how do i get into flying?

I was given a birthday gift of a ‘trial lesson’ many years ago and wasn’t really that bothered about it to be honest, however, just before the voucher expired I plucked up the courage and gave it a go… What an experience! I was greeted by a very enthusiastic instructor who took me through the basics of flight and the helicopter controls in the classroom. After around 30 minutes we made our way out to the helicopter. The first thing that struck me was “gosh, it’s not very big!” I was given a walk around and the basic parts were explained to me and that gave me a better understanding of what we had discussed in the classroom. Once inside the helicopter the basic controls were again explained and moved around; enhancing again what we had already discussed. The instructor did some safety checks and started the engine and rotors. In no time we were in the air and hovering across the grass out on to the airfield. There is a lot to take in at this point and time literally “flies by”, but the experience was simply stunning and exhilarating. We initially took a flight around the edge of the airfield at about 800 feet above the ground. This is known as a ‘circuit’ and the views were amazing. It was at this point that the instructor told me to take control of the ‘cyclic stick’ (controlling forward, backwards and side-to-side flight). Surprisingly it needed very little movement to make the helicopter move in any direction. Then it was time to take control of the ‘collective lever’. It looks like a handbrake on a car and makes the heli go up and down (very quickly if moved too fast or far). Then came the foot pedals controlling the ‘swing’ of the front of the helicopter from left to right and vice versa. After a few minutes on each control separately, I was then told to take all three controls... I was now in total control of the helicopter!! Unbelievable is the only word I can think of! Once back on the airfield and hovering at around 3-4 feet, I was again instructed to take the controls and “try” to hover. I would describe this as like trying to balance a very wet jelly on my head whilst running an egg and spoon race and not spill any jelly or drop the egg… it was so much fun! Sadly my 30 minutes was up all too soon. I certainly wasn’t finished there!! I immediately got into conversation with a few other pilots who were at the flight school and what I noticed was how friendly and willing to share information everyone was… enthusiastic, helpful, loads of encouragement from everyone. I decided I wanted to take things further so I signed up for a course to gain my PPL (private pilots licence). Learning to fly helicopters is not a cheap thing to do but to my surprise and delight, at no point was I ever asked to pay any money upfront. The whole process was pay as you fly. Therefore I was able to budget and fly accordingly. I managed to complete the flying course, associated exams and final flight test to gain my PPL in approx. 18 months. I then proceeded to get involved with other pilots at the flying school and actually visit places by air and share the cost, e.g. if I flew the outward part of the flight I paid for that section, then someone else would fly the aircraft on the way home at their expense. We regularly arranged trips to different hotels, pubs, restaurants, overnight stays etc. all over the country many times, taking several helicopters and a gang of pilots, always having loads of fun and building experience.

I have been flying helicopters for 19 years now, always just for fun until recently when I was asked by the owner of AA Helicopters if I wanted to get more involved (we have been friends for a number of years). I said yes and now I am the operations and compliance manager for the company as well as part owner of our 4 seat Robinson R44 helicopter.

Most people learn to fly in the 2 seat helicopter, and once qualified, will take a 5 hour course to fly the 4 seater. The 4 seater is used predominantly for ‘going places’. It’s faster, more spacious and comfortable than the two seater. We also use it for our Severn Valley tour flights and experience flights/ sightseeing tours.

AA Helicopters Ltd

26 Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport

Crab Lane, Bobbington, DY7 5DY

Instagram: @aahelicoptersltd

Facebook: AAHELICOPTERS LTD

WIN a 15 minute “buzz flight” for 3 persons over Chelmarsh reservoir and the river severn.

How many seats does the helicopter have that you usually take lessons in?

To enter email your answer along with your contact details to: info@lifestylemag.org.uk

Competition Terms & Conditions

Lifestyle Magazine competition rules apply see below for details.

* There is no cash alternative to the prize. The competition is free to enter. Entrants must supply their contact details and in doing so agree that Lifestyle Magazine can use them for their own marketing purposes. Details supplied by entrants will not be passed on to any third party. All applications will be entered into a prize draw and the winner will be selected at random by the prize supplier. Winners will be notified by telephone and/or e-mail by the 7th April 2023. Entry will assume acceptance of these terms and conditions. Details of the winner available on request by writing to: Lifestyle Magazine Limited, Dominique House 1 Church Road, Netherton. DY2 0LY.