CPL Helicopter study plan

Diagram the helicopter airframe, rotor system, and powerplant, labelling major components and describing their functions

Explain how cyclic, collective, and anti-torque pedals produce control inputs and how each affects rotor thrust and torque

Calculate and interpret translational lift, dissymmetry of lift, and retreating blade stall using standard rotor aerodynamics

Identify common helicopter systems (fuel, electrical, hydraulic, lubrication) and state their normal operating parameters

Analyse the four forces in hover, climb, and autorotation, and explain how each changes with airspeed and density altitude

Compute hover ceiling, service ceiling, and range/endurance using a provided performance chart

Derive and apply the load factor formula in level turns and explain retreating blade stall entry conditions

Complete a weight-and-balance calculation for a given helicopter and verify the centre of gravity falls within limits

List the key CPL helicopter privileges, limitations, and recency requirements from the applicable regulations

Outline the operational procedures for pre-flight, departure, en-route, and arrival phases, including fuel and alternate planning

Describe emergency procedure structure (memory items vs. checklist items) and the correct sequence for engine failure at the hover

Explain the documentation required for a VFR helicopter flight and the conditions for operating under special VFR

Interpret METAR, TAF, and area forecasts to extract wind, visibility, cloud, and significant weather for a planned route

Explain the formation of fog, thunderstorms, and icing, and state the helicopter-specific hazards each presents

Plot a VFR cross-country route on a chart, calculate true heading and groundspeed using wind triangle techniques

Convert between true, magnetic, and compass headings, and apply variation and deviation correctly

Integrate performance, weight-and-balance, and weather data to produce a complete flight plan for a given scenario

Apply fuel reserve and alternate requirements to compute minimum fuel for the planned route

Identify airspace classes, entry requirements, and helicopter-specific operating rules for each class

State the rules for carrying passengers, night operations, and operating near congested areas

Describe the effects of hypoxia, hyperventilation, spatial disorientation, and fatigue on pilot performance, and list countermeasures

Explain the decision-making models (e.g., DECIDE, 3P) and apply one to a helicopter emergency scenario

Outline the procedures for autorotation, tail rotor failure, and engine fire, including the actions and the order of priority

Identify human factors that contribute to helicopter accidents, such as complacency and get-there-itis, and propose mitigations

Use standard radiotelephony phraseology for ground, tower, approach, and en-route communications in VFR and IFR contexts

Distinguish between distress and urgency calls and state the correct priority and format for each

Describe the operational procedures for departure, arrival, and emergency communications, including lost-communication actions

Practice reading back clearances and confirming altitudes, headings, and frequencies without error

Complete a full-length mock examination under timed conditions and score each domain

Identify the two weakest domains from the mock and review the underlying concepts

Re-test the weak domains with a focused question set and achieve at least 80%

Summarise key formulas, regulations, and emergency procedures into a one-page revision sheet