry course must cover Aircraft General Knowledge (airframe/systems/power plant, and instrument/electronics) and Flight Performance and Planning (mass and balance, performance).

* Aviation.Bot's Suggestion - Always consult the original regulation for confirmation

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FCL.720.H Experience requirements and prerequisites for the issue of type ratings – helicopters

Regulation (EU) 2021/2227

Unless otherwise determined in the operational suitability data established in accordance with Annex I (Part 21) to Commission Regulation (EU) No 748/2012, an applicant for the issue of the first helicopter type rating shall comply with the following experience requirements and prerequisites for the issue of the relevant rating:

(a) Multi-pilot helicopters. An applicant for a type rating for a multi-pilot helicopter type shall, before starting the type rating training course:

(1) have at least 70 hours as PIC on helicopters;

(2) except when the type rating course is combined with an MCC course:

(i) hold a certificate of satisfactory completion of an MCC course in helicopters; or

(ii) have completed at least 500 hours of flight time as a pilot in multi-pilot operations in any aircraft category.

(3) have passed the ATPL(H) theoretical knowledge examinations.

(b) A graduate from an ATP(H)/IR, ATP(H), CPL(H)/IR or CPL(H) integrated course who does not comply with the requirement of point (a)(1), shall be entitled to undergo the type rating training course for a multi-pilot helicopter type rating and shall have the type rating issued with the privileges limited to exercising functions as co-pilot only. The limitation shall be removed once the pilot has complied with all of the following:

(1) completed 70 hours as PIC or pilot-in-command under supervision of helicopters;

(2) passed the multi-pilot skill test on the applicable helicopter type as PIC.

(c) Multi-engine helicopters. An applicant for the issue of a first type rating for a multi-engine helicopter shall:

(1) before starting flight training:

(i) have passed the ATPL(H) theoretical knowledge examinations; or

(ii) hold a certificate of completion of a pre-entry course conducted by an ATO. The course shall cover the following subjects of the ATPL(H) theoretical knowledge course:

— Aircraft General Knowledge: airframe/systems/power plant, and instrument/electronics,

— Flight Performance and Planning: mass and balance, performance;

(2) in the case of applicants who have not completed an ATP(H)/IR, ATP(H), or CPL(H)/IR integrated training course, have completed at least 70 hours as PIC on helicopters.

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