Richard Birt

“He’s only gone and done it”

At last a break in the weather after a fairly dismal 2025 so far, I got the call from Paul “The weather is looking good tomorrow so come in early and prep for your Cross Country Qualifier”.

After my initial thoughts of relief and excitement, it wasn’t long before the little doubts started to creep in, “OMG I haven’t flown for 2 weeks, would I still remember all the things I’ve been taught, would I get lost?”. I arrived early on the day and after some intense planning, mated briefs and pre-flight checks complete, I was given the thumbs up to go.

External heli checks complete and I jump into the helicopter, this is where the training really kicks in and your brain just goes into autopilot and it’s not long before all checks complete, communication established with the tower and I’m off on my way. The first leg to Duxford was a fairly quick flight due to a nice 25 knots tail wind most of the way, after landing at Duxford I proceeded to the control tower to get my paperwork signed, after a quick toilet break and updating the paperwork for the next leg, it was time to head off to Turweston. After all heli checks complete its not long before I’m on my way, this leg was very straight forward although not quite as quick and a little more turbulent due to the constant cross wind from the port side. After landing at Turweston, I headed off to the control Tower to get my paperwork signed for this leg and after a well-earned break and a nice coffee in the Flight café it was time to head back home to Elstree

All checks complete and I’m on my way again, This leg wasn’t going to be quite as quick due to the fact the nice tail wind we experienced on leg 1 was now a not so helpful headwind of 25Knots resulting in a fairly slow 60knots ground speed. Due to the lower ground speed it does actually gives you a chance to take in some of the amazing views and also take time to reflect and appreciate the overwhelming sense of achievement/calm flying back at the end of the day, all tasks complete, sun setting to the west and homeward bound. Once back at Elstree and Safely back on the ground on Heli apron west, the minute I wind down the RPM I feel an instant sense of excitement/relief/achievement, My Instructor Dhillon was waiting on the ground and was quick to come over and offer congratulations.

Wow what an amazing day, it’s been an intense 7hrs but aside from feeling slightly tired I have an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. A life changing experience, all thanks to Paul, Dhillon and the amazing Team at Elstree Helicopters. Skill test next and then the world is my oyster!

-Richard