© Copyright 2003-2019 Heliflight UK Ltd
© Copyright 2003-2019 Heliflight UK Ltd
What’s it like to fly a helicopter?
Why not have a go?
You can have a trial flying lesson with one of our experienced flying instructors and experience the incredible sensation of flying a helicopter.
It’s a fabulous experience and counts towards your flight training if you wanted to become a helicopter pilot at a later date.
Your flying lesson will take place in a Robinson Helicopter. An R22 is a two-seater training helicopter and is ideal if just you and your instructor want to fly. If you want to bring a friend along you’ll want a lesson in a bigger R44 Helicopter.
Cruising across the countryside in a helicopter is the ultimate way to travel. The views are tremendous with windows that are much bigger than an aeroplane. The wonderful thing, of course about a helicopter is that it can hover. This means that you can stop and take your time looking at things from the sky. On a Heliflight Pleasure flight your pilot is at your service. This is the ultimate way to travel and a pleasure flight is the ultimate way to experience the excitement of being in a helicopter.
Where would you like to go? Heliflight offer standard 30,45 and 60 minute flights, so you can choose the length of flight to suit you. Perhaps you might want to fly over your house give us a call to see if this is possible. There’s also a choice of type of helicopter depending on how many people you want to come with you.
The lesson begins with a pre-flight briefing that covers safety, a brief overview of how a helicopter flies and what you’ll be doing on the flight. You’ll also decide where you would like to go. Perhaps you might want to fly over your house?
You’ll sit in the captain’s seat on the right and be introduced to the controls and instruments. With your safety belt on sit back and relax as your instructor starts the helicopter’s engine and makes some pre-flight checks. Then you put your headset on so you can talk with your instructor while you fly.
Next is the defining moment that keeps helicopter pilots coming back time after time, Vertical take-off and hovering. Suspended in the air, five foot off the ground, is a magical experience guaranteed to make you smile.
Your instructor will fly the helicopter across the airfield climbing gently while you get a feel for being in this exciting aircraft. Once away from the airfield you’ll be invited to have a go. There is no pressure and you can hand back control at any time, so it’s worth having a try. Your instructor is on hand to assist when needed.
When you come back to the airfield you’ll get an opportunity to impress your friends and relatives watching on the ground as you prepare to hover, remember your instructor is there to help out, so enjoy the experience.
After your lesson you’ll be presented with a certificate to mark your first steps into the world of flying helicopters.
Remember to bring a camera, taking photographs is positively encouraged. It’s also worthwhile wearing comfortable cloths. On sunny days the cockpit can get quite warm.
You can book a trial flying lesson for 30 minutes, 45 minutes or an hour. This is from the moment the engine is turned on to the moment it is turned off. If you are booking an hour the total experience is likely to last 2 hours with the pre-flight briefing, de-briefing and photographic opportunities.
When you arrive at Heliflight relax in the lounge while we prepare your helicopter. Your pilot will talk to you about the flight, what you’ll fly over and are likely to see. You’ll also be given tips to keep you safe and comfortable while you’re flying.
Stepping into the helicopter you’ll put on headphones so you can talk to your pilot and your fellow passengers. The helicopter rises vertically from the ground to a gentle hover. It’s the greatest feeling. Now you’re picking up speed and soaring into the air, turning to leave the airport behind you, you’re on your way. With time to enjoy the tremendous views your pilot will point out interesting landmarks on the way. If you want a closer look: no problem. Your pilot can hover over the top of whatever takes your fancy.
Remember to bring your camera because you can take some spectacular pictures from the cockpit of a helicopter. You’ll probably be surprised how green the countryside looks from the air and of course you’ll want a picture of your house if that’s your chosen destination.
Now you’re heading back to the airport and soon descending to a gentle hover. Listen out for air traffic control as your pilot gets permission to land. If you also listen carefully you can hear the rotors making different noises as you descend. After hovering over the tarmac, the helicopter settles back down on the ground. Watch the rotors slow and come to a stop, then step out and take some photographs to remind you of your pleasure flight and the ultimate way to travel.
Pleasure flights are available in a four seater Robinson R44 helicopter, a five Seater Bell Jet Ranger Helicopter or a 6 seater AS350 Squirel Helicopter
© Copyright 2003-2019 Heliflight UK Ltd