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Pilot at the controls during a helicopter flight with the landscape visible ahead

Helicopter trial lessons · Nottingham Airport

Choose the flight
they will never forget.

A proper helicopter lesson with an expert briefing and time at the controls. Buy for yourself, or send it as an unforgettable gift.

Experiences from£259

R22 · R44 · Bell 206 JetRanger

Choose an experience

Three ways to fly

Which helicopter
feels right?

R22

Robinson R22

Two seats and direct, responsive handling. The classic training helicopter and an intimate introduction to flight.

Maximum 14 stone (90 kg)
R44

Robinson R44

A larger four-seat piston helicopter offering more space and a little more presence on the ramp.

Maximum 18 stone (115 kg)
B206

Bell 206 JetRanger

The iconic turbine-powered helicopter experience, with a distinctive sense of occasion from start-up onwards.

Maximum 18 stone (115 kg)

Buy your trial lesson

Six experiences.
One remarkable decision.

Prices include VAT and come straight from the Arcus trial-lesson catalogue, so what you see here is always current.

Robinson R22 helicopter prepared for an Arcus trial lesson30 minutes flying

60 minutes experience

R22

£259.00

30-minute briefing · 30 minutes flight

Maximum 14 stone (90 kg)
Robinson R44 helicopter ready for an Arcus trial lesson30 minutes flying

60 minutes experience

R44

£399.00

30-minute briefing · 30 minutes flight

Maximum 18 stone (115 kg)
Robinson R22 helicopter prepared for an Arcus trial lesson60 minutes flying

90 minutes experience

R22

£495.00

30-minute briefing · 60 minutes flight

Maximum 14 stone (90 kg)
Robinson R44 helicopter ready for an Arcus trial lesson60 minutes flying

90 minutes experience

R44

£759.00

30-minute briefing · 60 minutes flight

Maximum 18 stone (115 kg)

Bring people with you

They cannot fly with you.
They can still come.

A trial lesson is one student and one instructor, so nobody else can be in the helicopter. That does not mean they have to be left at home. Family and friends are welcome to come along, watch you go and be here when you land.

There is plenty of room to sit down and make yourself at home while you fly, and the same is true if you arrive early or the weather needs half an hour to clear.

  • Comfortable seating, sofas and a meeting table
  • Complimentary tea and coffee
  • A pool table, and the displays recording each year of Arcus flying
  • Somewhere warm and dry to wait if the weather needs watching

Giving it as a gift?

Give them a story
they will keep telling.

Choose the experience now and arrange the flying date later. The voucher is valid for 12 months from purchase, and if the weather is unsuitable on the day the Arcus team will simply reschedule.

Digital voucherValid for 12 monthsWeather reschedulingA genuine flying lesson

Before you buy

Useful things
to know.

Is this a lesson or a passenger flight?+

It is an instructional flying experience. After the briefing, your instructor will invite you to handle the controls when it is safe to do so.

Can someone come with me?+

No. Trial lessons are for the student and instructor only, so accompanying passengers cannot travel in the helicopter during the lesson. Friends and family are very welcome to come to the airfield and watch.

Which helicopter should I choose?+

Choose the R22 for the classic two-seat trainer, the R44 for additional space, or the Bell 206 JetRanger for a turbine helicopter experience. If you are unsure, ring us and we will talk it through rather than sell you the dearest one.

Are there weight restrictions?+

Yes, and they are set for safety. The maximum student weight is 14 stone (90 kg) for R22 experiences and 18 stone (115 kg) for the R44 and Bell 206 JetRanger. Please tell us your weight honestly when booking.

What if the weather is unsuitable?+

Helicopter flying is weather dependent. Where conditions are unsuitable Arcus will reschedule your flight at no extra cost. That decision always rests on safety.

How long is the voucher valid?+

Arcus trial-lesson vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Please book well ahead of the expiry date, as availability cannot be guaranteed at short notice.

What should I wear?+

Comfortable clothing and practical footwear. Arcus will send joining instructions before the flight with anything else you need to know.

Where does the lesson take place?+

At Arcus Helicopters, Nottingham Airport, Tollerton Lane, Tollerton, Nottingham, NG12 4GA. There is parking on site.

Not sure which to choose?

Ask the
Arcus team.

Tell us who it is for and what you are hoping they get out of it, and we will point you to the right experience.