ATPLH

ATPLH stands for Airline Transport Pilot Licence - Helicopter. It is the highest level of helicopter pilot licensing in many regulatory regimes, most notably under the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The licence authorizes the holder to act as pilot-in-command of helicopter operations conducted in airline transport service, including multi-crew operations, and is typically required for captains on scheduled and large rotorcraft operations. In other jurisdictions, a similar certification exists, such as the FAA’s Rotorcraft-ATP, which grants comparable authority to operate as captain of rotorcraft for scheduled air carriers.

Requirements and process: Pursuing ATPLH generally requires holding a helicopter commercial pilot licence (CPL-H) with an instrument rating, meeting medical standards (often Class 1 medical), and accumulating substantial flight experience. Candidates complete a theory examination syllabus covering topics such as aviation law, aircraft systems, aerodynamics, meteorology, flight planning and performance, human factors, and operational procedures. The theory component may be completed before or in parallel with practical training. After meeting flight-hour requirements and passing a skill test or check ride, the licence is issued. A “frozen” ATPL-H may be issued when theory and required credentials are complete but full privileges depend on meeting the flight-time requirement.

Privileges and limitations: An ATPLH holder may operate as captain in airline, charter, and other high-capacity rotorcraft operations, subject to the operator’s type rating, crew resource management requirements, and regulatory supervision.

See also: Airline Transport Pilot Licence, Helicopter, Rotorcraft-ATP, Aviation licensing.