Years 10-13
From age 14
5 Minutes from Lucton
Why learn to fly a helicopter?
Learning to fly combines practical skills with independence, responsibility and the excitement of discovering something new. Through Lucton School’s partnership with Tiger Helicopters, students can explore aviation while developing confidence, concentration and decision making.
Whether your ambition is to fly for pleasure, explore a future career in aviation or challenge yourself, this programme offers a memorable opportunity to get your helicopters pilot’s licence alongside school life.
What will the programme involve?
Discover whether flying is for you. Your experience begins with a one to one briefing covering safety and basic helicopter controls. Once airborne, your instructor will introduce you to level flight, turns, power changes and hovering. Flights start from 30 minutes, with longer options available.
Through structured lessons with Tiger Helicopters instructors, you will develop your understanding of helicopter handling, pre-flight checks, take-offs, landings, navigation and emergency procedures. The miniumum amount of hours in order for you to obtain your helicopters license is 45 hours.
Don't be alarmed, the exams are multiple choice! Alongside practical flying, you will study the knowledge behind safe flight, including weather, navigation, air law, communications and how helicopters operate. Upon signing up to the course, Tiger will supply you with all the relevant course material including your very own flight bag and everything you need in order to complete the course.
For students pursuing a helicopters licence, training progresses towards supervised solo flying, the required theoretical examinations and a practical skills test, once the relevant requirements are met.
Training takes place at Tiger Helicopters’ modern facility at Shobdon Airfield, approximately five minutes from Lucton School, with transport arranged through the school if needed.
Choose an intensive training schedule or spread lessons throughout your time at Lucton. Your training plan will reflect your goals, school commitments and individual progress.
with a trial lesson
Build your flying skills
Understand the theory
Towards achieving your licence
Designed around life at Lucton
School life. With a different perspective.
Pricing
The Robinson R22 is a great helicopter to learn to fly in, combining responsive handling with affordable training costs. Its two seat layout provides a focused, one to one learning environment, while its sensitive controls help students develop precision, coordination and confidence building a strong, safe foundation for their future flying.
The Robinson R44 offers a spacious, comfortable environment for learning to fly, with responsive controls and excellent visibility. Its four seat cabin provides room to grow beyond initial training, while students develop helicopter handling, navigation and decision making skill making it a rewarding choice for those who want to train in the helicopter they may later fly for pleasure.
The Bell 206 JetRanger offers students the opportunity to learn in an iconic turbine powered helicopter. Its spacious five seat cabin, excellent visibility and smooth handling create a comfortable training environment, while introducing the procedures and systems involved in turbine flying a rewarding choice for those interested in progressing towards larger, commercial helicopters.
Your journey starts here.
Register your interest in a trial lesson & helicopter training through Lucton School’s partnership with Tiger Helicopters.
Explore your training options, depending on your year group and siscuss a trial lesson with one of our specialists.
FAQS
Do I need any flying experience? No previous experience is needed. Your instructor will guide you step by step, helping you build confidence and develop your skills at your own pace.
Am I charged if i'm not flying? You're only charged for when the rotors are running, these hours go into your personal flying logbook which count towards your licence. You're not charged for downtime, you're only charged for flight time.
Can I try a lesson before committing? Yes! Trial lessons cost £225 + Vat and offer the opportunity to experience helicopter flying before deciding whether to continue with training.
What if I want to continue flying after leaving Lucton? If you age out, of course you can continue your training directly with Tiger Helicopters, with lessons arranged around your future studies or other commitments.
What happens during my first lesson? You’ll start with a one-to-one briefing covering safety, helicopter controls and instruments. During the flight, your instructor will introduce you to flying straight and level, turns, power changes and hovering.
Are there any height or weight restrictions? Helicopter suitability depends on factors including height, weight and aircraft operating limits. Please provide these details when requested so we can advise on the most suitable aircraft.
Where do lessons take place? Lessons take place at Tiger Helicopters’ training facility at Shobdon Airfield, approximately five minutes from Lucton School. Transport is arranged through the school by us!
Are there any height or weight restrictions? Helicopter suitability depends on factors including height, weight and aircraft operating limits. Please provide these details when requested so we can advise on the most suitable aircraft.
How long does the programme take? Training can be arranged over as little as eight weeks or spread across your time at Lucton School. Lessons plan to run one day a week and Tiger can structure your training to suit every individual. Your schedule will depend on your goals, availability and the amount of flying you choose to undertake.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable? Flying depends on suitable weather conditions. 85% of the year is flyable for helicopters at Shobdon Airfield. If conditions are unsuitable, we’ll discuss alternative arrangements with the school and continue with class based ground school.
Can visitors come and watch Of course, more the merrier
What should I wear? Wear comfortable clothing and secure, flat footwear. Avoid loose items such as scarves, and tie back long hair. We’ll provide any additional guidance before your lesson, along with any uniform.
What career opportunities can helicopter flying lead to? Learning to fly can be the first step towards a career in aviation. With further training, a Commercial Pilot’s Licence and the relevant qualifications and experience, opportunities can include: Sightseeing and charter flights; Flying passengers on scenic tours and private journeys. Flight instruction: teaching the next generation of helicopter pilots. Air ambulance operations: flying medical teams to emergencies and transporting patients. Offshore flying: transporting personnel to offshore installations. Utility and aerial work: supporting surveying, infrastructure inspections, filming and lifting operations. Police and search and rescue, supporting specialist public service operations. A Private Pilot’s Licence, or PPL(H), allows you to fly privately and is an exciting first milestone. Professional flying requires additional training and qualifications, and specialist roles usually require substantial experience.
More information
Helicopter Training as a Hobby and possible Career
Many people who are studying for their GCSEs or A Levels need to have time out to unwind. Rather than playing on the Xbox or PlayStation it's much more exciting to do the real thing and fly a helicopter.
We have several graduates who have qualified as helicopter pilots even before taking their Driving Test!
It's fun, it can be achieved in your spare time without affecting your studies and your license is valid for life
When you graduate you can hire our helicopters and take friends and family sightseeing, visit different areas of the country, as well as fly abroad. There are over 3000 places to land around the UK including hotels, clubs, racecourses, private sites and airports. We can also assess your own back garden!
The advantages of training with Tiger Helicopters
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Ideal training location over the beautiful Herefordshire countryside
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Friendly Airfield without long holding times
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No excessive landing fees or hidden extras
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Friendly club atmosphere and active social scene.
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Highly qualified flight training staff.
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Your own personal instructor.
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Flexible scheduling to suit you.
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Assistance with financial planning and personalised career plan.
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Transport & accommodation available if required.
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Job placement assistance.
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Excellent safety record