Certified helicopter flight training in Italy for private and professional pilots.. Hoverfly offers PPL(H), IR(H), Type Rating, Hour Building and AELP English language assessment, delivering structured aviation training in compliance with approved standards.
Tailored Excellence in Executive Aviation
Our helicopter training academy, based in Bellizzi (Salerno), is an ENAC certified Approved Training Organization (ATO IT.ATO.0098). We provide professional pilot training in full compliance with European aviation standards, ensuring high-quality instruction, safety and operational excellence.
Our training academy offers a complete range of helicopter pilot training programs, designed for both aspiring and professional pilots. Each course is structured to meet EASA standards, combining theoretical knowledge, practical flight training and operational experience.
The PPL(H) course leads to the Private Pilot Licence Helicopter, qualifying you to act as pilot-in-command for private operations and representing the first step toward a future professional flying career.
Hoverfly Academy provides Type Rating and IR(H) training courses, designed to qualify pilots for specific helicopter types and support licence revalidation and renewal.
Hoverfly is an official center for the AELP – Aviation English Language Proficiency Test, equivalent to the TEA exam, required for ICAO and EASA compliance.
The PPL(H) course leads to the Private Pilot Licence Helicopter, qualifying you to act as pilot-in-command for private operations and representing the first step toward a future professional flying career.
Training is conducted on the Robinson R22 Beta II, a widely used and highly effective training helicopter, under the supervision of qualified instructors. Courses take place at our base in Bellizzi, adjacent to Salerno Airport (LIRI), at Aviosuperficie Templare in Paestum, or at another agreed training location.
Enrollment is open from 16 years old, with the license obtainable from 17, subject to ENAC Class I or II medical fitness (Class II valid for PPL(H)). Before enrolling, students meet the Chief Instructor and may take a 30-minute dual-control trial flight. Required documents include ID, tax code, any aeronautical qualifications, a passport photo, and for minors, parental consent.
The program includes a theoretical course of at least 100 hours and a minimum of 45 flight hours, including 35 dual-control hours and 10 as pilot-in-command, with at least 5 hours of VFR navigation. Flight activities are scheduled by the School Office based on instructor and aircraft availability. The average duration of the course is 8 to 12 months, with theoretical exams to be completed within 18 months of the first session. Regular progress checks and a final theoretical assessment by the Chief Instructor ensure readiness for the exams.
Upon reaching the age of 17 and completing the minimum flight hours, students can take the final exams, preceded by a pre-exam skill test to verify practical readiness. After passing, the School Office handles exam booking and license issuance, including the delivery of a personal Logbook with recorded flights.
Summary for quick reference:
• Course fee: €23,000 + VAT
• Additional flight hours: €450/hour + VAT
• Theoretical make-up hours: €35/hour + VAT
• Includes study materials and welcome kit
• Excludes exam booking, medical, final exam, and examiner fees
• Personalized payment plans available on request
Enrollment is open from 16 years old, with the license obtainable from 17, subject to ENAC Class I or II medical fitness (Class II valid for PPL(H)). Before enrolling, students meet the Chief Instructor and may take a 30-minute dual-control trial flight. Required documents include ID, tax code, any aeronautical qualifications, a passport photo, and for minors, parental consent.
After completing the PPL(H) course, students may continue their training with CPL(H) and ATPL(H) courses to become commercial or airline pilots.
Our Training Academy also offers Type Rating and helicopter certifications for various models, allowing students to enhance professional skills and complete their training.
Thanks to the partnership with BNL BNP Paribas, students enrolled in ATPL(H) and CPL(H) courses at Hoverfly can apply for the BNL FUTURIAMO loan, designed to support investment in their professional future.
The loan can cover:
• Tuition fees
• Study materials
• Accommodation for non-resident students
• PC or tablet purchase
This makes the path to becoming a professional pilot more accessible.
Hoverfly Academy provides Type Rating and IR(H) training courses, designed to qualify pilots for specific helicopter types and support licence revalidation and renewal.
Led by experienced instructors, our programs ensure full compliance with EASA requirements, combining practical flight training and technical knowledge to maintain proficiency, safety and operational readiness.
We provide several Type Rating & Differences Courses as follow:
• AS350/EC130 series
• AS355 series
• AS365/EC155 series
• Bell 212/412 series
• AW109E/S/Trekker/SP
• AW139
Our IFR courses include:
Theoretical Ground Courses: Receive in-depth instruction on IFR procedures, regulations, and navigation techniques through interactive classroom sessions or Computer-Based Training (CBT).
Practical Flight Training: Gain hands-on experience in flying under IFR conditions using state-of-the-art flight simulators and real aircraft, under the guidance of our experienced instructors.
Scenario-Based Training: Practice decision-making and situational awareness in various simulated scenarios, preparing you to handle real-world IFR flights with confidence.
Instrument Rating Certification: Obtain the necessary qualifications and endorsements to operate under IFR conditions, including Instrument Ratings (IR) and proficiency checks.
