• FREE Ground School – Human Performance & Limitations

    Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

    On Tuesday 14th October 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 – Radio Telephony

    Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

    On Tuesday 25th November ground school will be learning how to talk on the radio as we explore Radio Telephony with guest speaker Amanda Rhodes ATC.

    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 – PPL(H) Quiz Night Christmas Edition

    Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

    Our last ground school of the year will be on Tuesday 16th 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 – Air Law

    Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

    On Tuesday 13th January will be looking at Air Law from 18:00 - 20:00

    In simple terms Air Law is a series of rules governing the use of airspace tends to be one of the first exams taken by student pilots as is a requirement prior to your first solo flight. Remember, much of Air Law is common sense and demonstrating good airmanship. Essentially the procedures are there for good reason and you need to prove that you understand them.

    As ever, Capt. White will be giving us a few tips on how to learn and more importantly retain the information and trying the impossible... to make Air Law fun!

  • FREE Ground School – Principles of Flight

    Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

    On Tuesday 3rd February 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 Kingdom

    Next up it’s Meteorology on Tuesday 10th March 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.

  • Trip to Gunton Arms or Heli Museum

    Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

    Join 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 – Operational Procedures

    Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

    We 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 14th April 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.

  • FREE Ground School – Flight Performance and Planning

    Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

    Next up on Tuesday 12th May 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). 

  • 5 day UK Tour 2026

    Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

    Back by popular demand... It's another opportunity to join our intrepid aviators as we revisit our EPIC UK Tour!

    This 5 day trip circumnavigates the British Isles taking a coastal route. Departing from Elstree on day one we head south to Isle of Wight then west making Cornwall our first stop. Day two we head north to Wales including the Mach Loop and of course Snowdon. Day three sees us sightseeing the north west coast, following a historic railway through The Lake District and into Cumbria. Day four is our most ambitious of all as we venture to The Highlands! We scale Ben Nevis, search for Nessie in The Lochs and fly along the West coast of Scotland and back across the border. On the last day its seaside central as we follow the east coast all the way down to Felixstowe before heading west again and back up to Elstree. 

  • Trip to Le Touquet

    Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

    Join us once again as we say Bonjour to Le Touquet! 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.

  • FREE Ground School – PPL(H) Quiz Night & BBQ

    Elstree Helicopters Elstree Helicopters, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

    On Tuesday 21st July it's our SIZZLING SUMMER edition of our PPL (H) Quiz Night and BBQ 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! 

    No team required! Simply meet at the flying school or in our Virtual Crew room via 'ZOOM'. Please RSVP and look out for invitation via email from Capt. White.

    If you haven’t been before then why not give it a try! Whether you are currently training, a qualified pilot or perhaps you just share our love of helicopters, escape to our virtual crew room and enjoy a couple of hours of quizzing fun.