• Study mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: Three Years
  • Start Date: September 2021

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 Twenty years of Aviation education logoa 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?

A typical offer will require a UCAS Tariff score between 96 - 120. 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. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

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 2021-2022: £9,250 per year

Full Time International, Academic Year 2021-2022: £13,750 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

Teaching team

Employability

What are my career prospects

Having finished this programme of study and all the associated air-training modules, you’ll be the proud owner of a Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence and a frozen ATPL(H). You’ll be fully qualified to find employment as a helicopter pilot and once you meet the relevant professional experience criteria, the ‘frozen’ prefix will be dropped.

You’ll also have developed a wider understanding of the airline business and be able to pursue a variety of different careers within the aviation industry.

How will you help me prepare for my future?

Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. Our modules and teaching expertise will help you become more independent as a learner and more certain of your discipline expertise.

We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employment pages to find out more.

Aviation-specific blog

Some of our aviation students have produced an aviation-specific blog. Why not check it out! Please note that the views expressed within the blog are the views and opinions of our aviation students and not those of the University.

The Big Deal

At Bucks, we believe in putting our students first. That’s why our Students’ Union have developed our exclusive ‘Big Deal’ package. We’re the only university in the UK to offer free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities – all to enrich the university experience.

We offer FREE events and entertainment, additional skills workshops, sports, recreational activities, societies and paid student rep schemes. All at one of the top 10 Students’ Unions in the UK.  It’s a big deal!

We are proud that our exciting and dynamic students’ union is ranked in the top three in the UK for representing student’s academic interests (NSS 2020). It’s a big deal!

Want to find out more? Visit our Students’ Union page or watch our video.

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