CPL(H) UK

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Most of the helicopter pilots on here are from the US, so you should try to find a flight school near you where they can give details that are applicable to the regulations and curriculum in your country. I will answer some of your questions as well as I can, but please check the details.

Cost
I don't think £25,000 will be nearly enough. It is about $50,000 - $60,000 in USD, and the UK will be more expensive. This school shows their hourly rate as £290 per hour.
http://www.london-helicopters.co.uk/trai...
I don't know if that is average or not, but it sounds about right. I believe the requirement in the UK is 155 hours: 155 x 290 = £44,950. This does not include books and materials, ground school, testing fees, instructor training, etc., etc.

Employment
I have no idea what the job requirements are in the UK. In the US, people typically work as a flight instructor to build flight experience. It usually takes 1000 hours to get an entry level job as anything but an instructor.

Medical Requirements
Your age shouldn't be a problem. Check here for medical information:
http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=...

Subjects
The school will teach you everything you need to know. This FAQ has a list of the basic knowledge areas you will cover:
http://www.pplmania.com/ppltrainer/commo...

Flight School Listings
Check here for flight schools in your area. Do some shopping around and research before choosing a school.
http://www.bestaviation.net/uk/

Also, many people come to the US to take advantage of lower costs. Schools like the one below offer programs for European certification:
http://www.heli.com/helicopter-programs/...

Forums
I don't know of any that are in the UK, but check the following:
http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads-23/
http://www.justhelicopters.com/home/jhfo...
http://www.verticalreference.com/

I hope this has been at least partially helpful. Again, it is difficult to answer some of your questions because the details will be different in each country. Good luck!
Source(s):
Helicopter Pilot/Instructor