PILOT INSIGHTS
A small group introduction to the world of helicopter flying, combining a hands on lesson with pilot career insight, aircraft discussion and time with experienced helicopter professionals.
Available when you complete your booking with Adventure001.
What does becoming a helicopter pilot actually involve?
This is more than a short flying lesson. It is an introduction to the training, aircraft and career behind it.
The experience lasts approximately two and a half hours and is designed for people who want to understand more about becoming a helicopter pilot, rather than simply taking a first recreational flight.
You will meet experienced helicopter professionals, receive an introduction and safety briefing from a CAA licensed instructor and take part in a hands on helicopter flying lesson with approximately 15 minutes in the air.
Away from the flying, the session includes a discussion about helicopter pilot career options, a look at different helicopter types and, where possible, a guided tour of the hangars. A light lunch is also included.
Should this be the start of something bigger, the flying can count towards a pilot licence if you decide to continue training. The experience is run in a small group, so you also spend time alongside other people who are interested in helicopter flying and the route into the profession.
The Package
- Approximately two and a half hours overall
- Approximately 15 minutes helicopter flying
- Introduction and safety briefing by a CAA licensed helicopter instructor
- Hands on helicopter flying lesson
- Discussion about helicopter pilot career options
- Discussion about different helicopter types
- Guided hangar tour where possible
- Light lunch included
- Small group experience
- Flying can count towards a pilot licence
- Spectators are welcome
- Experience is weather dependent
Restrictions
The experience is available at six listed UK venues and is run in a small group.
Choose the helicopter experience that suits you
Pilot Insights is designed around training and career questions. If you simply want to experience helicopter flying, the Tactical or 20 minute one to one lesson may be a better fit.
A career minded introduction combining flying with training insight, aircraft discussion and time with experienced helicopter professionals.
- Flying
- 15 mins
- Format
- Small group
- Locations
- 6
A lower cost first helicopter experience with three short flights, including a hands on sector, shared between three participants.
- Flying
- 18 mins
- Format
- Shared
- Locations
- 11
A straightforward first helicopter lesson with 20 continuous minutes one to one with a CAA qualified instructor.
- Flying
- 20 mins
- Format
- One to one
- Locations
- 10
Six UK flying venues
Choose the area that works for you. The map shows the airfield or airport used for each Pilot Insights experience.
Manchester
Manchester City Airport
Glasgow
Cumbernauld Airport
Oxfordshire
Enstone Airfield
Somerset
Henstridge Airfield
Surrey
Fairoaks Airport
Newcastle
Newcastle International Airport
For someone who wants to know what becoming a pilot really involves
Pilot Insights is aimed at someone with a genuine interest in helicopter training or a possible flying career. It combines a first hands on lesson with time spent understanding the aircraft, the training route and the profession itself.
- Suitable for complete beginners
- Approximately two and a half hours overall
- Approximately 15 minutes helicopter flying
- Career and training discussion with a CAA licensed instructor
- Guided hangar tour where possible
- Light lunch included
- Small group experience
- Choice of six UK venues
- Spectators are welcome
Buying for someone who simply wants to fly? The 20 minute lesson gives them 20 continuous minutes one to one with an instructor for £245.
SEE THE 20 MINUTE 1:1 LESSON →
Available when booking with Adventure001.
Common questions
Do I need previous flying experience?
No. The experience is suitable for complete beginners and includes an introduction and safety briefing before the flying lesson.
Is this a standard helicopter lesson?
Not quite. It includes approximately 15 minutes flying, but the wider experience is designed to give you an insight into helicopter training and the pilot profession. If you mainly want continuous flying time, the 20 minute one to one lesson may suit you better.
How long does the experience last?
Allow approximately two and a half hours overall, including the briefing, flying lesson, career discussion, lunch and the other elements of the experience.
How much flying time is included?
The experience includes approximately 15 minutes helicopter flying as part of the wider two and a half hour programme.
Is the experience private?
No. Adventure001 describes this as a small group experience. The flying lesson forms part of a wider session shared with other people interested in helicopter flying and pilot training.
Does the flying count towards a pilot licence?
Adventure001 states that the flying can count towards a pilot licence if you decide to continue your training.
What are the age, weight and height limits?
The minimum age is 12. The maximum weight is 114 kg and the maximum height is 1.98 metres.
Where can I take the Pilot Insights experience?
It is available at six listed venues: Manchester City Airport, Cumbernauld Airport, Enstone Airfield, Henstridge Airfield, Fairoaks Airport and Newcastle International Airport.
Pilot Insights