Air 1
To be rewritten/worked by new owner
Helicopter SOPs can be found in the main handbook. Helicopter Pilot Training & Certification Guide
1. Introduction
This document outlines the official training process for all LSPD helicopter pilots. The program is designed to ensure pilots are competent in aircraft handling, ATC communication, emergency procedures, and operational readiness before receiving full certification. All trainees must complete each phase successfully before progressing to the next.
PHASE 1 – Basics of Flight
Objective: Introduce the trainee to helicopter controls, stable flight, and ATC communication procedures.
Training Requirements:
Lift off and maintain stable controlled flight and demonstrate understanding of cockpit controls.
Maintain safe and appropriate altitude whilst successfully communicating with ATC.
Follow instructor guidance at all times.
Instructor Notes:
If the trainee appears nervous or overwhelmed, move operations over open water where emergency landing risk is reduced. Allow the trainee time to become comfortable with hover control and directional adjustments.
Once confidence improves, conduct landing practice at:
LSIA (Los Santos International Airport), Sandy Shores Airfield (SSA) or another large runway with wide landing space.
Completion Standard: Trainee must demonstrate safe takeoff, controlled flight, ATC communication, and a stable landing.
PHASE 2 – Multi-Airfield Operations
Objective:
Ensure the trainee can independently operate between airfields and conduct proper approach procedures.
Training Requirements:
Perform unassisted takeoff, navigate to a designated airfield assigned by the instructor, properly contact ATC, request landing clearance correctly, line up appropriately with the runway or designated landing zone and conduct a safe landing.
Training Scope:
Conduct landings at all major Los Santos airfields.
Complete a route that loops back to LSIA.
Completion Standard:
Trainees must demonstrate consistent control, proper communication, and safe approach alignment at multiple locations.
PHASE 3 – Emergency Procedures & Engine Failure Simulation
Objective:
Test decision-making and emergency response under simulated failure conditions.
Scenario:
Trainee departs from LSIA, while in flight, the instructor announces that the intended landing location will be Grapeseed Airfield, mid-flight, instructor calls for simulated engine failure. The trainee must:
Declare a MAYDAY to ATC and demonstrate proper emergency glide procedures.
Maintain aircraft control and execute a controlled emergency landing.
Important Notes:
Some aircraft may have anti-engine shutdown protections that prevent full simulation.
If engine shutdown fails:
The instructor must verbally test the trainee’s emergency knowledge.
Trainees must explain correct real-world emergency handling steps.
Completion Standard:
The trainee demonstrates composure, communication clarity, and safe emergency landing technique.
PHASE 4 – Final Examination
Objective:
Evaluate full operational readiness.
Exam Format:
Minimum 30-minute flight with minimal instructor prompting.
Multiple landings at different airfields.
Extended flight time between landings.
Adherence to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Evaluation Criteria:
Aircraft control and smooth handling with ATC communication accuracy.
Proper altitude, airspace awareness with safe and consistent landings.
Emergency knowledge retention and professional radio discipline.
Certification & Licensing
Upon successful completion of all phases:
Temporary pilot status is revoked.
Full PD Helicopter Pilot Certification is granted.
Certification must be logged in the Info Hub system.
Pilots must be informed of which aircraft they are certified to operate. Pilots are only authorized to fly aircraft they are certified for.
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