Trial Lessons & Gift Vouchers
- How long is the actual flight length?
A: Flights are timed from rotors running to rotors stop and we aim to spend as much time of that airborne as we can. Time spent hovering is obviously all part of the experience.
- Where do you normally fly during your session?
A: We generally have a pre-planned route for all our lessons, but this can change at short notice due to weather or air traffic requirements. Normally we aim to head out towards the coast routeing down along the beach but if you happen to live locally, we may be able to route over your house.
- How long are vouchers valid for and are they refundable?
A: Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Unfortunately vouchers are not refundable, but they are transferable to another name. If you still have no one available to honour your flight, then we can suggest a number of worthy charities who would be delighted to accept the donation of a helicopter flight.
- What happens if my voucher runs out of validity?
A: If flights have been re-scheduled due to poor weather, then an extension of three months is permitted. If, however, this is not the case an additional charge may be applied.
- Does my gift voucher include insurance?
- Yes, we are insured to a risk of £3,000,000. Each aircraft hull is insured for its occupants under third party/passenger/legal liability. A copy of our insurance or public liability is available upon request.
- Is there anything else I need to be aware of before I purchase a trial lesson/gift voucher?
A: No, but please ensure that you have fully read and agreed to our terms and conditions. By proceeding with the voucher you are also accepting the companies terms and conditions. No acceptance will be given for ignorance for not having read our terms and conditions or for denying the knowledge of their existence. To view and download our company terms and conditions please
click here.
- Is there anything I need to bring with me on the day of my flight?
A: The most important item to bring is your voucher, as without this, we cannot conduct the flight. You may wish to bring a camera and sunglasses. Warm clothing is not normally required as we have heating in all our helicopters. Please also remember to wear flat shoes and ideally, the pair you find most comfortable. Skirts are not advisable.
- What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my flight?
A: We ask all those for trial lessons to give us a call in the morning of their flight if the weather conditions look doubtful, particularly if you are travelling from a distance. Please do not set off on a long journey without calling ahead first. If the weather conditions prevent us from flying we will reschedule your flight for the next convenient date.
- Can I bring family and friends to watch my flight depart and return?
A: You are more than welcome to bring family and friends along to enjoy the experience, we have an outdoor seating area where people can watch you get in the aeroplane and light refreshments can be provided whilst the flight is taking place, however, unfortunately due to our location on the airfield any spectators will be unable to see you actually take off or land from our base.
- Can I upgrade my flight on the day to a larger helicopter or longer flight time?
A: Flights may be upgraded on the day depending on the day’s flying schedule. To ensure your upgrade is possible we advise you to ring us in advance.
- I have received a voucher from an experience agency; can I book it with you direct?
A: Yes, depending on the voucher type. We deal with a number of UK based experience agencies and have a number of flights each day available to them. We do advise you, however, to call the agency that supplied your voucher before calling us, as they may be able to book you into the pre-allocated slots they may already hold with us.
- What is the minimum age for a trial lesson?
A: The minimum age for a trial lesson is 14 years of age, although this is discretionary by the company. Any person below this age must be accompanied by an adult or must have a parent or legal guardian’s signature before commencing a trial lesson.
- Is there a maximum weight for people to fly in the helicopter?
A: Yes, there is a maximum total weight. Please
contact us for more information.
- What is the difference between a Trial Lesson & Pleasure Flight?
A: A Trial Lesson is the initial first lesson with an option to complete a licence. A trial lesson gives you the brief outline as to how the helicopter flies and the effects of the controls. It is unlike a Pleasure Flight, during which you are not permitted to touch the controls throughout any part of the flight. In order to conduct a Pleasure Flight, we must hold a valid AOC - Air Operator’s Certificate.
- What are the medical restrictions on a trial lesson?
A: Our main rule for conducting a Trial Lesson is that you must be able to get yourself in and out of the helicopter unassisted. If you are physically fit enough to be able to do this you should be fine to fly. If, however, you have a severe heart condition, you are pregnant or you have a disability, then we would advise you to call us first. If your doctor has certified that you are unfit to fly, we will not be able to provide you with a Trial Lesson.
- Do you donate gift vouchers to charities?
A: We do aim to support as many local charities as we can, but as you can imagine our requests increase every year and unfortunately due to the high demand we cannot offer free trial lessons to everyone. If however you are prepared to pay for a minimum of 50% of the vouchers value we may consider an application.
All applications must be made in writing to our Operations Manager at the main office address.
Training
- What is the minimum age to gain a Private Pilots Licence?
A: There is no upper age limit provided that you continue to hold a valid medical certificate. However at the lower end of the scale, the minimum age to begin training is 14, allowing you to go solo at 16 and you must be 17 to complete the Licence. If you are also intending to continue commercially you cannot begin a CPL course until you are over the age of 18.
- Where can I find my local Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)?
A: All locations for medical examiners can be found on the CAA website, under the section “Search for an AME”. However, we can give you advice on your nearest AME and if you live locally, we would recommend our School AME.
- How long does the PPL course take?
A: The PPL course depends on your commitment. If you can devote between 5 and 7 day weeks to flying and ground training then potentially, depending on availability and weather, you could complete your Licence within 3 months. Realistically, most people extend this over a year or 2 year period.
- Are there any extra costs associated with the PPL?
A: Our price lists contain all the necessary items to complete a PPL - H. However you may require additional hours or equipment and it might be wise to budget for these additional items.
- How do I keep my licence current once I have completed a licence?
A: After you have completed your Licence, it is valid for one year. To renew this you will need to complete a minimum of 2 hours as Pilot-in-Command, along with a Licence Proficiency Check with an authority-approved flight examiner, on the type of helicopter you normally fly, as well as any additional types that may be on your Licence.
- I have a foreign issued licence with a state outside of the JAA can I still fly on my licence in the UK?
A: The short answer to this question is ‘yes’, although full reference should be made to the UK ANO Part 4, 26 (4). Providing a Licence has been issued under the law of a contracting state other than the UK, but which is not a JAA Licence, you will be allowed to use the privileges of your Licence except for the purpose of the following:
a) Air transport, aerial work or any flight in respect of which receives remuneration
b) Any flight within controlled airspace in circumstances requiring instrument flight rules or to give any instruction in flying.
Before we can allow you to fly one of our aircraft, however, we will require at least one check flight with one of our instructors and we will need to check all Licences and associated paperwork.
