Events
-
-
Student Trip to Caernarfon via Snowdon Summer 2024
Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United KingdomAn early start as we depart Elstree initially Westbound via Bovingdon and turn right at Chequers changing our heading to North Westbound for Wales. We fly over Bicester and Weston on the Green, landmark spotting; Chateau Impney and Shrewsbury Hills and Lake Vyrnwy. We circumnavigate the reservoir and continue North for some mountaineering as we 'climb' Mt. Snowden! After we reach the summit we descend into Caernarfon Airport for fuel and lunch at The Caffi HEMS Cafe. Once suitably refreshed, we head South via the Magnificent Mach Loop before back retracing our steps to back home to Elstree.
If you are currently learning to fly our student trips are great practise for navigation, straight and level flight and radio work as well of course as being jolly good fun! Already passed? These trips are a great excuse to use your PPL, hone your skills, hour build or just spend time with other pilots. Aircraft owners are also welcome to join us, the more the merrier!
-
-
Le Touquet Overnight Student Trip Autumn 2024
Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United KingdomOn Friday 6th September we head to Le Touquet for an overnight stay! What better way to use your piloting skills than flying yourself across the channel. Le Touquet is a popular destination with PPL holders and students as the trip provides some incredible opportunities to hone your piloting skills; planning, navigation, radio, crossing water and the list goes on.
If you’ve not been to Le Touquet before it’s located at the northern tip of France meaning it is easily accessible from the UK with some fabulous views along the way. The airport is only a short bike ride from the hotel and the town (taxis are available) where you’ll find a beautiful beach and plenty of restaurants and shops. Join us on our mini Tour de France this Autumn, full details get in touch
-
FREE Ground School – Aircraft General Knowledge
Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United KingdomNext up is... Aircraft General Knowledge! On Tuesday 17th September from 18:00 - 20:00 we go LIVE as Capt White performs a check A. As our seasoned Ground Schoolers will know, Aircraft General Knowledge will cover the 'nuts and bolts' of the aircraft; Engine, Gearbox, Air frame, Rotor/Electrical Systems and Avionics etc. It is important to have a good understanding of the helicopter so you know what to look for during your daily inspection, warning signs of potential issues either before or during flight. Our session this week is designed to give you broader knowledge of your aircraft and how it works.
This is a real must see session so please try and join us in person if you can!
-
-
FREE Ground School – Radio Telephony
Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United KingdomOn Tuesday 15th October ground school will be learning how to talk on the radio as we explore Radio Telephony fingers crossed we will be able to entice one of our favourite RT experts to join us again.
Sounding competent when using the radio is an essential part of flying. Often students can be nervous when making a call to ATC (Air Traffic Control) but with training and plenty of practice you'll be reciting your callsign in your in your sleep. With plenty of hints and tips along the way there will also be an opportunity for pilots post PPL to ask any questions they have too!
-
-
FREE Ground School – Human Performance & Limitations
Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United KingdomOn Tuesday 19th November we will be focusing on Human Performance and Limitations at the usual time 18:00 – 20:00
Join Capt.White as he guides us through HPL and answer any questions you may have. Human error is cited as a major cause in over 70% of accidents, and it is widely agreed that a better understanding of human capabilities and limitations - both physical and psychological - would help reduce human error and improve flight safety. Specific topics to be confirmed.
-
-
FREE Ground School – PPL(H) Quiz Night Christmas Edition
Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United KingdomOur last ground school of the year will be on Tuesday 17th December and it's our festive favourite... The ever popular PPL(H) Quiz Night - Christmas Special at our usual time of 18:00 - 20:00. As always, the quiz will be based on questions across the entire theoretical knowledge syllabus from ALPHA to ZULU with a few seasonal teasers along the way too!
-
-
FREE Ground School – Principles of Flight
Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United KingdomOn Tuesday 14th January it's one of Capt. White's favourites... Principles of Flight at the usual time 18:00-20:00
Principles of Flight (POF) is best described as the science bit of the PPL course. Specific topics to be confirmed but obviously we can't miss out our POF favourites; Vector force on rotors, Vortex ring including the 'Vuichard Technique' and Flat Back! We will also look at ground effect, autorotation and stability, and how all affect our in-flight decisions as a pilot.
-
-
FREE Ground School – Meteorology
Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United KingdomNext up it’s Meteorology on Tuesday 11th February from 18:00-20:00. Being able to anticipate the weather is akin to a super power for a pilot as will affect you, the aircraft and your operation.
-
-
FREE Ground School – Operational Procedures
Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United KingdomWe hope you enjoyed Principles of Flight last time, I know many of you were keen to continue on the subject so will try and juggle the schedule to make room for that. Next up is... Operational Procedures on Tuesday 18th March at the usual time 18:00 - 20:00.
For the most part, understanding Operational Procedures requires common sense and often good airmanship is the key. Essentially, the procedures are there for a reason and basically you have to prove you understand them. We will focus on, among others; Squawk codes, flight plans, GARs, radio intercom and headsets, ground resonance, emergency procedures but welcome any suggestions or questions you have across the topic.
-
-
Student Trip to Gunton Arms Summer 2025
Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United KingdomJoin us for our second year of flying to Gunton Arms in Norfolk. What to expect from this trip? A cosy country pub and hotel situated in 1000 acre deer reserve.
There are a couple of routes to take depending on the weather, via east coast over Ipswich and Great Yarmouth. Once landed and deer avoided it will be time for some amazing food cooked by the chef on an open fire in the restaurant. This makes for a great atmosphere and definitely not to be missed.
If you are currently learning to fly our student trips are great practise for navigation, straight and level flight and radio work as well of course as being jolly good fun! Already passed? These trips are a great excuse to use your PPL, hone your skills, hour build or just spend time with other pilots. Aircraft owners are also welcome to join us, the more the merrier!
-
FREE Ground School – Flight Performance and Planning
Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United KingdomNext up on Tuesday 15th April we will be exploring Flight Performance & Planning 18:00 - 20:00
The 7 Ps is a British Army adage for Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents P*** Poor Performance. As an instructor we teach a PIC (pilot in command) the importance of having a well prepared flight plan and a good understanding of your aircraft’s capabilities. This time we will be planning a trip to the Lake District which include all your FPP favourites; Choice of route, Airspace, fuel planning, weight and balance, PLOGS and the good old Whizz Wheel (CRP-1).
-
Student Trip to Le Touquet April 2025
Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United KingdomOn Saturday 8th October we head to Le Touquet for our very first overnight stay! What better way to use your piloting skills than flying yourself across the channel. Le Touquet is a popular destination with PPL holders and students as the trip provides some incredible opportunities to hone your piloting skills; planning, navigation, radio, crossing water and the list goes on.
If you’ve not been to Le Touquet before it’s located at the northern tip of France meaning it is easily accessible from the UK with some fabulous views along the way. The airport is only a short bike ride from the hotel and the town (taxis are available) where you’ll find a beautiful beach and plenty of restaurants and shops. Join us on our mini Tour de France this Autumn, full details to follow shortly...
