Revalidation of Single Engine Helicopter Type Ratings up to 3’175 kg: new procedure starting 01.02.2025

As of 01.02.2025 helicopter pilots will have the choice of the following two revalidation procedures of their SEP and SET (under 3’175 kg) type ratings:

  • Current procedure: proficiency check and 2 flight hours as PIC on each type rating within the same group. For a SEP or SET group*, the respective proficiency check must be carried out alternately on one of the type ratings. For this procedure, please use form 61.525.
  • New procedure: within the validity period of the type rating, a flight experience of at least 6 hours as PIC on each type and within the 3 months immediately preceding the expiry date of the rating, a refresher training of at least 1 hour total flight time will be requested. For a group revalidation*, the refresher training shall be completed on one of the type ratings in alternation. This particular refresher training must be completed to the satisfaction of an instructor. The necessary flight exercises that allow the applicant to refresh his competence of a safe operation of the aircraft and his capability of applying normal, abnormal and emergency procedures shall be selected by the instructor. Applicants may choose to complete the refresher training on the aircraft, on a FSTD of the relevant type or a combination of both.
  • Handwritten entries into the licences by instructors are not permitted. To revalidate the rating(s) the fully completed form 61.521 must be sent via email to FOCA pel-qc@bazl.admin.ch.

*Please take note of the following conditions for group revalidations (as before):

  • Single engine piston (SEP): only certain type ratings can be revalidated as a group. For example: a group revalidation for a R22 is not possible (AMC1 FCL.740.H(a)(3)).
  • Single engine turbine (SET): a group revalidation for helicopters with a maximum certified take-off mass of up to 3’175 kg is only possible if you have 300 hours as PIC on helicopters and 15 hours on each of the types.

Further details can be found in Part FCL.740.H.