Becoming a helicopter pilot in Belgium

For many people, flying is a dream. But becoming a helicopter pilot? That seems like a step too far for most. Too expensive, too difficult, too far removed from everyday life. Yet it’s more accessible than you think. In this article, we explain how to become a helicopter pilot in Belgium, what it costs, how long it takes, and where to start.

Two types of helicopter pilots

Before you start, it’s important to know what type of pilot you want to become. Because there are two paths.

The private pilot: The Private Pilot License for helicopters, abbreviated PPL(H), is the entry-level license. With this license, you may conduct private flights as a non-professional pilot, alone or with passengers, within Europe. You fly for pleasure, not for work.

The commercial pilot: The Commercial Pilot License for helicopters, or CPL(H) and ATPL(H), is the license for those who want to make flying their profession. Think of Search and Rescue, VIP transport, aerial photography, or becoming an instructor. The ATPL(H) is the highest level and opens the door to the most demanding professional assignments.

How do you get started?

The first step is always an introductory flight. There’s no theory or obligations involved yet. Just hop in and grab the control stick yourself. That gives you a real sense of what flying a helicopter feels like and whether it’s right for you.

At Toran, we also organize information sessions where you can learn everything about the training program. It’s free, no-obligation, and completely focused on your questions. For many people, this is the most logical first step before making a decision.

How does the training work?

The PPL(H) training consists of two parts: theory and practice.

Theory: You’ll take classes in navigation, meteorology, aviation law, aircraft knowledge, and human performance. The theory classes are held at Toran in Wevelgem and conclude with official EASA exams.

Practical: You’ll fly a minimum number of hours under the supervision of an instructor, followed by solo flights and an official skill test with an examiner. The training takes about a year on average, but that depends entirely on your availability and motivation. If you train intensively, you can finish faster.

How much does helicopter training cost in Belgium?

The cost of helicopter training is the big question for many people. It is an investment, to be honest. The exact price depends on the number of flight hours you need, the type of helicopter, and the pace at which you complete the training.

For a PPL(H), you can generally expect to pay between 25,000 and 40,000 euros, including ground school, flight hours, and exams. That may sound like a lot, but it’s comparable to other professional aviation training programs and is an investment that will serve you for a lifetime.

For the CPL(H), the costs are higher, but Toran guides you to international partner schools where this training is offered under the best conditions.

How old do you have to be to become a helicopter pilot?

For the PPL(H), you can start the theory and flight lessons at any time. You can take your solo flight starting at age 16, and you’ll receive your license starting at age 17. There is no maximum age.

Different age requirements apply for the CPL(H), which you should discuss during an information session at Toran.

What makes Toran the right choice?

Toran is Belgium’s largest helicopter school. That means not only more aircraft and more instructors, but also greater flexibility in scheduling, more experience with diverse student profiles, and a network that extends beyond the classroom.

Our students receive personalized guidance from their very first flight through to the practical exam. We know our students by name and adapt the pace to their individual rhythm.

In addition, through Toran Travels, Toran offers trainee pilots the opportunity to fly over Norway, Ireland, or the South of France. Because training is about more than just clocking in lesson hours.

Ready to take the first step?

You don’t have to make a big decision today. Start small.

Book an introductory flight and experience for yourself what it’s like to fly a helicopter. Or stop by for an information session and ask all your questions with no obligation.

The dream starts with one step. And you can take that step today.