The Experience
Begin your adventure with a 20-minute briefing, ensuring you fully understand the basic aircraft safety checks, procedures and necessary ground and airborne emergency drills.
You will be introduced to the protocol for the dual controls of the helicopter. Since auto-pilot is not available, clarity on who has control at all times is crucial. You will also be informed about the Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and during your flight, you will assist your instructor in spotting other aircraft, just like a real co-pilot.
A member of the ground handling team will take you to the aircraft, where, after a photo opportunity, you will meet your instructor and take your seat in the helicopter. After final checks, you will experience the incredible feeling of vertical take-off and the euphoric sense of freedom as you see the landscape from a 360˚ viewpoint.
While you familiarise yourself with the new sensations of helicopter flight, your instructor will introduce you to the geography of the aerodrome and local area. Your instructor will decide when it is appropriate for you to take the controls and truly feel what it is like to live the dream and FLY! The lesson concludes with a hover challenge where you will try and maintain the Cabri G2 in a well-controlled hover for as long as possible.
Once landed, you will be escorted back to the Flying School where you will receive your certificate of achievement and will have the opportunity to purchase any photos or DVD footage of your lesson. This is a great keepsake to wow your friends and family with your flying skills and relive the moment again and again!
During your visit, please enjoy the flying school facilities, including complimentary hot and cold drinks, modern art displays, and a pinball machine. We have a few toys to keep little ones amused, and there is a cafe located at the Aerodrome should you need a snack.
Your helicopter lesson will be in Guimbal Cabri G2.
Important Information:
- Lessons may include start-up, shutdown, taking-off, and landing. The lesson flight duration is subject to Air Traffic Control and weather conditions, so they are approximate in length.
- Ensure you have not consumed any alcohol for at least 24 hours before your lesson. If suspected, you may be refused on board the aircraft.
- Maximum weight limit per person is 19 stone (108kg).
- Maximum Pilot Height is 6′ 6″ or 198cm.
- Minimum Pilot Age is 10 years (adult supervision required for under 16s on airfield premises).
- Due to health and safety reasons, you must be able to get in and out of the helicopter unaided.
- For health and safety reasons, you must be able to speak and understand English.
The Weather
We reserve the right to postpone any lesson in the event of poor weather, Air Traffic restrictions, and circumstances beyond their control or other safety related issue.
Session Length
Your Helicopter Flight Lesson will last 40 minutes. This includes 20 minutes Flight Time.
Numbers
This experience is for one person.
Spectators
It is lovely to bring a friend or family member to support you, but can we please ask that you limit it to no more than 4 people without our prior knowledge. There is an on site cafe where they can purchase snacks.
What To Wear
Comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear (i.e. no flip flops or high heels!). Please keep in mind that the inside the cockpit can become very warm. Feel free to bring your sunglasses and to wear something colourful for your video & photographs!
Availability
Weekdays only, (Monday - Friday)
Location
London Elstree Aerodrome.
