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Helicopter Night Flight Training in Aix-en-Provence
Get your night rating with Rotor Club Aixois.
Are you a helicopter pilot looking to extend your privileges? The helicopter night rating lets you fly safely after sunset. Rotor Club Aixois, based at Aix-les-Milles aerodrome, offers comprehensive training in line with European regulations (PART-FCL.810), delivered by experienced instructors.
Why take helicopter night flight training?
- Live the unique experience of flying under the stars.
- Develop your navigation and safety skills.
- Gain new privileges on your PPL(H) pilot licence.
- Progress in a professional, friendly environment in Aix-en-Provence.
Requirements for the night rating
To enrol in our programme, you must:
- Hold a Private Pilot Licence – Helicopter (PPL(H)).
- Have logged at least 100 flight hours since obtaining your licence, including 60 hours as pilot-in-command and 20 hours of navigation.
- Hold a valid class 1 or 2 medical certificate.
Helicopter night flight training programme
Theory training — 5 hours
Our classes cover all the necessary fundamentals:
- Principles and physiology of night flying (vision, fatigue, disorientation).
- Night meteorology and specific risks.
- On-board equipment and lighting.
- Aeronautical regulations specific to night VFR flight.
- Night flying and navigation techniques.
- Emergency procedures in degraded conditions.
Practical training — minimum 15 flight hours
- 10 hours of instrument flight (or 5 hours if you already hold an aeroplane IR).
- 5 hours of night flying, including 3 hours dual, 1 hour of navigation and 5 supervised solo circuits.
The programme covers: night take-offs and landings, instrument exercises and failure management, local and cross-country navigation, circuit flying and supervised solo flights.
Organisation and instructional follow-up
- Training can be completed in 6 months maximum.
- Personalised support from a dedicated instructor.
- Briefings and debriefs before and after every flight.
- Student progress logbook to track your development.
Rating validation
At the end of the training, and once you've successfully completed your solo flights and assessments, Rotor Club Aixois issues an official certificate allowing the night rating to be added to your helicopter pilot licence.
Frequently asked questions about night flying
How long does it take to get the night rating?
Allow 2 to 3 months on average, with training completable in 6 months maximum depending on your availability: 5 hours of theory and a minimum of 15 hours of practical flying.
Can I carry passengers at night once I've got the rating?
Yes, the night rating lets you carry passengers after sunset, under your PPL(H) licence. During training, solo circuits remain supervised from the ground by an instructor.
What are the prerequisites to start this training?
You must hold a PPL(H), have logged 100 flight hours including 60 as pilot-in-command and 20 of navigation, and hold a valid class 1 or 2 medical certificate.
Does the night rating expire?
No, once obtained, the helicopter night rating isn't subject to a specific periodic renewal — it stays attached to your PPL(H) licence for as long as that licence remains valid.
What's the difference between night flying and the instrument rating (IR)?
Helicopter night flying remains visual flight (VFR), suited to clear weather after sunset. The instrument rating (IR(H)) is a separate, more advanced qualification that allows flying in degraded weather or without outside visual references.