Helicopter Rides

A little different to conventional two-wing flying, nothing quite beats the experience of helicopter flying. Feel the adrenaline experienced with a vertical take-off as the chopper shoots vertically straight up into the air before roaring through the skies at over 100mph whilst the world whizzes by below! Helicopter rides are unforgettable experiences; you get to view the world from a completely different vantage point. You can either choose helicopter sightseeing flights, an option that lets you sit back and take in some famous landmarks below, or get in the cockpit and have a go yourself whilst communicating with the pilot through the headsets!

As all flying experiences you can expect the activity to start with a group safety meeting, then depending on whether you have chosen a sightseeing or helicopter ride package or a lesson you will board the chopper and go over the controls with the pilot / instructor or just fasten your seat belt and get ready to hold on tight.

If you have chosen a helicopter-flying lesson, it will be just you and your instructor in the chopper. Depending on the package, you should be given the opportunity to ascend, descend, manoeuvre and hover the chopper. You will not be allowed to take-off or land; the pilot will handle this. Again package dependent your time will also be spent in the classroom learning the theory of flying and how to handle different scenarios such as weather conditions and air traffic control instructions.

If you have purchased a helicopter thrill, buzz or sightseeing option, there will be other paying guests on board with you. The shorter duration options normally involve a quick teaser showing you what helicopters are capable of. Hold on as your stomach turns inside out when the pilot quickly ascends before performing twists and turns and hovering only a few feet above the ground. For sightseeing helicopter rides, things are slightly more laid back. Just do not forget your camera for some fantastic elevated shoots.

Important information

Duration

Helicopter rides vary massively in duration and price. You can choose a brief helicopter five minute buzz from around £50 upwards to a full day helicopter lesson with up to two hours flight time and two hours theory for around £1000 and upwards (this can also depend upon the size of the chopper). You may have to wait your turn to board the chopper with other participants.

Are spectators welcome

There are normally no restrictions on spectators. If you choose a shorter helicopter lesson (not a sightseeing or buzz flight) in a four-seater chopper then certain venues allow a spectator to ride along free of charge (ring and ask venue when booking activity upon receiving voucher).

Are these experiences weather dependent?

Yes. Once you have booked your activity the venue will normally advise you to ring up the morning of your experience to check the conditions. You flight will be re-arranged if conditions cannot be met.

Other information

No previous experience is required for lessons; they are suitable for beginners to more experienced flyers. All flight time can be put towards a Private Pilot Licence if you wish to turn this into a hobby.

“ Enjoyed the experience once in the air, however it was over too quickly. It didn't help that we had to wait our turn for quite a while (over an hour) in small room with several other people. I was considering a sightseeing flight but I thought a quick 'buzz' would be more exciting.”

Paul H. - 5 Min Helicopter Thrill for Two, Experiencemad.co.uk

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