Route familiarisation
Build a clear mental picture of the London Heli Lanes, reporting points, altitude restrictions and practical route choices.
London Heli Lanes
Practical London Heli Lanes familiarisation with an Arcus instructor, covering the routes, procedures and preparation needed to build useful experience and confidence.
Where flying becomes personal
The London Helicopter Routes are a memorable part of UK helicopter flying, but they demand careful preparation and disciplined navigation. Arcus will take you through the lanes, explain the practical details and help you gain valuable real-world experience.
London from a pilot’s perspective
London’s Heli Lanes offer an extraordinary pilot’s-eye view of the capital while developing the planning, radio and airspace awareness needed for this demanding environment.
Depending on the route cleared by air traffic control and the operating conditions on the day, landmarks may include London City Airport, the O2 Arena, Canary Wharf, London Bridge, the Tower of London, the London Eye, The Shard, Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Lord's Cricket Ground, Battersea Park, Chelsea Barracks, Battersea Heliport, Fulham Football Club, Heathrow Airport, Northolt Airport and the new HS2 bridge. Not every landmark or route can be guaranteed.
Routes, landmarks and access are subject to weather, air traffic control and operational requirements.
Enquire about London Heli Lanes training
Build a clear mental picture of the London Heli Lanes, reporting points, altitude restrictions and practical route choices.
Complete the flight with an experienced Arcus instructor who can turn procedures into confident real-world understanding.
Develop your knowledge and practical experience, leaving better prepared to plan future London flights safely.
How it works
Tell us about your licence, aircraft type, recency and previous controlled-airspace experience.
Review the current routes, charts, radio procedures, reporting points, restrictions, planning and contingencies.
Put the preparation into practice with an Arcus instructor while managing navigation, radio work and workload.
Review the flight with your instructor, consolidate what you have learned and discuss sensible ways to continue building confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Can’t see your question here? Speak to the Arcus team and we will gladly help.
No. There is no formal London Heli Lanes sign-off. The purpose of flying with Arcus is to gain practical experience of the routes, procedures, radio work and workload with an experienced instructor.
They are published helicopter routes through and around controlled airspace in London. Their use requires careful planning, current information and compliance with applicable procedures and restrictions.
Yes. Arcus can arrange the aircraft and instructor for practical route familiarisation, subject to weather, airspace, aircraft and instructor availability.
Bring your licence, medical and logbook details, plus any documents Arcus requests when confirming the flight. We will explain the required planning material in advance.
The exact route depends on current airspace restrictions, air traffic control, weather and operational conditions. Safety and compliance always come first.
For pilots wishing to develop their London experience further, Arcus also offers dedicated Battersea Heliport Sign-Off training.
Explore Battersea Sign-OffWhere to next
Speak to Arcus Helicopters
Tell us what you would like to achieve. We will listen, explain the options clearly and help you find the right next step.