“The helicopter is probably the most versatile instrument ever invented” - so said the inventor of the helicopter himself, Igor Sikorsky. He might not have been modest, but he was almost certainly right: these aircraft are capable of manoeuvrability, stability and style that other flying machines can’t match. We’ve all seen them travelling through the skies, hovering near points of interest, or taking off vertically from the ground, but what if we told you that it’s possible to get inside one, and even pilot it yourself? That’s right, even if you’ve never flown before, you can have the life changing experience of piloting one of these fantastic “instruments” here.

Where to fly in a helicopter in Leeds?

Leeds Bradford Airport is the highest airport in England, so you’ve got an altitude advantage on other airports before you even take off here. Its elevation is due to the nearby Pennines hills which, along with the Yorkshire Dales, are just a short distance away. These are natural beauty spots which look best from the cabin of a helicopter and, along with the urban sprawls of Leeds and Bradford and the Wharfedale Valley, make up the 360º panorama that you can enjoy if you take a flight in one of these whirl birds. All this is to say this is one of the best places in the country to live this dream.

What kinds of helicopter experiences are available in Leeds?

• Pleasure flights: If you’d like to know what flying in a helicopter is like without the pressure of having to take the controls, or if you want to see the city and the surrounding area from a different angle, we recommend a pleasure flight or tour. You can take a quick spin tour around the local area, or go a bit further afield, but you’re guaranteed the ride of your life and some views to remember.

• Trial lesson (Pilot for a day): This one’s for budding pilots. You can join an expert flight instructor in the cabin of a helicopter and let them show you the ropes of what flying one of these machines is all about. With their guidance, you’ll get an idea of the cockpit controls, and have the opportunity to take over during the flight and pilot it yourself!

• Flight Simulators: A great compliment to a trial lesson, or if bad weather is spoiling your plans for flight, a helicopter simulator experience is an innovative way to get familiar with flight. Though you won’t leave the ground, the faithful design of the simulator will make you believe that you’re soaring high in the skies, but you can relax in the knowledge that any mistakes you make won’t be putting you in serious danger!

• Pilot training courses: Of course, if you want to fly the real thing without the help of an instructor, you need to undergo some training. Deciding to become one is a big commitment, but can be one of the most rewarding projects that you’ll ever undertake. Leeds Bradford Airport, with its top of the range machines and fantastic training staff, is one of the best places to learn.

• Helicopter hire: Once you’ve got the licence to prove you’re a pilot, you can enter the elite world of helicopter pilots. There are many models that pilots can rent to enjoy at their leisure. From here, you can reach Scotland in less than an hour, the South coast or England in 90 minutes, or Paris in less than 3 hours, the world is your oyster!

Kinds of helicopters that you can fly

- The helicopters that you can experience as a passenger or pilot in Leeds are manufactured by Robinson. This has been the market leading name in civilian helicopters for decades, and for good reason. They’re easy to control, reliable, and their sleek design makes them a timeless classic. You can choose from the 2-seater R22, or the 4-seater R44 which can take more passengers on a sightseeing trip, or house an audience if you’re the one who’s flying.

- For something a bit different, the flight simulator on the ground at the airport is a lifelike reconstruction of a Bell 206 Jet Ranger, a larger, more powerful machine than the Robinson models.

How long does an experience last?

You don’t have to go far from the airport to enjoy some stunning scenery. The Pennines and Yorkshire Dales National Park are a stone’s throw away, but even before reaching them you can get a good look at some local landmarks, such as the stunning country mansion and gardens of Harewood House and Eccup Reservoir. So any length of flight or tour that you choose, from 10 minutes to a full hour is guaranteed to give you something good to look at.

If you want to take a lesson, the lessons on offer include flight times of 20, 30 or 60 minutes. While the shorter ones are best if you’re nervous about what to expect from helicopter flight, a full hour will give you much more of a chance to get a feel for piloting one. You can also arrange a half day experience, which will include two 30 minute flights as well as time on the ground to learn more about the mechanics of the whirly bird.

Finally, the simulator experience can be 30, 60 or 90 minutes long. One of the best things about the simulator is that you don’t have to fly in the skies above the same city every time - you can choose a virtual backdrop of Chicago or the Manhattan skyline.

Requirements to do this activity

The famous versatility of helicopters extends to the occupants that they can carry. To be a passenger, you just have to be 6 years old, weigh less than 18 stone, that’s 115 kilograms, and be less than 2 metres tall. The height and weight restrictions are the same for all aspiring pilots - there in place for the helicopter's sake and for your comfort - but you have to be over 14 years old. Still, it's pretty cool that you can fly a helicopter before you can take the wheel of a car! Trial lessons often take place in a Robinson R44, so you can also bring 2 passengers with you and show off your piloting skills.

So what are you waiting for? If these artifacts are the best of the best, you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to fly one!