Overview: What to Expect
The theory examination for the PPL(H) — the Private Pilot Licence for helicopters — is based in Switzerland on EASA regulation Part-FCL. You are examined using the ECQB (European Central Question Bank), which is provided by EASA and implemented nationally by BAZL. The examination is entirely computer-based (CBT, Computer-Based Testing) and takes place at examination centres accredited by BAZL.
For each of the nine subjects you need a minimum of 75% correct answers to pass. There is no overall average — each subject stands on its own.
The Nine Subjects in Detail
The following subjects must be completed under EASA Part-FCL for the PPL(H):
| Subject | Number of Questions (typical) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Air Law | 12 | 30 min |
| Human Performance | 12 | 30 min |
| Meteorology | 16 | 60 min |
| Communications (VFR) | 12 | 30 min |
| Principles of Flight – Helicopter | 12 | 30 min |
| Operational Procedures | 12 | 30 min |
| Flight Performance and Planning | 12 | 60 min |
| Aircraft General Knowledge – Helicopter | 16 | 60 min |
| Navigation | 12 | 60 min |
The exact question counts and time allocations are set by BAZL and may change occasionally. Consult the current examination regulations at bazl.admin.ch before registering.
In total, this amounts to approximately 120 questions across all subjects. The examination is typically administered in several sessions — you do not have to sit all subjects on the same day.
Multiple Choice: How the Questions Are Structured
Each question has four answer options, exactly one of which is correct. There are no penalty points for wrong answers — meaning: when in doubt, guess rather than leave blank.
The questions are drawn directly from the ECQB pool. This pool is not public, but commercial learning platforms (including Aero.Academy) replicate it very accurately based on memorisation feedback from candidates. Expect to encounter familiar question structures in their original wording, though the distractors (incorrect answers) may vary.
Registration and Prerequisites
Before you can register with BAZL for the theory examination, you must:
- Be enrolled at an ATO (Approved Training Organisation) or DTO (Declared Training Organisation)
- Submit a course completion certificate from your training organisation
- Be at least 16 years of age (for the examination itself; licence issuance from age 17)
Registration is handled via the BAZL portal. Fees per subject are currently in the range of CHF 30–50 per examination session plus a base fee — the exact rates can be found in the BAZL fee regulations.
Pass Mark and Retakes
You have 18 months from the first subject passed to complete all nine subjects. If you do not manage this, all previously passed subjects lapse and you must start again from the beginning.
Per subject you have a maximum of four attempts per sitting and a total of no more than six sittings to complete all subjects. Beyond this limit, a further course of theoretical instruction is mandatory.
After passing all subjects, you have 24 months to complete the practical PPL(H) examination (Skill Test). After this period, the theory credits lapse.
Procedure on Exam Day
- Arrive 30 minutes before the start of the examination at the examination centre.
- Bring: a valid official identity document (national ID or passport), your registration confirmation, and permitted aids (see below).
- Login procedure at the examination PC: you will receive login credentials on-site.
- Tutorial: Before each subject there is a brief introduction to the examination software (this does not count towards your time).
- Working through the exam: You can flag questions, navigate back, and change answers as long as time permits.
- Result: You will normally see your result immediately after submission, or at the latest within a few days in the BAZL portal.
Permitted Aids
- Navigation plotter and ruler
- Flight computer (E6B or electronic, without memory function)
- Non-programmable calculator
- For Navigation: ICAO chart of Switzerland (sometimes provided)
Not permitted: mobile phone, smartwatch, personal notes, programmable calculators.
Tips for Exam Day
- Sleep before Coms and Meteo: These subjects are dense and time-intensive — you need concentration.
- Time management: In Navigation and Flight Performance you have approximately five minutes per question. In pure knowledge subjects such as Air Law you have 2.5 minutes — that is more than enough if you have studied.
- Use the flag function: Flag unclear questions, move on, and return at the end. Do not lose time on a single question.
- Read the distractors carefully: In ECQB questions one answer is often obviously correct and one obviously wrong. The decision comes down to the two remaining options — read carefully.
- English vocabulary: The examination is written in English. Technical vocabulary such as "ceiling", "QNH", and "translational lift" must be second nature to you.
- Do not over-study: In the 24 hours before the examination, study nothing new — only review weak areas.
After the Examination
Once all nine subjects have been passed, BAZL will issue you a confirmation that you need to register for the Skill Test. Keep this document safe — you will need it at every subsequent step in your aviation career.