In 1999, having flown fixed wing aircraft for a couple of years, I booked a trial helicopter lesson, just for something different to do. That half hour changed my life! I decided I just HAD to do more. So I went back again, and again, and again. Soon I realised that it would be cheaper if I paid for a few flying hours in advance, and several months later I got my PPL(H), or Private Pilot’s Helicopter Licence.

At his point I realised I would like to do more, and asked about getting a Commercial Helicopter Licence, which I managed a couple of years later, after passing 14 gruelling written exams and doing an intensive three-week flying course.

But I had always really wanted to be an instructor. I love flying helicopters, and I like people, and this seemed a good way of combining these two things. I also hoped to introduce more women to flying helicopters; why, in the 21st century, are there so few of us? Anyway, I spent another year getting the flying hours I needed through two flying “holidays” in California and Russia. I then went on an instructors’ course in early 2003, passing the final test in April.

I now work as a freelance instructor at Tatenhill Airfield, near Burton-on-Trent, for “Staffordshire Helicopters”. Of course, some people just want a trial lesson/air experience flight, to experience helicopter flying with no intention of taking it further, and that is fine with me – I thoroughly enjoy sharing my passion for flying with them. Or if you want to go further, and get a private helicopter licence, or maybe do what I did….

So, why not give me a call…to book a trial lesson, find out about flying helicopters, or just for a friendly chat.



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