UL rotorcraft in Germany: still exotic in the skies
According to the figures published in 2024 by the two responsible associations, DAeC (German Aero Club) and DULV (German Ultralight Flying Association), there are approximately 531 authorised UL helicopters and UL gyrocopters. By comparison, over 4,600 fixed-wing aircraft are registered in the UL segment. This means that UL rotorcraft are still in the minority - not least because of the significantly higher training costs and technical complexity.
But the fascination is great: UL helicopters allow real "hovering", i.e. hovering in the air, as well as vertical take-off and landing. UL gyrocopters score points for their robust flight behaviour, high wind resistance and low space requirement during operation - ideal for narrow landing sites or sporty flying.
Helicopter or gyrocopter? The differences at a glance
Both belong to the rotorcraft family - but differ considerably in technical terms:
- UL helicopter have a main rotor that is constantly driven by the engine. They work like their big brothers in police, rescue or film production. This enables precise manoeuvring in the tightest of spaces, including hovering or vertical take-off.
- UL portable screwdriver (gyrocopters), on the other hand, have a free-running rotor that is only driven briefly during the take-off phase - after which the rotor is set in rotation by the airstream. Propulsion is provided by a separate pusher propeller.
These differences are also noticeable in the training - both types require their own training programmes. SPL licences (Sport Pilot Licence), but are under the regulatory responsibility of the DAeC or DULV.
Theoretical training - identical for both licences
The theory lessons include at least 60 hours and can also be completed by distance learning. The subjects taught are
- Air law
- Navigation
- Meteorology
- Aircraft radio
- Human performance
- Behaviour in special cases
- General aircraft knowledge and technology
- Pyrotechnical briefing (for rescue system)
The theory test takes place as Multiple-choice test and is approved by the examination board of the training organisation. A radio operator's licence is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended for flying in controlled airspace.
Practical training for UL helicopters
The practical training includes at least 40 flying hoursof which:
- 10 hours in solo flight with at least 20 solo starts
- Take-offs and landings at various aerodromes
- 10 Field landing exercises with flight instructor
- 1 cross-country flight with flight instructor (150 km with stopover)
- 3 cross-country flights alone (at least 50 km in each case)
- Training for special flight conditions and emergency procedures
At the end there is a test flight with an examiner on board.
Practical training for UL portable screwdrivers
Here the minimum training is 30 hoursincluding:
- At least 5 hours in solo flight with 20 solo starts
- 150 take-offs and landings in total
- 10 hours with an instructor before the first solo
- Landing training at various airfields
- Field landing exercises with teacher
- 2 cross-country flights with instructor (200 km each with stopover)
- 3 solo cross-country flights (50 km each with stopover)
- Emergency procedures and special flight conditions according to the manual
Here, too, the final part of the training is a test flight.
Retraining for holders of other licences
Anyone who already holds a licence for fixed-wing aircraft (e.g. UL, PPL, LAPL), gliders or paragliders can Shortened theory and practical elements complete:
- Theory: Only type-specific content for gyroplanes or helicopters. The examination may be taken by the flight school's training supervisor.
- Practice: Complete practical training is still required. Some flying hours can be credited depending on the licence.
A detailed overview of crediting options can be found on the websites of DAeC and DULV.
What does the training cost?
Training costs vary greatly depending on the aerodrome, aircraft and flight school. Here are some average values:
UL gyroplane (complete training for pedestrians):
- Administration fee: approx. 800 €
- Theory lessons: approx. 750 €
- Flying hours: 165-220 €/h → 30 h ≈ 5,000-6,600 €
- Landings: 3-5 €/each → ≈ 450 €
- Teaching materials & cards: approx. 140 €
- Examination fees: approx. 180 €
- Total costs: approx. 10,300 to 12,000 €
UL helicopter:
- Administration, theory and examination fees as above
- Flying hours: approx. 500 €/h → 40 h = 20.000 €
- Total costs: from approx. 18,000 €, often more like 22,000-25,000 €
Medical examination (Medical):
- Medical fitness examination: 200-250 €
- Ophthalmologist (only for initial examination or visual fluctuations): 130-160 €
Prospects: More rotorcraft in the UL?
In 2024, only 44 new UL rotorcraft licences issued - a small number in comparison to fixed-wing UL training. This is due to the costs, but also to the limited number of flight schools with the appropriate equipment. Nevertheless, this area could develop more dynamically in the future, as modern gyrocopters and compact UL helicopters offer enormous flexibility - and fit in with the trend towards individual mobility with a high degree of personal responsibility.
Conclusion: Flying rotary wings - challenging but achievable
Whether gyrocopter or helicopter - the path to an UL licence in the rotorcraft segment is more demanding than for fixed-wing aircraft, especially financially. But it is feasible and offers a completely new flying experience. Anyone who is enthusiastic about the world of rotors will find the UL sector a fascinating entry point - with less bureaucracy than in the EASA world, but with plenty of practice and proximity to real flying.
Source references:
Aviation magazine