At the Rotor Awards Gala in Poland, the Helicopter National Team, consisting of pilots Tomasz Nowak, Sebastian Komosa, Bartosz Kończalski, Piotr Wilk, Jędrzej Wiler, were recently presented with FAI Gold Certificates of Proficiency. Additionally, Barbara Wilk and Mariusz Rubiś were honoured with FAI Bronze Certificates of Proficiency.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of Anna Kalata, an economist and former Minister of Labour and Social Policy, who presented the certificates to the deserving recipients. This event not only celebrated the achievements of these pilots but also highlighted the importance of recognising and encouraging excellence in rotorcraft.

The FAI Rotorcraft Certificate of Proficiency is a prestigious recognition awarded to helicopter pilots who have demonstrated exceptional capabilities, and who have reached or surpassed minimum requirements. It is a testament to the remarkable achievements of these pilots and their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of rotorcraft.

• Rotorcraft certificates information

After completing the formal applications, which were initiated and approved by the Observer and President of the FAI Rotorcraft Commission (CIG), Serafina Ogończyk-Mąkowska, the documents were then approved and processed by the Polish Aero Club before being sent to the FAI Secretariat.

Serafina Ogończyk-Mąkowska commented:

“I am delighted that the members of the Polish National Helicopter Team have been awarded with FAI Certificates of Proficiency. I urge all helicopter pilots to aim for meeting the rigorous requirements set forth by this certification. These certificates are a proof of the dedication and commitment demonstrated by pilots in their pursuit of excellence in their craft.”

Congratulations to all the honourees on their FAI Rotorcraft Certificate of Proficiency.

Gold Certificate of Proficiency

• A minimum of 600 hours total flight time, 400 of which as PIC.

In addition four of the following requirements must be met:

• Landing above 1 500 meters
• Licence rating on 4 different types of Rotorcraft
• Flight Examiner rating
• IFR rating
• Instructor rating
• Multi-engine rating
• Night rating
• Participation at three Category 1 events
• Continous flight exceeding two hours
• Holder of Bronze and Silver Proficiency Certificates

Bronze Certificate of Proficiency

• A Private Pilot's Licence, valid for rotorcraft, issued according to the regulations of ICAO and by a country member of FAI.
• A restricted Radio Telephony Licence in English Language.
• A minimum of 150 hours total flight time, at least 100 hours as a pilot-in-command.

In addition one of the following requirements must be met:

• Landing above 500 meters
• Licence rating on 2 different types of Rotorcraft
• Water crossing exceeding 10 minutes
• Flight Examiner rating
• IFR rating
• Instructor rating
• Night rating
• Participation at one Category 1 event
• Continuous flight exceeding one hour