Course Overview
Do you want to become a commercial helicopter pilot? We can help you achieve your dream.
This unique programme gives you the opportunity to obtain 
a university degree and a frozen Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) (H) in just three years of full-time study - and at a lower cost than doing them separately.
You’ll work with our UK-leading partner Heli Air towards your ATPL. Focused modules and study will develop your skills and prepare you for a career in the exciting world of rotary wing aviation.
Course Details
UCAS CODE: N850
During this course you’ll study key modules in instruments, radio navigation, meteorology and operational procedures. You’ll also cover broader areas of air transportation such as aviation finance and economics, airport operations and airline management.
You’ll develop skills in leadership, adaptability and self-reliance. You’ll also study operational and sustainable management, strategic concepts and theories.
Our practical training partner Heli Air Ltd offers modular training, including the ATPL (H)/IR ground school, turbine ratings, twin turbine ratings and the flight instructor rating. Courses can be completed in 14 months, giving you the CPL(H) qualification. Additional fees are paid by module.
Heli Air Ltd operates one of the most modern and reliable fleets of training aircraft in the world. The fleet includes the world's first Glass Cockpit Robinson R22, which features some systems similar to those found in modern large commercial helicopter flight decks, including EPIS, AHRS and GNSS instruments.
On successful completion of this course, and following completion of your external flight training, you will obtain a recognised UK Honours degree and qualify for a ‘frozen’ Airline Transport Pilot Licence. Once you have completed the required professional experiences, the frozen prefix will be dropped.
What are the course entry requirements?
Our offers usually require a minimum of 96 UCAS points. You also need at least two A-levels and a GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4.
Mature students with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
All students will require at a minimum a Class II Medical in order to undertake their PPL solo, those students wishing to undertake Commercial training will need to gain a Class I Medical prior to enrolling with their selected ATO. Further information on the requirements of Class I and II Medicals, including approved AME's, can be found on the CAA website.
For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.
Course Modules
Module Map
This module map provides a list of the modules that make up your course.
Each module is worth a specified number of credits (typically either 15 or 30 credits for undergraduate courses). Compulsory (or ‘core’) modules cover key subject knowledge, while ‘option’ modules enable you to develop your own interests. For a full-time course you must take modules worth a total of 120 credits at each level of the course. The number of option modules you can take depends on the number of compulsory modules at each level. You can find more information about how your course is structured via the Academic Advice pages.
Our teaching is informed by research and employer requirements, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the subject area. In addition, where we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an option module, this may not be offered. If an option module does not run, we will advise you as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
The modules available on this course are as follows:
Year 1 Modules
- Developments of the Air Transport Sector
- Professional Skills and Development
- Air Transport - Security and Safety
- Airline Management
- Airport Operations
- Management, Leadership and Change
- Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Practical Training (H)
- Private Pilot Licence (PPLH) Theory
- Structure of the Air Transport Industry
- Airline Crisis and Continuity Management
Year 2 Modules
- Air Law
- Aircraft General Knowledge
- Aircraft Performance and Planning
- Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) (optional)
- Communications
- General Navigation
- Human Performance and Limitations
- Instruments
- Meteorology
- Operational Procedures
- Principles of Flight: Aeroplanes
- Radio Navigation
Year 3 Modules
- Aviation Finance and Economics
- Aviation in the Global Context
- Business and Enterprise (optional)
- Human Factors as a Fundamental Concept in Aviation Safety
- Research Project (optional)
- Strategic Management
- Sustainability Management
Fees
How much does it cost
Full Time Home and EU, Academic Year 2020-2021: £9,250 per year
Full Time International, Academic Year 2020-2021: £12,500 per year
Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.
Questions about fees?
Contact our Enquiries Team:
0330 123 2023
advice@bucks.ac.uk
How do I apply?
For application details please visit bucks.ac.uk/applying-to-bucks