Our Approved Training Organization (ATO) is fully equipped to guide you through the renewal process for your lapsed flight crew license. We offer a tailored refresher training syllabus designed to restore your operational currency, addressing both expired Class and Type Ratings in compliance with regulatory standards. From the initial technical assessment to the required ground school and flight instruction, our objective is to prepare you for the successful completion of your Proficiency Check, ensuring you return to the cockpit with the highest standards of safety and competence.
Hoverfly is an official center for the AELP – Aviation English Language Proficiency Test, equivalent to the TEA exam, required for ICAO and EASA compliance.
As an AFAN Certified Center (No. 180), we provide a reliable and flexible examination process with qualified examiners and dedicated support for pilots.
- Certified AELP examination center
- Three qualified examiners available
- Flexible exam scheduling
- Pre-exam training courses available (in-person and online)
The AELP test (or TEA) is an ENAC-recognized examination that assesses the spoken English proficiency of pilots and air traffic controllers to ensure safe communication in the aviation environment. Obtaining and maintaining English-language radiotelephony certification has been required by ICAO regulations since March 5, 2008.
Hoverfly is an AELP testing center recognized by AFAN (Associazione di Formazione Aeronautica e Navale) and offers a test mainly focused on English-language communications, assessing both listening comprehension and communicative ability.
The exam is conducted by one of our certified examiners, lasts approximately 25–30 minutes, and is divided into three parts:
Introductory questions: a few minutes of conversation on everyday topics, mainly related to the candidate’s work.
Listening comprehension: the first part involves listening to 10 messages to be understood and repeated or explained; this is followed by a fill-in-the-gaps exercise using a provided text, where the missing words must be inserted according to the audio.
Photo-based conversation and discussion: candidates are asked questions related to two images depicting typical aeronautical situations; this is followed by a discussion on a specific aeronautical topic.
Each exam must be conducted in person and must be recorded.
The exam result will be communicated directly to the candidate through the issuance of the certificate. The waiting time for the result is approximately 10 days.
The candidate is assessed on six parameters (Pronunciation, Structure, Vocabulary, Fluency, Comprehension, Interaction), and a level from 1 to 6 is assigned for each parameter. To pass the exam, a minimum level of 4 is required in every parameter. The final (overall) level corresponds to the lowest level achieved and determines the validity of the certificate.
• Level 4 – Operational: 4-year validity
• Level 5 – Extended: 6-year validity
• Level 6 – Expert: unlimited validity
To approach the exam with optimal preparation and to improve English language proficiency in the aeronautical environment, Hoverfly offers in-depth training sessions and test simulations. Our staff is available for both in-person and online sessions to meet different needs. Lessons last 60 minutes and are tailored to the candidate’s specific requirements.
The test costs €200.00, is conducted in person, and includes direct issuance of the certificate approximately 10 days after the exam date.
Preparation lessons cost €150.00 per hour.
To take the AELP exam with us or to arrange in-depth training lessons, you can contact our Training Academy by email at training@hoverfly.it
Our staff is available to provide all the necessary information and to agree together on the most suitable training path.
The PPL(H) – Private Pilot Licence Helicopter allows you to fly as pilot-in-command for private operations. It is also the first step toward a future professional career, providing the foundation for advanced helicopter flight training.
Training is conducted on the Robinson R22 Beta II, a widely used helicopter for pilot training, under the supervision of qualified instructors at our approved training academy.
To enrol in the PPL(H) course, students must hold a valid ENAC Class I or Class II medical certificate. For the Private Pilot Licence Helicopter, a Class II medical is sufficient.
Required documents include a valid ID, tax code, passport photo, any existing aviation qualifications and, for minors, parental consent. Additional documentation may be requested during the enrolment process.
Yes, we offer a 30-minute trial flight with dual controls, together with an introductory meeting with the Chief Instructor, allowing prospective students to experience helicopter flight training before enrolling.
The PPL(H) training course generally takes between 8 and 12 months, depending on training frequency and student availability. Theoretical examinations must be completed within 18 months.
The course includes a minimum of 100 hours of theoretical instruction and 45 hours of flight training, including 35 hours in dual control and 10 hours as pilot in command, with at least 5 hours of VFR navigation.
Yes, students complete periodic progress checks throughout the course, followed by final theoretical and practical assessments before taking the official examination required for the licence.
The total cost of the PPL(H) course is €23,000 + VAT. Additional flight hours are charged at €450/hour + VAT, while theory catch-up lessons are available at €35/hour + VAT.
The course fee includes the necessary study materials and a welcome kit with useful training tools and academy gadgets.
The course fee does not include exam booking fees, medical examination costs, final exam fees or examiner charges, which must be covered separately by the student.
Yes, the School Secretariat can arrange personalised payment plans, allowing students to organise the course cost with greater flexibility.
After obtaining the Private Pilot Licence Helicopter, you can continue with advanced training paths such as CPL(H) and ATPL(H) to pursue a professional pilot career. Additional Type Ratings and helicopter-specific qualifications are also available.
Yes, financing solutions are available through the BNL FUTURIAMO loan, which can support course fees as well as related expenses such as study materials, accommodation and technology devices like a PC or tablet.