HELICOPTERS

Type Rating

A practical guide to EASA helicopter type ratings: what each rating covers, how it is obtained, how long it remains valid and how it is revalidated or renewed.

OVERVIEW

What is a type rating?

A helicopter type rating authorises the pilot to operate a specific helicopter type. Unlike many light aeroplane privileges, helicopter privileges are generally type-specific.

The licence gives the level of pilot privilege, but the type rating determines which helicopter the pilot may actually fly.

Key point: For helicopters, do not assume broad class-rating logic. The helicopter type, variant, medical, recency and proficiency check status must all be correct.

HELICOPTER TYPE RATINGS

Helicopter type ratings explained

These are the main helicopter-specific rating or training blocks a pilot is likely to encounter.

SEH

Single-Engine Helicopter Type Rating

What it covers

For a specific single-engine helicopter type. In helicopters, privileges are type-specific rather than broad class ratings.

Typical use

Initial helicopter licence issue, private helicopter flying and basic commercial helicopter operations.

SPH

Single-Pilot Helicopter Type Rating

What it covers

For helicopter types operated by one pilot, subject to certification and operational requirements.

Typical use

PPL(H), CPL(H), private and many commercial single-pilot operations.

MPH

Multi-Pilot Helicopter Type Rating

What it covers

For helicopter types or operations requiring two pilots and multi-crew procedures.

Typical use

Offshore, HEMS, transport, large turbine helicopters and advanced commercial roles.

MEH

Multi-Engine Helicopter Type Rating

What it covers

For multi-engine helicopters. The rating is tied to a specific multi-engine helicopter type.

Typical use

Professional helicopter operations, advanced utility, offshore and transport pathways.

VARIANTS

Variant Differences within a Type

What it covers

Differences or familiarisation between variants of the same helicopter type.

Typical use

Different avionics, engines, mission equipment or operational configurations.

TR + IR

Type Rating with IR(H) Privileges

What it covers

For IFR helicopter operations where instrument privileges are trained and checked with the relevant type.

Typical use

IFR commercial helicopter operations, offshore, HEMS or multi-pilot roles.

ISSUE, VALIDITY AND RENEWAL

Requirements for each type rating

Each rating or training block has a different regulatory logic. Some are type ratings, some are endorsements, and some are course completions or operator-specific requirements.

Single-Engine Helicopter Type Rating

A specific type rating for a single-engine helicopter.

TO OBTAIN

Hold or train towards LAPL(H), PPL(H), CPL(H) or ATPL(H).
Complete approved theoretical and flight training for the helicopter type.
Pass the skill test on the relevant helicopter type.

VALIDITY

Normally valid for 12 months.
Privileges are limited to the helicopter type endorsed.
Variant differences may require extra training.

REVALIDATION

Pass a proficiency check within the required period before expiry.
Complete the required recent experience on the relevant type where applicable.
Keep medical and licence privileges valid.

RENEWAL

If expired, complete assessment and refresher training as required.
Pass a proficiency check on the relevant type.
Training required depends on time since expiry and recent helicopter experience.

Multi-Pilot Helicopter Type Rating

A helicopter type rating for operations requiring multi-crew procedures

TO OBTAIN

Hold the required helicopter licence level.
Complete MCC(H) or equivalent multi-crew training where required.
Complete approved type-rating ground, simulator and/or flight training.
Pass the multi-pilot type-rating skill test.

VALIDITY

Normally valid for 12 months.
May include IR(H) elements if trained and checked under IFR.
Operator training and recurrent checks usually apply.

REVALIDATION

Pass recurrent proficiency check before expiry.
Complete operator recurrent training where applicable.
Maintain Class 1 medical for commercial privileges.

RENEWAL

If expired, complete ATO/operator assessment.
Complete refresher training based on time since expiry and experience.
Pass the required proficiency check.

Multi-Engine Helicopter Type Rating

A type-specific rating for a multi-engine helicopter

TO OBTAIN

Hold the appropriate helicopter licence.
Meet prerequisites for the multi-engine helicopter type.
Complete approved type-rating training, including systems, performance and emergencies.
Pass the skill test.

VALIDITY

Normally valid for 12 months.
Limited to the specific helicopter type and variants endorsed.
May be single-pilot or multi-pilot depending on the aircraft and operation.

REVALIDATION

Pass a proficiency check before expiry.
Complete recurrent training if required.
Maintain associated IR(H) privileges where used.

RENEWAL

If expired, complete assessment, refresher training and proficiency check.
Additional simulator or aircraft training may be required.
Operator approval may be required before line operation.

PILOT PATHWAY

Where each type rating normally appears

STAGE	LIKELY CLASS RATING	WHY IT MATTERS
First helicopter licence	Initial single-engine helicopter type rating	The skill test normally gives privileges on the helicopter type used.
Professional training	Commercial helicopter type rating	CPL(H) privileges still require a valid type rating for the helicopter flown.
Advanced operations	Multi-engine or multi-pilot helicopter type rating	Needed for larger, more complex or two-pilot operations.
IFR operations	Type rating plus IR(H)	IFR operations require valid instrument privileges linked to the aircraft and operation.

REGULATORY BASIS

Check the current rules before acting

Last reviewed: 8 July 2026

This page is based on EASA Part-FCL Subpart H for type ratings, including FCL.720.H, FCL.725, FCL.740 and FCL.740.H, plus the official EASA Helicopter Type Rating and Licence Endorsement List.