Helicopter Flights UK - Guide to Charter, Self-Flying & Buying
H elicopter flights can be a flexible option for both business and leisure travellers. While executive private jets are good for longer journeys, let's consider the use of helicopters in the UK for shorter journeys...
The obvious major advantage of a helicopter over a standard fixed wing aircraft is its capability for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and maintaining a fixed hover while airborne.
This means helicopters can takeoff and land from locations not available to planes such as the top of buildings.
There are over 13,000 potential helicopter landing sites in the UK alone. Helicopter charter operators keep detailed databases of such sites - so by specifying a destination they will be able to find a suitable place to land nearby, usually within 10 minutes drive or less. Note that some sites do not allow night landings.
Helicopters are generally good for journeys of up to 400 miles (640 km) and can be utilised very effectively when multiple stopovers are required. They are really an alternative to land based travel, especially for those keen to avoid heavy road congestion and possible public transport delays.
An executive helicopter will provide a comfortable cabin where you can relax, enjoy the views from the spacious windows or catch up on business in a private environment.
Larger twin-turbine helicopters can be used at night time and in most weather conditions, can fly up to 190mph and can even get you across the channel. Smaller singled engine helicopters are restricted to day flights only and cannot fly in rough weather.
Passenger capacity amongst different types of standard helicopter varies from 3 to 16 people.
Let's consider 4 main ways to fly by helicopter (excluding helicopter tours):
1. Helicopter Airport Transfers
Helicopter airport transfers can cut down travel time to and from the airport considerably. There are transfers serving both major airports and smaller private jet terminals (FBOs).
In the UK, transfers to London airports can be done from the London Heliport at Battersea which is London's principal helicopter terminal. Flights can be made to Biggin Hill (12 mins), Heathrow (15 mins), Gatwick (20mins), Farnborough (20 mins), Luton (25 mins), Stansted (30 mins) or any other London airport.
International examples of helicopter airport transfers include Nice airport to Monaco and New York JFK to downtown Manhattan.
2. Helicopters to Special Events
Flying a party to a special event by helicopter is popular in the UK. The flight can be a short transfer or a longer charter, depending on your starting point. Charter companies offer flights to numerous events including horse racing/equestrian meetings (such as Royal Ascot, Cheltenham, Grand National, Badminton) and motor racing (such Goodwood, British Grand Prix, Isle of Man TT).
Silverstone, the home of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix is renowned for a large number of helicopter flight movements during the event - a world record 4,200 flights in a day was achieved in 1999. It now has a dedicated heliport terminal and a modern exhibition facility which hosts the Helicopter Show expo.
3. Helicopter Charters
Chartering a helicopter from a charter operator is similar to renting a private jet. You specify when and where you wish to travel and the number of passengers travelling. The charter company will provide the helicopter, pilots and will take care of the flight details.
The smallest and cheapest helicopter charter will be in a 2 seater Robinson R22 (1 pilot + 1 passenger) - this starts at around £375 per hour.
The 4 seater Robinson R44 Raven (1 pilot + 3 passengers) should be priced from around £550 per hour.
A Bell 206 Jet Ranger (1 pilot + 4 passengers) will set you back around £750 per hour.
Larger helicopters will cost anything up to £2,500 per hour to charter. Check for landing fees and any fuel surcharges.
Like a private jet aircraft charter, a a heli charter day return is the cheapest way to fly. One-way flights may have an empty leg fee component to pay for the helicopter to return to base.
A helicopter charter price can also depend on whether you wish to have 2 pilots flying (more expensive) rather than a single pilot - some companies often request this for insurance purposes.
UK helicopter charter company examples: PremiAir, Atlas Helicopters, Charter-A, Heliflight, Elite Helicopters.
Many companies will also charter their helicopters for film and photography work.
4. Self-Flying a Helicopter
Self-flying is becoming a more popular option. To get your Private Helicopter Pilot's License PPL(H) issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), you will need to
- complete a minimum of 45 hours flying time - including 25 hours dual instruction and 10 hours supervised solo
- take a number of written examinations
- pass a medical
- pass a skills test with a CAA approved examiner
The cost of getting your helicopter pilot's license will be in the region of £15,000.
After gaining sufficient experience you will be able to do a self-fly charter - expect this to be up to 30% cheaper than standard helicopter charter rates.
Purchasing a helicopter is also possible for serious users. The Robinson R22 is the entry level choice due to its small size and has a list price of $260,000 (£165,000). The R22 has the following specification:
Maximum Cruising Speed 110-115
mph
Fuel Consumption 8-10 gallons (30-38 litres) per hour
Fuel Tank 19.2
gallons (73 litres)
Gross weight range 450kg - 635kg
Range 240 miles
The larger Robinson R44 will cost $425,000 (£270,000) for a new model.
On top of this will be fuel costs, insurance, hangar fees, maintenance and overhaul charges. Some licensed operators will offer helicopter management services and can charter it out when you are not using it.
Note, prices are subject to change.
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