EXPERT INTERVIEW WITH HELIADVENTURES
We have always had a close relationship with Heli Adventures, and this week we had the privilege of interviewing Gemma Heynes on all things airborne. For a first-hand insight into the world of helicopter flying, read on…
Q1. Hi Gemma! So to kick things off, how was HeliAdventures founded?
HeliAdventures provides helicopter tours from a plethora of locations and is part of a long established Helicopter Company based at Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire. Further services from this multifaceted company include helicopter charters and professional helicopter training.
HeliAdventures was started out of the passion of two pilots who wanted to be able to share their passion and make available to others the experience of helicopter flights. The cost of helicopters make it prohibitively expensive to many, but by setting up HeliAdventures and selling sightseeing tours by the seat we hoped to open up the opportunity to many others to enjoy.
Q2. How do you think HeliAdventures stands out from other helicopter companies?
Not only do we operate all our own events, we always use our own pilots, our own helicopters and operate under our own Air Operators Certificate (AOC), allowing us to provide seamless customer service throughout the booking process and the experience itself. Unlike a majority of UK sightseeing flight operators, we use immaculately presented Airbus Helicopters AS350 aircraft which provides great visibility for all passengers in a much more modern and spacious cabin compared with the Jet Ranger used by most others. Our pilots are very familiar with the specific areas within which our range of helicopter flights and tours are conducted, and they have worked to put together routes that will give you the very best in excitement and spectacle.
Q3. What is your favourite part of running HeliAdventures?
Seeing the joy on customers faces after their flight when, in many cases, they have just realised a life long dream.
Q4. Tell us more about your story and HeliAdventures’ success..
HeliAdventures has grown over the years to become one of the largest UK pleasure flight operators to cover multiple locations throughout the South West and Midlands. Keep an eye out …more of the UK to be added soon! As well as this our training division has been able to satisfy the dreams of many people of becoming a pilot whose initial introduction to helicopters was a pleasure flight with HeliAdventures.
We flew 450 sightseeing tour in 2015, which equates to more than 2,000 passengers and of those 2,000 passengers over 90% rate us 4-5 out of 5 and say they would recommend us to others. We are aiming for 100% in 2016!
Q5. If you could tell every customer one thing, what would you share with them?
“ YOLO ” …. so make the most of it. Come and have fun with us!
Q6. Is there anything else you’d like to add/ mention?
If there is anything you want to know about helicopters do ask – we love talking helicopters!
Huge thanks to Gemma for chatting with us, we hope you’ve enjoyed a little insight into Heli and it’s team! Helicopter rides are great ways to see the ground beneath you from great heights, and there are plenty of locations across the country so everyone can have the perfect experience. Enjoy!
