4 helis, 3 FI, 3 pilots and 2 students & 400nm – Capt White relives Day one of our epic UK Trip 2019
DAY ONE – Distance approx. 400 nautical miles (4-5 hours flying time)
The weather was looking good, so all the pilots were keen to get going. Some of the pilots had decided to go through the London city zone, passing London City airport and others decided to fly around it slightly more to the East Coast. I was in ‘Team 66’ and we decided to take the London City route for a bit of sightseeing before heading south. London City airport was extremely busy that day, but the crew allowed us to go right near the end of the runway for some incredible views!
Then we headed south bound, just missing Gatwick airport straight down to Seaford, just west of Eastbourne. From there the navigation became a lot easier, heading west along the Coast. Passing Brightlingsea, Shoreham, Worthing, Bognor Regis and Selsey point. As we approached Thorney Island, there were quite a few Apache helis on the ground which is always a bit of a treat. We then flew via Spinnaker Tower before crossing The Solent to the Isle of Wight.
Some of the pilots decided to stop on the Isle of Wight to refuel but the R66 had enough fuel for around 5 hours flying time so we decided to press on going clockwise around the Isle of Wight, passing Sandown, Ventnor, St Catharine’s point, and then got up close and personal with the famous landmark ‘The Needles’ before heading back to mainland UK.
Once back to the mainland we flew over Herse Castle continuing Westbound more or less following the coastline from that point. We did have to head slightly inland at Lime Regis landing at Dunkerswell to refuel; helis and pilots! Would recommend this stop; beautiful airfield with lots of wonderful memorabilia. The weather had taken a bit of a turn now but it didn’t dampen our buoyant mood.
“It is odd that there are not many jokes about helicopters and trying to think about the funniest moment only brings back memories of Frank, desperately trying to buy a jacket in Padstow. The shop was closed, and on the walk to the helipad it started to rain, and Frank got soaked. However, the Postman in his van gave us all a chuckle.” – Capt. Langdon
After some well deserved R & R we planned our routes for Day Two from Rock to Warwick and then to bed. Next week we look back at UK Trip Day TWO follow #helisontourrelived
Due to COVID-19 we had to postpone our 2020 Tour trips (France, UK & Ireland), we look forward to more settled times ahead so if you are keen to join one of our Tour trips in the future please email training@flyingpighelicopters.co.uk or call 0207 118 8998 for more info.