The Balearic Helicopters Blog

The Balearic Helicopters Blog

A collection of articles, thoughts, tips and news from the team at Balearic Helicopters.

Reading time: 6 minutes

The 5 Ss of Helicopter Confined Area Operations

The 5 S’s of a confined area briefing — Size, Shape, Surroundings, Slope and Surface — provide a simple but essential framework for assessing a landing site. Jonny Greenall explains what to look for before committing a helicopter to a confined area and why getting the briefing right matters.

by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 5 minutes

How Long Does It Take to Get a Helicopter Licence?

Jonny's guide to becoming a helicopter pilot - How long does it really take to become a helicopter pilot? Jonny Greenall explains why a five-week PPL(H) may be possible on paper, but why six to eight weeks can be a far more realistic approach.

by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 8 minutes

Why Hour Building Can Become a Complete Waste of Time

Jonny's guide to becoming a helicopter pilot - Hour building isn't about simply adding numbers to your logbook — it's about building the skills, experience and judgement that will make you a better commercial pilot.

by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 6 minutes

Why Your First Flight Instructor Matters More Than You Think

Jonny's guide to becoming a helicopter pilot - Your first helicopter instructor can shape your flying habits, safety standards and approach to aviation for years to come. Jonny Greenall explains what to look for in a good instructor — and why choosing the right one matters from your very first lesson.

by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 9 minutes

Zero to Hero – how to become a professional helicopter pilot (EASA)

Jonny's guide to becoming a helicopter pilot - Want to become a professional EASA helicopter pilot? Jonny Greenall explains the three routes from zero to CPL(H), including integrated and modular training, theory, hour building, medical requirements and the CPL(H) skills test.

by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 5 minutes

How Much Does a Helicopter Licence Cost?

Jonny's guide to becoming a helicopter pilot - How much does it really cost to get a helicopter licence? Jonny Greenall explains the true costs of PPL(H) training, including the extras that are often missing from headline prices.

by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 6 minutes

Is FI(H) a Good Way to Build Helicopter Hours?

Jonny's guide to becoming a helicopter pilot - Is becoming a Flight Instructor really the best way to build helicopter hours? Jonny Greenall looks at the difference between instructing to build a logbook and becoming an instructor who genuinely wants to teach.

by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 5 minutes

Can I Convert My Foreign ICAO CPL Helicopter Licence to EASA?

Jonny's guide to becoming a helicopter pilot - Can you convert a foreign ICAO CPL(H) to an EASA commercial helicopter licence? Jonny Greenall explains the regulatory requirements, training, examinations and practical considerations involved.

by Jonny Greenall

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