Become a commercial helicopter pilot
Helicopter aviation is an exciting and varied industry. With us you'll follow a single integrated path from zero hours to a commercial helicopter pilot — CPL(H) as your base, with full ATPL theory built in for future career steps.
- Duration 18–24 months
- Flight time ~135 hrs
- Qualification EASA CPL(H) + ATPL theory
- Location Säve (Gothenburg) · flying at Lidköping (ESGL)
Curriculum
Foundation helicopter flying on R22
Foundation flying on the Robinson R22. Hover, autorotations, navigation, and airmanship.
CPL theory
Theory subjects for the commercial pilot license (CPL). Classroom, distance study, and online platform.
Night & advanced flying on R44
Night flying and advanced off-airport navigation on the Robinson R44.
CPL(H)
Final commercial phase on helicopter.
ATPL theory
14 subjects per EASA Part-FCL for helicopter — for future progression toward ATPL(H).
Skill Test
Practical skill test with the authority.
Fleet
- Robinson R22 Beta II School flying — foundation helicopter ops
- Robinson R44 Advanced training and MCC prep
- FNPT II Helicopter Simulator IR and procedures
Study location and training sites
The program's formal study location is Säve Airport in Gothenburg. Säve hosts SPU's administrative base, simulator training, and part of the classroom theory.
The majority of the classroom theory and all flight-operational elements — take-offs, landings, navigation flying, night flying, instrument flying, and multi-engine training — are conducted at Lidköping Airport, approximately 130 km from Säve. This arrangement leverages Lidköping's operational conditions and provides a cohesive training environment for the practical phases of the program. It is approved by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (MYH).
What this means for you as a student
You are responsible for your own housing, meals, and other living expenses, regardless of where you choose to live during the program.
You are responsible for your own travel between your accommodation and the two training sites (Säve and Lidköping).
The distance between Säve and Lidköping is approximately 130 km, or roughly 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
As a student in a Swedish Higher Vocational Education (YH) program you are entitled to apply for study support and student loans through CSN (Centrala Studiestödsnämnden) to finance your living costs during your studies.
We recommend you plan your accommodation around the location that best suits your situation, and weigh these practical and financial aspects carefully when applying.
Sweden has fewer active helicopter pilots than the industry needs. Police aviation, EMS, offshore, and surveillance operators all hire continuously. A program with us puts you among the most attractive new graduates on the market.
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