LEARNTOFLY
BOARDING PASSPPL(H)The journey of a lifetime starts with a single lesson. Master the art of helicopter flight with expert instructors.
Training Under Extraordinary Instructors
If the quality of instructing counts for anything (and it certainly does) you will learn at an exceptionally high standard, develop no bad habits, and become a better pilot at a much faster pace with our rigorous, hands-on training program.
Quentin Smith
Founder & Managing DirectorWorld Helicopter Champion and the first person to fly a helicopter to the South Pole and back.
Mackie Alcantara
Chief Flight InstructorLeading our instructor team with exceptional skill and dedication to every lesson.
Set aside the ground exams, which most students self-study before taking the tests on site. The PPL(H), the private helicopter pilot licence, requires a minimum of 45 hours of flight training, including 10 hours solo. How long it takes depends on your commitment: some students train intensively and qualify in a few months, others fly weekly and spread it over a year or more.
Training runs seven days a week from Denham Aerodrome, around 30 minutes from central London and minutes from Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield, Rickmansworth and Uxbridge. You'll learn in the Robinson R22 or R44, maintained by our own CAA Part-145 engineers in the hangar next door. Not sure yet? Start with a trial lesson, or see the full pathway from first flight to licence on our training hub.
Visit Our Clubhouse
Our helicopter collection is extensive. If you love helicopters as much as we do, come visit us anytime during working hours. We'll give you a tour you won't forget.
Discovery Flight
Not sure if flying is for you? A Discovery Flight puts you in the seat and at the controls in under an hour. No experience needed, no commitment required.
No appointment needed · Coffee always on · Pilots happy to chat · Extensive Fleet
9 Ground School Subjects
Air Law
Regulations & procedures
Navigation
Charts & flight planning
Meteorology
Weather understanding
Human Performance
Physiology & psychology
Principles of Flight
Aerodynamics
Operations
Flight procedures
Performance
Weight & balance
Communications
Radio procedures
Aircraft Knowledge
Systems & engines
All nine subjects are examined through multiple-choice tests directly at HQ as an approved CAA test centre. You can take the exams in any order and at your own pace throughout your training, with a 75% pass mark required for each subject. All you need is the Air Law exam to go Solo.
Join a Community
Surround yourself with a circle of adventurers, entrepreneurs and high-achievers who pull each other higher
Why Fly
A Helicopter
Join a Community
Surround yourself with a circle of adventurers, entrepreneurs and high-achievers who pull each other higher
Vertical Freedom
Leave exactly when you want, bypass road gridlock, and turn 4-hour drives into 45-minute flights, landing on your own Property, Events, Restaurants, Golf Courses and Shooting Grounds.
Unmatched Access
Reach secluded locations inaccessible by any other vehicle, from private islands to deep wilderness.
Mastery of Machine
Master the coolest vehicle on Earth and navigate freely in full three dimensions. Airplanes go forward. Helicopters go anywhere. Arrive from the sky onto your friend's lawn and feel like 007 stepping out.
Generational Dream
You pull up to find the helicopter fueled, cleaned, and ready. You fly yourself to your destination in a private bubble above the world, a feat our ancestors who looked up at the birds could only dream of.
Denham Aerodrome
Mon – Sun · 08:30 – 17:00
Frequently Asked
How long does it take to get a PPL(H)?+
The minimum is 45 flight hours, but most students take 55–70 hours depending on frequency of training and aptitude. Training full-time, you could achieve your licence in 3–4 months. Part-time students typically take 12–18 months.
Do I need any previous flying experience?+
No experience is necessary. We start from the very beginning and tailor the pace to each student. A discovery flight beforehand is a great way to confirm the sport is right for you.
Can I fly in winter?+
Yes. We train year-round. Winter flying builds excellent skills, shorter days mean you'll build instrument appreciation early, and cold, dense air gives great helicopter performance.
What medical certificate do I need?+
A LAPL(H) or Class 2 medical certificate is required. These are obtained through a CAA-approved Aeromedical Examiner (AME). We can advise on the process when you join us.
Is financing available?+
Yes. We work with aviation finance specialists who offer payment plans tailored to training. Contact us for details and we'll connect you with the right provider.
What happens after I get my PPL(H)?+
The world opens up. Many graduates go straight into self-fly hire with us, others build hours toward a Commercial Pilot Licence, and some pursue type ratings or night ratings. We'll help you plan the next step.
How much does PPL(H) training cost?+
A full PPL(H) typically costs between £35,000 and £50,000 depending on hours flown. We provide transparent hourly rates with no hidden fees. Contact us for a personalised estimate based on your learning pace.
Can I train at weekends and evenings?+
Yes. We offer flexible scheduling including weekends and early-morning slots. Part-time students make excellent progress fitting sessions around work and family commitments.
What is the minimum age to get a helicopter licence?+
You can begin training at any age, but you must be 17 to fly solo and hold a PPL(H). Many students start lessons in their teens and complete the licence at 17.
What ground school topics does PPL training cover?+
Ground school covers air law, meteorology, navigation, human performance, aircraft technical knowledge, communications, and principles of flight. We integrate theory with practical flying to reinforce understanding.
How do I know when I am ready for my skills test?+
Your instructor will recommend you for the skills test when you consistently meet the required standard. There is no fixed number of hours, readiness is assessed by performance, not a calendar.
Can I start on the R22 and move to the R44?+
Yes. Many students begin on the R22 for its low cost per hour and transition to the R44 as skills develop. Each aircraft requires its own type endorsement, which we handle as part of your training plan.