The Experience:
Your experience includes a briefing on flying techniques and safety before your flight in a dual controlled training helicopter, usually a Robinson R22. You'll also have the chance to take the controls, at the pilot's discretion, and pilot the aircraft under the expert supervision of your instructor.
Vital information:
Minimum age varies from 12-18 according to venue.Participants under 18 require parental consent. The Robinson R22 helicopter has a maximum passenger weight of 17 stone. Some venues may require you to bring name and address/photo identification on the day for security reasons.
The weather:
As with all flying experiences you will need to call a weather-check line on the day before, or on the morning of your flight. If the weather is unsuitable then you can reschedule your flight for another time.
Session length:
Your helicopter flight time is from engines-on to engines-off and varies from 25 to 30 minutes, depending on location. This is as well as the 30 minute safety briefing before your flight.
Numbers:
Your experience will be on a one-to-one basis. The only people aboard your aircraft will be you and a fully qualified pilot. Your briefing is likely to be shared.
Spectators:
Spectators are welcome. We recommend bringing a camera or binoculars along.
Dress code:
Wear loose, comfortable clothing, as the cockpit can get warm. Sunglasses are recommended all year round.
Availability:
Most centres operate seven days per week, subject to availability. Please note that weekends are particularly busy and should be booked at least four weeks in advance.
Other information:
Flying time can count towards a Private Pilot's Licence. To qualify for a PPL you will need a minimum of 45 hours dual control of which at least 10 hours must be solo. Some centres fly craft other than the R22 and therefore can accept a higher weight.
Locations:
Angus, Blackpool, Bristol, Cambridge, Coventry, Dorset, Guildford, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Leeds, Liverpool, Medway Towns, Milton Keynes, Northern Ireland, Northumberland, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Redhill, Sheffield, Slough, Uxbridge, Warwickshire, Watford, West Sussex.
