Cornwall by Copter
After channel hopping last month, this month our AV-venturers were keen to see the sea again and headed down to Padstow.
It was another early start checking helis, the route, the weather and get together for a pre flight briefing. If anybody has ever flown to Padstow you’ll know it’s much farther than you think so planning his key.
Heading out to the west, our AV-venturers flew south of Bristol, passing Cheddar Gorge then cut inland for a pit stop at Dunkeswell for fuel (and of course some coffee and cake) before picking up the North Devon coastline into Cornwall landing at Rock Helipad.
Arriving at low tide meant a walk across the beach to get to the ferry to Padstow which was a bit of fun. Once in Padstow, they headed straight to Rick Stein’s Fish & Chip shop for a late lunch and a stroll through the town.
No trip to Padstow would be complete without finding a bakery and load up on some edible souvenirs for those back at base – Cornish pasties yum!
Back at the helipad, our AV-venturers opted for the southern coastline of Cornwall and Devon, flying over the Eden Project and then inland for Stone Henge on the way back to Elstree.
Sounds like a fantastic day out, but don’t just take it from us, let’s see what our AV-venturers have to say…
“Padstow was brilliant, a proper adventure with multiple landings, in flight replanning, confined area, and 6.9 hours of joyous helicopter time. England’s coastline can be very long when you investigate every cave, stunningly beautiful from an angle I’ve only seen before on windows screen savers. Bit of beach frolicking, ferry ride, fish and chips, a perfect day out with a great group of people.” – Stella Conway
“An unforgettable day that really brought my training to life. From the great team, CRM to navigation, loose formation flying, and navigating the helicopter home, it showed me what’s possible with a licence—and reminded me why I love flying.” – David Vowles
“The trip to Padstow was very enjoyable. I would recommend it to any student entering the navigation stage of their training. It combines navigating controlled air spaces, talking to many different air traffic controllers, whilst also enjoying the beautiful North and South Devon and Cornwall coastlines along with Cheddar Gorge, Stonehenge and the Eden Project. Add to that the opportunity of a landing at Rock helipad, ferry across the River and fish and chips in Padstow and you have the perfect day. Thank you to all on the trip for great companionship and expert guidance from the instructors.” – Malcolm Banner
“These school trips are wonderful to hone helicoptering skills and have fun with great company.
Paul had planned a route threading our way overland to the north coast of Cornwall and across to the Rock Heliport and Padstow and return via the coast and overland back to Elstree. He had planned the route, obviously, so that the sun would be in the optimal place for nice pictures. The coastal views were fantastic, fields, green foliage, cliffs, rocks, turquoise waters. A few coconut and palm trees and some of the scenes could have been tropical. Flying alongside, above and below the cliffs was fun.
Padstow was a pretty English seaside resort and lunch was, fittingly, at Rick Stein’s Fish and Chip Restaurant sitting at patio tables at the back of the restaurant followed by ice cream. They did not bother us but there were some aggressive gulls around. We saw one mug a lady walking and eating an ice cream. It took off the ice cream and the top of the cone. The guilty gull was given away by the scoop of ice cream sized and shaped bulge in its neck. Hope it got brain freeze.” – Ethan Lyn
