EXPERT INTERVIEW WITH RISE HELICOPTERS

Few things beat the adrenaline of vertical take-off in a helicopter, the perfect combination of sightseeing enjoyment and flying thrills. We’ve been talking to Mark from Rise Helicopters about their incredible R44 flying experiences over the stunning Gloucestershire landscape, and a bit of inside information about the company.

1. Please explain a bit about the experiences you offer.
Helicopter Trail Lessons are a fantastic introduction to flying a helicopter, you can either it back and enjoy the ride; or take the controls and have a go at flying the helicopter! We offer a variety of helicopters that can either take one person for a flight or a group or 3 or 4. We offer flights from 30 minutes and you only pay for the time in the air. Here at Rise Helicopters we have a great viewing area and offer complimentary tea and coffee for your friends and family while you show off your flying abilities.

2. What’s your favourite part of the job?
Seeing customer’s faces when they return from their flight – Many customers are a little apprehensive especially when they have never experienced a helicopter flight before, they are ALWAYS thrilled and wear enormous smiles when they return. “Can we go again?”

3. What’s your most frequently asked question?
Is it Safe? The answer is YES; all our helicopters are maintained on site by our CAA approved Maintenance Facility. This together with the experience of our qualified instructors makes for a very enjoyable experience.

4. What differentiates your company from others?
Rise Helicopters are a very professional and friendly company with a great team who aim to make every customer feel special. We are open 7 days a week and offer fantastic facilities, with a large lounge with complimentary tea and coffee, WIFI and a fantastic view of the airfield from our balcony. Rise Helicopters really care and want you to have a fantastic experience that will last a lifetime

5. What’s your best memory from working in the industry?
A Proposal Flight – The customer requested a helicopter flight to his girlfriend’s school, to land the helicopter so he could pop down on one knee to propose!
He was petrified of both flying and proposing!
Before the flight, he looked a little pale and was a little shaky on embarking the helicopter. On return he was all smiles, she said YES and he also really enjoyed the flight!