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.

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

Yes.

Or, for the long answer,

Technically, you aren't simply “converting” your ICAO licence. You are being issued an EASA licence based on your existing ICAO licence and experience.

If you simply want to use your ICAO licence within the EASA system, you may instead be looking at validation. That's a completely different process, with different requirements, limitations and validity periods.

Let’s start on with the first thing:

Your ICAO Licence and medical must be valid, current, and your logbook up to date.  If it is not, then it is a non-starter

Secondly:

Look at the regulations.

As with much of EASA documentation, the information is cunningly hidden in the regulations, and you need to do a fairly serious treasure hunt to find exactly what applies to you.

The magic section is Part-FCL, Annex III.

Even after reading it three or four times, you may still be completely confused.

OK, so now we start to have a slightly more complex requirement.  You need an EASA ATO, not EASA DTO.

Medical

You will need an EASA Class 1

Jonny’s top tip…  Normally the EASA state where you do your medical is the state that issues your licence, known as State of Licence Issue (SOLI).

You can, in theory, do your EASA Class 2 anywhere in EASA and then transfer your medical records to a different state for the actual licence issue – but I highly recommend you do not.  You need to do what is know as a SOLI Transfer, where you do your medical, then apply to that state to transfer your records to another state, whilst at the same time apply to the other state requesting medical transfer form that state.  The two states then contact one another to transfer the records.  It can become mind-bogglingly complicated and, depending on the authorities and circumstances, can take months to resolve.

Theory Exams

You will need to enrol with an EASA ATO offering Theoretical Knowledge Theory, they can then sign you off to take all the exams.  All exams require a minimum of 75% to pass.

You can start this process with an ICAO CPL(H) – you DO NOT require an EASA PPL(H) first.

You must pass all CPL(H)/ATPL(H) Theoretical Knowledge Exams

Also, if you hold a UK CAA (ICAO!) CPL(H) pre-Brexit there may be some alleviation – contact us for more details.

English Language Proficiency

Yes, you speak fluent English, yes, your current ICAO licence says you speak English, No Easa does not always recognise this…

You need to have an English Aviation Assessment by a qualified EASA ELP Examiner.

As with all things unified in EASA, it is as clear as mud..  Some recognise ICAO ELP, depending on country of ICAO Licence issue, some allow EASA ELP online, some insist on an actual real time ELP with an on site examiner…  Some EASA states also insist on a separate Radio Telephony Licence so you need to do a practical radiotelephony exam and some EASA states do not….

Logbook

This isn't a one-size-fits-all conversion.

We need to check that you meet the requirements for the issue of a CPL(H) in accordance with EASA.  Anything missing will need to be completed prior to starting the flight training.

We then look at all your logbooks and can make a formal assessment on your specific circumstances.  This then means that we can then make a recommendation on the minimum training required to complete the EASA CPL(H) flight training.  This then needs to be submitted to the EASA state you want your licence to be issued from; they check our application and recommendation and, if they agree, the training can commence.

To speed up the process, this can be done whilst you are undertaking the TK sections, so no delay after passing the TK exams.

Flight Training

Assuming the authority agrees, then the reduced course can be completed.  If not, then you may be required to complete the full EASA CPL(H) training course

Licence Skills Test

Minimum 1.5 Flight Skills Test, to a high degree of commercial level, and also oral questioning section to pass with an EASA CPL Examiner.

Commercial Flying In Europe

You have an EASA CPL(H) – but can you use it?  You need to have the right to “live and work” in Europe, completely unrelated to the aviation requirements, but to work in Europe as a helicopter pilot you need to applicable Passport or Visa!

Where can the training be completed?

Jonny’s top tip…  There is a considerable amount of work involved in assessing an ICAO-to-EASA conversion.

We have had too many occasions where someone has asked us to research their individual circumstances, interpret the regulations, speak to the relevant authorities, prepare the documentation and obtain approval — only to take all of that information and use it to obtain a cheaper quote elsewhere.

So, we have changed the way we handle bespoke conversions.  Initial advice is free. Detailed individual conversion assessments are chargeable.

If you subsequently undertake the conversion with Balearic Helicopters, that fee is deducted from the course cost.

Every ICAO to EASA conversion is different

Your licence, nationality, medical, experience, logbook, aircraft types and intended EASA State of Licence Issue can all affect the route.

About Jonny

Jonny Greenall is the Head of Training and founder of Balearic Helicopters. With more than 25 years of helicopter flying and training experience and over 9000 hours, he has extensive experience across private, commercial and instructor training.

The views and advice in this article are based on Jonny's experience of helicopter flying and flight training.

Balearic Helicopters ICAO CPL(H) - EASA CPL(H) Conversion