Helicopter training away days

We’ve been developing pilots for more than 10 years, and many have gone on to have successful careers as pilots.

Part of that success has been about taking a long-term approach to training pilots, not just giving you the basics so as to pass the next written or oral test, or knowing how to move the controls and perform manoeuvrers in flight. Training should help pilots to perform and thrive in a whole range of real-life flying situations and scenarios.

Giving pilots the chance to fly in different environments is a unique learning opportunity, and one of the reasons we developed our helicopter training away days programme. Our most recent helicopter training away days lesson took pilots to London to fly in one of the busiest airspaces in Europe.

What are the London heli-lanes?

There are strict regulations about helicopters flying in London, particularly single engined helicopters. So, specially designed routes, known as heli-lanes, provide extra safety by avoiding flying over built up areas as much as possible, and for this reason, the routes mainly follow the River Thames. The routes do still allow pilots to fly right through the heart of the city however, providing some spectacular views of the sights.

The day begins with breakfast at Central Helicopters’ HQ, Nottingham Heliport, with extensive pre-flight planning and safety briefing, before heading to the capital.

Heathrow crossing

The day includes navigating one of the world’s busiest airports. Heathrow sees around 1,400 planes take off and land daily, that’s one every 45 seconds.

Land aways

And two land aways at North Weald Airfield, situated north of London, as well as lunch at Denham Airfield, north west of the city.

City slickers

Perhaps the most memorable part of the day is navigating the heli-lanes which take our students along the Thames passing landmarks such as the London Eye, the Shard, Olympic Stadium, and Canary Wharf.

If you are interested in increasing your flying experience and knowledge, and are a current PPL(H) holder or training towards your licence, contact the Central Helicopters team on 01664 823846 for further information about our helicopter training away days. Our standard day package includes breakfast, full pre-flight planning and briefing, land-aways at two airfields, and lunch. Learn more about Central Helicopters’ helicopter training.