Frequently asked questions

Can I renew my ATPL(H) / CPL(H) with my Instrument Rating renewal flight test paperwork?

Yes. A successful instrument-rating revalidation check can also revalidate the maintenance of competency of your CPL(H) or ATPL(H) in the same category, provided the required SACAA paperwork is correctly completed and submitted within 30 days.

Can I renew my Instrument Rating in a fixed-wing simulator?

For a helicopter instrument rating, generally no. The check must be done in a helicopter or in an FSTD specifically approved for helicopter instrument-rating revalidation. A fixed-wing simulator does not normally count. Confirm the device’s SACAA approval with the facility before you book.

Does my previous military experience count towards my SACAA civilian licence?

Potentially, but only subject to SACAA requirements. You must apply to SACAA for the accreditation of your military flight time and experience. It cannot be assumed that it will automatically be credited toward a civilian licence or rating.

Does a helicopter need to be on an ATO to conduct my renewal?

No. A helicopter does not need to be operated through an ATO for a revalidation check. An ATO is generally required for initial tests or tests toward the issue of a higher licence or rating.

Can I do my renewal if I do not have a valid flight medical?

Please renew your medical before booking a revalidation check. You need a valid medical to exercise the privileges of your licence. Without one, you should not fly as PIC, and your revalidation paperwork may not be accepted. Sort the medical first, then book the check.

My licence has expired and I have not met the maintenance-of-competency requirements. What are my next steps?

You will need recurrent training at an ATO and a recommendation letter before you can test with a DFE. The exact path depends on how long it has been lapsed. Contact me with the dates and I will walk you through it.

What is the difference between Differences training and Familiarisation training?

Familiarisation training covers knowledge-only differences within the same helicopter type or class endorsement. It normally does not require flight training or an ATO.

Differences training is required where practical operational differences exist. It includes ground and practical aircraft or simulator training through an ATO or approved operator programme.

Always check the SACAA / SA-CATS guidance for the specific model or variant.

Can you do my sling rating test if you don’t hold that helicopter’s type?

Yes, provided the applicable rating, aircraft and examiner requirements are met. I must hold a valid sling load rating and the helicopter category, and you must be rated to act as PIC.

Do I need a CPL for a sling rating?

Yes. A helicopter sling load rating requires at least a valid CPL(H). A PPL(H) cannot hold a sling rating.

Do I need a CPL for a winch rating?

Yes. A helicopter winching rating requires a valid CPL(H) or ATPL(H).

Can a PPL hold an Agricultural Pilot Rating?

Yes. A PPL may hold an Agricultural Pilot Rating. If you want to act for remuneration, you need at least a CPL. You will also need a Pest Control Operator’s Certificate, the appropriate class or type, the supervised aerial-application hours, and the skills test.

Can a PPL hold a Game / Cull Rating?

Yes. A Helicopter Game or Livestock Cull Rating may be held on a PPL, CPL or ATPL, with the appropriate type by name and the required experience.

What can the examiner do during my test?

I can:

  • Conduct initial skills tests and revalidation / competency checks for the ratings listed above, within helicopter privileges endorsed on my licence
  • Re-assess a score of 2 once during the same flight
  • On a competency or revalidation check only, provide limited instruction on an item awarded a score of 2 before re-assessing it
  • Conduct a skills test or revalidation check in a helicopter of 3,175 kg MCM or less without holding that helicopter’s type rating, provided I hold the helicopter category rating and you hold a valid licence and are rated to act as PIC of that aircraft
  • Conduct an instrument-rating revalidation check in a multi-pilot aircraft without holding the type rating, provided I hold the helicopter category rating, the crew are appropriately rated, and I do not occupy a pilot seat

I cannot:

  • Teach during an initial skills test (an item awarded a score of 2 may be re-assessed once, but no instruction may be given)
  • Occupy a pilot seat as examiner in a helicopter above 3,175 kg MCM unless I hold a valid type rating for that aircraft
  • Act as the remedial instructor after a score of 1 on a test I conducted (remedial training must be with a different instructor)
  • Conduct tests outside the privileges endorsed on my licence

Category, class and type – what’s the difference?

Think of it in three layers.

Category is the big group. Yours is helicopter.

Class sits under that. For single-pilot helicopters, Part 61 has two classes:

  • SEH — single-engine helicopter
  • MEH — multi-engine helicopter

So an R44 sits in SEH. An AW139 (if single-pilot certificated) sits in MEH. They are not the same class.

Type is the next step up for more complex aircraft. For helicopters, a full type rating is mainly needed when the helicopter is certificated for multi-crew operation (or when the Director says that type needs one). For everyday single-pilot machines in SEH or MEH, you still get the specific model endorsed (for example R44 or AS350), but that sits inside the class, not as a separate “multi-crew type.”

For aircraft-weight limits and pilot-seat restrictions, see examiner scope above.