Helicopter Trial Lesson at Redhill Aerodrome: Hands-On Flying

Get behind the controls and fly the Surrey countryside yourself

A hands-on helicopter trial lesson at Redhill Aerodrome in South East England where you spend 45 minutes in the air with one-to-one instruction, handling the controls over the local area. The lesson includes pre-flight instruction and all taxes and fees. You can choose between three aircraft types: the R22 (single pilot), the G2, or the R44 (which allows up to two friends to join you at no extra charge, weight permitting). Flights run subject to weather. Unsuitable conditions mean an alternative date is offered instead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter trial lesson experience

• Arrive at Redhill Aerodrome
• Receive 1-to-1 flight instruction
• Fly over Surrey Countryside
• Practice controlling the helicopter
• Complete approximately 45-minute flight

The experience

If you've got a free afternoon or you're looking for something beyond the usual gift, this is where you stop being a passenger. You arrive at Redhill Aerodrome, get briefed on the helicopter and its controls, then climb in with an instructor who puts you in the pilot's seat. The lesson runs about 45 minutes in the air, and the aim is to get you handling all the controls yourself over the Surrey countryside and the busy airfield below, not watching someone else fly.

The three aircraft options let you shape the experience. The R22 is a two-seater where it's just you and the instructor. The G2 and R44 are larger, and if you pick the R44, you can bring up to two friends along for free (as long as the weight works out). All three give you the same hands-on flying time and instruction. The difference is who else is in the cabin with you.

Weather calls the shots on the day. If conditions aren't suitable, the operator offers you an alternative date rather than a refund. The only real constraint is language: the instruction is in English, and if you don't speak it fluently, you may not be allowed on the controls. The safety and learning depend on understanding what the instructor is telling you in real time.

What’s included

• 45 minutes of flying time in the helicopter.
• pre-flight instruction on the ground.
• one-to-one instruction with a live English-speaking guide.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Options for this experience

3 options

Guide in EnglishNo fixed time

Guide in EnglishNo fixed time

Guide in EnglishNo fixed time

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Our flight operations run from Hanger One at Redhill Aerodrome, RH1 5JY.”

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by EBG Helicopters

Is this one for you?Pick the R44 to fly with a friend in the same aircraft. Choose the R22 if you want solo control of the helicopter during your 45-minute lesson.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

Can I bring someone with me on the helicopter lesson?

The R44 aircraft allows you to bring up to two friends at no extra charge, weight permitting. The R22 is a two-seater with just you and the instructor, and the G2 seats additional passengers as well. All passenger weights must be declared at booking.

How much flying time do I actually get in the helicopter?

You spend approximately 45 minutes in the air, plus pre-flight instruction on the ground before takeoff. The lesson is designed to get you on the controls for the whole flight over the local area.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my lesson?

Flights are subject to suitable weather conditions. If the weather is unsuitable, you'll be offered an alternative date to reschedule your lesson.

Is there a minimum age or fitness requirement for the lesson?

There is no minimum age, but you need to be physically able to reach and operate all the helicopter controls safely. The lesson is suitable for all fitness levels. If you weigh over 15 stone (95 kg), contact the operator before booking to confirm the aircraft can accommodate you.

What's included in the trial lesson price?

The lesson includes approximately 45 minutes in the helicopter, pre-flight instruction, and all taxes, fees and handling charges. Gratuities are not included.