What is a Helisurface Authorisation?

A Helisurface authorisation allows pilots to land helicopters off airport within France or its territorial waters. Whether for operational, training, or private use, securing approval from the Préfecture de Police is essential to ensure compliance with aviation safety regulations (Direction des Usagers et des Polices Administratives/Sous-Direction des Déplacements et de l’Espace Public/Bureau de la Réglementation et de la Gestion de l’Espace Public). The application process involves demonstrating sufficient flight experience and providing supporting documentation.

Helisurface Applications Simplified by Helitrax SLU

If you’re looking to apply for a Helisurface authorisation with the Préfecture de Police, Helitrax SLU can streamline the process for you. While it is possible to submit your own application directly to the authorities free of charge, our expert team offers a convenient, chargeable service to handle the application on your behalf—ensuring all details and documents meet the required standards before submission.

Apply for your helisurface PERMIT today

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Minimum Flight Hours Required

Pilots must have logged at least 300 flight hours to qualify for a Helisurface authorisation. If you have more than 70 hours but less than 300 hours, Helitrax SLU can arrange accredited theoretical and practical training to meet the application requirements – get in touch for more details.

Why Use Helitrax SLU’s Service?

Applying for a Helisurface authorisation can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Helitrax SLU simplifies this by handling the application for you and ensuring all required details and documents are correctly prepared before submission. Our service includes:

Pre-application assessment

  • Review your qualifications and documentation to confirm eligibility.

Document collation & verification

  • Ensuring all paperwork meets the Préfecture de Police’s requirements, reducing the likelihood of significant delays or rejections.

Application submission & tracking

  • Managing the entire process with the authorities on your behalf.

Entrusting your application to Helitrax SLU will save you time and minimise administrative stress.

How to Apply Through Helitrax SLU

Getting started is simple:

QUICK SIGN UP

CLICK HERE to register for our website. Once signed up, log in to your account and follow the HELISURFACE APPLICATION link in MY SERVICES.

DOCUMENT VERIFICATION

Once we have your application and supporting documentation, we will verify and ensure all paperwork meets the Préfecture de Police’s requirements. Incomplete or incorrect documents can significantly delay the issuance of the Helisurface Permit.

Application Submission

We will send you an invoice for our services and submit the completed application to the Préfecture de Police and monitor progress. Once approved, your Helisurface Approval Certificate will be sent directly to you.

Processing time

Helitrax SLU aim to submit your application within 1 working day once all required documents and payment has been received.

The Préfecture de Police are currently quoting processing times between 20 days and 2 months, depending on any further enquiries that are required.

Start Your Application Today

If you meet the 300-hour flight requirement or need additional training to qualify, Helitrax SLU is here to help. Our familiarisation with Helisurface requirements means your application will be handled professionally and efficiently. While you can apply directly, our service is designed to save you time and effort, giving you peace of mind that everything is correctly submitted.

Contact us today to discuss training options if required, or click below to start your application and take the next step towards securing your Helisurface authorisation.

Start Application

Helisurface application FAQs

The minimum fee is €262, inclusive of IGI (Andorran VAT). If there are several enquiries required for your case, there may be a further charge.

No, the Préfecture de Police will make their own enquiries and decision on the issuance of your permit; we ensure that the Préfecture de Police receive the correct information, in the correct format and answer any further requests.

You will receive an email copy of your permit, which will be delivered to the email address registered with our online services account.

We usually receive approval in around 6 weeks, depending on the amount of correspondence with the authority – it can be quicker or sometimes longer.

A Helisurface Permit is valid for 3 years, subject to the validity of your licence and medical certificate.