CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- TYPES OF HELICOPTER EXPERIENCE
- WHO CAN HAVE A HELICOPTER FLIGHT EXPERIENCE?
- THE BEST PLACES FOR A HELICOPTER FLIGHT IN THE COUNTRY
INTRODUCTION
What’s so special about helicopters?
A helicopter is a flying machine with a particular set of skills that makes it the best and only choice in a wide range of aviation situations. Instantly recognisable by their profile, their movement and - of course - their spinning blades (which have earnt them the affectionate nickname Choppers), helicopters are a frequent sight in the skies above the UK.
You might think that flying by helicopter is a pretty exclusive gig, that you might only ever see them from the ground and never the other way around. In fact, the reality is very different. In this article, we’re going to break down the different kinds of helicopter flight experiences that are open to members of the public in the UK and recommend some of our favourites. But first, the basics.
How do helicopters work?
All aircraft can move in three dimensions, but it’s the helicopter’s mastery of vertical travel that sets it apart from aeroplanes and other aircraft. Helicopters are able to take off and land vertically, without the need for long runways, and to hover at a fixed position relative to the ground. But when they’ve got to cover ground, they can really move, with even basic models capable of top speeds of well over 100 miles per hour.
These features and more make helicopters the go-to craft for activities as diverse as landscape surveying, search and rescue operations, air ambulance services and new coverage. Other uses for helicopters include dunking water on wildfires, airlifting materials and supplies to remote locations and carrying personnel to hard-to-access sites such as oil rigs.
TYPES OF HELICOPTER EXPERIENCE
Sightseeing flights
Crowded streets, noisy buses, tired feet - sightseeing can be a real chore. But not if you’re in the cabin of a helicopter! Imagine looking out on a city skyline in one direction and a coastal panorama in the other; whizzing over fields and farms before stopping to hover above an impressive monument. Helicopters can fly lower and slower than planes and, without a nose which obstructs downward visibility, put the world at your feet.
Helicopter tours are available all over the country. They range from very short “buzz” flights of just 5 to 10 minutes long, which are more about the sensations than the scenery, to longer pleasure flights of 30 minutes, 45 minutes or an hour. Wherever you fly, you'll find that a helicopter gives you a completely new way of seeing the world. For an idea of the kinds of things that look extra spectacular from an aerial point-of-view, pass your eye over our article titled What’s worth seeing from a helicopter in the UK?
Trial Lessons
Enjoying the views isn’t all you can do in a chopper. It’s very simple for you, who - we suspect - has no previous aviation experience or qualifications - to fly a helicopter yourself. Many aviation schools run trial lessons, introductions to the science and art of piloting a helicopter. These sessions are led by qualified pilots with the training and experience to coach budding aviators to control the aircraft, using helicopters with dual controls. The pilot will take you through a briefing and pre-flight checks, then execute take off. During the flight, which could last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, they will allow you to take control of the helicopter.
We could have a go at describing what it’s like to fly a helicopter, but we wouldn’t be able to convey the details, subtleties and - of course - excitement of the reality of the experience. We wouldn’t be able, for example, to explain the counterintuitive fact that hovering, the act of staying still, is one of the most difficult skills to master. What we can do is actively encourage you to book yourself one of these experiences. It could be a one-off treat, a chance to try your hand at something you thought you might never do, or it could be a practical step on the road toward a goal you’ve set yourself - becoming a registered pilot.
The types of helicopter
Helicopters come in all shapes and sizes, each designed for a particular purpose or set of purposes. We’re interested in the kind in which you can experience a flight in. These are usually small to medium craft with 2, 4 or 6 seats for general aviation and/or sightseeing. Some common names that you’ll see come up time and again are Robinson and Bell, but other manufactures include Guimbal, Eurocopter, Hughes, and Schweizer. To learn more about the types of helicopter on British tarmac and how many people they can carry, see our article in which we answer the question: How many people can ride in a helicopter?
WHO CAN HAVE A HELICOPTER FLIGHT EXPERIENCE?
Anyone who wants one! A lot of people don’t realise, despite our best efforts, that helicopter flights form part of the rich tapestry of leisure experiences on offer in the United Kingdom. Airports with helipads are found throughout the country and, on top of that, recreational flights can operate from a range of locations outside airfields, such as race courses and sports fields.
None of the activities that we list on our website requires the participant to have any kind of licence or prior training. There are one or two things to be aware of. The first is age, as some helicopters aren’t suitable for very young children due to the kind of seating they have. In addition, though there’s no legal limit on who can take part in a trial lesson, most schools offer these to individuals from 14 years old and up. Then there’s weight. Payload and balance are important considerations in the planning of a flight in a helicopter and weighing more than 15 stone or 95 kilograms can rule out the smallest helicopters, such as the two-seat Robinson R22 as an option. In a chopper with four or more seats, a combined weight limit is usually listed. This might be around the 35 stone or 225 kilogram mark.
THE BEST PLACES FOR A HELICOPTER FLIGHT IN THE COUNTRY
If you’re keen to see a beautiful part of the country in an entirely new way, we recommend taking a helicopter flight in Devon. This is the only English county with two separate coastlines,and there are airfields with flight operators close to both, including the world-famous Jurassic Coast to the south. In addition, interesting whirly birds are available for flights here, including the Hughes 500, a manufacturer better known for military helicopters, as well as a German model, the Schweizer 300. You can browse all the options by clicking here.
Those of us who are more at home in the city than the country will find the helicopter tours they’ve been dreaming of in London. It’s possible to overfly this great city, following the River Thames, marvelling at the skyline and beating the traffic! A helicopter flight in London is a VIP experience, and you can get it for yourself by following this link.
East Sussex is a location that combines stunning views and top-tier training. Take a trial flight from Brighton Airport in Shoreham-by-Sea and you’ll enjoy panoramic views that stretch from the Solent to the Seven Sisters while learning to control the aircraft from some of the best pilots in the business. Sounds good? Find out more by clicking here.
For anyone who’s worried about bad weather putting paid to their planned flight, Tyne and Wear is an option. Not only are there pleasure flights here that take in the beauty of the landscape and coastline of Northumbria, but there’s also a flight simulation centre. The wide range of experiences to choose from are accurate recreations of real flights, but they’re completely weather-proof! Take a look at our selection of activities here.
Last but in no way least is Cumbria. As if the natural beauty of the Lake District National Park wasn’t enough to tempt you to come fly with us here, there’s a unique flying machine to experience in Cumbrian skies: a gyroplane. These small craft combine elements of helicopters and aeroplanes. Best of all, they have open cabins, so you can enjoy the lakes and peaks of this captivating landscape in the round. To find out more, click here.
That should be enough to get your motor running! Take a spin though our full catalogue of helicopter flights in the UK and choose the experience that appeals most to you.
