Do I need a visa to study in the Czech Republic?

EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa. Students from outside the EU usually apply for a long-term visa or residence permit for study or business. We provide the documentation and invitation letters you need for the application.

Can I train if I have never flown before?

Yes. PPL(H) is designed for beginners. You start with a discovery flight, then build basic handling, navigation, emergency procedures and solo flying under instructor supervision.

How good does my English need to be?

You need to be comfortable reading, writing and speaking English at a technical level. The ICAO Language Proficiency Level 4 test focuses on pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interaction. We help you prepare.

Can I convert my FAA or UK CAA licence to EASA?

Yes. Holders of non-EASA licences can convert to an EASA licence through a credit process. We review your logbook and create an individual plan covering the required theory, flight hours and skill test.

Is the PPL(H) really valid in all EU countries?

Yes. An EASA PPL(H) issued by any EASA member state is valid throughout the entire EASA area. You can fly EASA-registered helicopters, add ratings and continue professional training in any EASA country.

What is the total PPL(H) cost in Europe compared to Czechia?

Training costs in the Czech Republic are generally lower than in the UK, Germany, France or Scandinavia because labour, fuel, hangar and airport fees are lower. The EASA standard itself is identical, so the licence has the same value across Europe.

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EASA helicopter training in Czechia

Get Your EASA Helicopter Licence in Czechia.

A clear, practical guide for international students who want to train for a PPL(H) in the Czech Republic — from the first flight to a licence recognised across Europe.

EASA PPL(H) licence valid across Europe
Theory, flying and radio in English
Full-time in 3–5 months or modular pace
Competitive PPL(H) cost compared to Western Europe

Student pilots with a Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter during training in the Czech Republic

Seven steps

From Arrival to EASA Licence

Everything a foreign student needs to plan before starting helicopter training in the Czech Republic — transport, accommodation, medical, time, English, licence and budget.

1. Travel to Hradec Králové

Most international students fly into Prague (Václav Havel Airport, PRG). From there you have two easy options to reach our base in Hradec Králové: • Direct airport transfer: about 1 h 30 min by car. We can arrange a pickup. • Train: airport bus to Prague main station, then a direct train to Hradec Králové. The journey takes roughly 2.0–2.5 hours in total. Hradec Králové is a safe, medium-sized city in East Bohemia with a historic centre, modern amenities and low living costs.

2. Accommodation

We help students find a place to stay close to the airport. Typical options include: • Short-stay apartments or aparthotels — ideal for intensive courses. • Longer-term rentals — better value for students who train over several months. Expect monthly rent to be significantly lower than in Prague, Germany, the UK or Austria. Many students spend between €400–€700 per month on accommodation and everyday expenses.

3. Medical certificate (Class 2)

Before you can fly solo you need an EASA Class 2 medical certificate. You can obtain it in the Czech Republic at an approved Aero-Medical Centre (AeMC) or an authorised medical examiner. The examination usually takes half a day and includes vision, hearing, cardiovascular and general health checks. If you already hold a valid EASA Class 2 medical from another EASA state, it is automatically valid here.

4. Time commitment

PPL(H) requires a minimum of 45 flight hours, plus ground school and theory exams. The real timeline depends on weather, your availability and exam slots: • Full-time intensive: 2–5 months on average. • Modular / part-time: 6–12 months or longer, scheduled around your work. CPL(H) and advanced ratings build on the PPL(H) and require additional hours. We prepare a personalised schedule before you start.

5. English language

All training — ground school, flight briefings, radio communication and exams — can be conducted in English. You do not need to speak Czech. For an EASA licence you must hold ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 4 or higher. If you do not have it yet, we arrange the assessment in the Czech Republic during your course. Many examiners run English-language tests at short notice.

6. EASA licence issue

After passing the theory exams, flight training and the PPL(H) skill test, you apply for your EASA licence through the Czech Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The licence is issued under EASA standards and is valid across all EASA member states. You can then fly EASA-registered helicopters throughout Europe, convert to other ratings, or continue toward CPL(H) and FI(H).

7. Budget

The biggest cost drivers are flight hours, instructor time, theory exams, CAA fees and medical. Because operating costs in Czechia are lower than in Western Europe, your total budget for the same EASA licence is usually smaller. See the indicative budget below or read our full cost guide for a detailed, itemised breakdown. We invoice transparently by actual flight time — no hidden fuel surcharges.

Why Train With Lionheli

Lionheli is a helicopter-only flight school and operator based at Hradec Králové airport. We train, maintain, operate and support Cabri G2 helicopters every day.

Helicopter-only school

We do not train aeroplane pilots. Every instructor, every aircraft and every course is focused on rotary-wing aviation.

Modern Cabri G2 fleet

Train on a safe, fuel-efficient and current-generation trainer with glass cockpit options.

Real operational experience

Our instructors fly commercially, run mountain training, ferry aircraft and deliver Guimbal standardisation courses.

Transparent billing

Pay by the actual flight minute. No fuel surcharges, no mandatory large upfront blocks.

Lionheli Guimbal Cabri G2 training fleet at Hradec Králové

Lionheli hangar and maintenance base at Hradec Králové airport

PPL(H) Budget in Czechia — Indicative Guide

Prices in EUR and approximate. The exact total depends on your flying pace, weather, exam slots and accommodation choice. We prepare a personalised quote before you start.

Item	Indicative cost	Note
PPL(H) flight training (min. 45 h)	€21,000 – €24,000	Flight + instructor
Ground school & theory exams	€1,500 – €2,000	Materials, instruction, exam fees
Medical certificate (Class 2)	€200 – €400	Approximate, depends on AeMC
CAA licence & skill-test fees	€800 – €1,200	Authority and examiner fees
Accommodation & living (per month)	€400 – €700	Apartment, food, transport

Total indicative budget

A full-time PPL(H) student in Czechia should typically plan around €24,000 – €28,000 all-in, including flight training, medical, exams, CAA fees and modest living costs for 3–5 months. This is usually well below the total cost of the same EASA licence in Western Europe.

Read the full cost guide

Instructor briefing a student in a Guimbal Cabri G2 cockpit

What You Take Away

At the end of your PPL(H) course you receive an EASA Private Pilot Licence (Helicopters) that lets you fly EASA-registered helicopters, carry passengers and continue your training.

EASA PPL(H) valid across all EASA member states
ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 4 or higher
Single-piston helicopter type rating (e.g. Cabri G2)
Foundation for CPL(H), FI(H), night rating, mountain training, HESLO
Membership in the Lionheli / heli.spot pilot community

Frequently Asked Questions

Helicopter flying over Czech countryside during a training flight

Ready to Start Your EASA Helicopter Journey?

Tell us your timeline, prior experience and goals. We will put together a realistic plan, budget and schedule for your PPL(H) training in the Czech Republic.

or+420 296 212 100