What Can I Expect

Fabulous helicopter lessons out of Shobdon Aerodrome! It's destination Herefordshire for 30 or 60 minute helicopter lessons in two or five seater aircraft. And we have to say, this long-established helicopter training school just west of Leominster is a delightful place to discover helicopters. Let us tell you why…

For starters, this school is very well established. Owner Alan Ramsden started offering helicopter lessons in Herefordshire in 1992 and the story behind the school is a good one. Having gained his Private Pilot's Licence and happily flying light aircraft, a five minute helicopter flight at Shobdon in a 206 Bell Jetranger inspired him to sell up, move to the USA, retrain on helicopters, qualify and then work as a helicopter pilot and instructor.

Alan then returned to his beloved Shobdon (as he says, nowhere and nothing can beat flying a helicopter over Clee Hill at sunset) to set up the training school. It has gone from strength to strength, providing progressive and thorough training to both UK students and international guests. They have even flown several thousand hours of helicopter training flights over the Herefordshire countryside with Police agencies from around the world!

And it has to be said, Shobdon is a fantastic airfield to operate your helicopters from. They have an excellent relation with the local village community and the other operators on the airfield, all enjoying the unrestricted G class airspace this part of Herefordshire boasts.

The two seater flights are in a Robinson R22, which is one of the most renowned training helicopters around. If you opt for a five seater flight you're in for a real treat, as you move into the realm of large turbine-engined rotary flying with the 206 Bell Jetranger. This is a very impressive helicopter and even more amazing is the fact that you get the chance to fly it yourself.

Book in for one of these helicopter flights at Shobdon Airfield and you will benefit from all that knowledge and experience of the pilot instructors. And you'll have the stunning backdrop of Leominster and the countryside around Hereford to accompany you too! 

When Is It Available

• Weekdays and weekends throughout the year
• Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions

Suitable For

• Minimum age is 14 years
• Under 18s must be accompanied on the airfield by an adult
• Maximum weight for flights in the 2 seater R22 is 17 stone
• There are no weight restrictions for the 5 seater Jetranger
• All guests will need to provide photographic ID in order to fly
• Participants of the five seater experiences are allowed to bring 2-3 interested observers (min age 14) who can observe the lesson from the rear seat (at the discretion of the flight instructor and subject to weather conditions and weight restrictions)

Spectators

• Friends and family are very welcome to come and watch your departure and arrival