Discovery Flight
Full Helicopter care: training sales and maintenance
 
 

 

Established by world renowned helicopter pilot Quentin “Q“ Smith, HQ Aviation is London’s helicopter flight school, with over 55 years of experience. At HQ, we believe that flying is, above all, a beautiful thing that deserves to be enjoyed. Discover the thrilling sensations of having the controls for the very first time, put yourself to the test by taking your private pilot licence, and make the best of it by self-fly hiring one of our machines. Learn how to fly a helicopter from the most experienced instructors in the industry.

 

 Offer the gift of flight!

Discovery Flight Discovery Flight Discovery Flight Discovery Flight Discovery Flight
Discovery Flight
from £180.00

Take Control: The Ultimate Helicopter Discovery Flight

Stop dreaming and start flying. Experience the thrill of piloting a helicopter yourself with a hands-on Discovery Flight.

Under the guidance of a certified instructor, you'll take the controls, learn the basics and see the world from a breathtaking new perspective.

 
 

FLYING

 
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DISCOVERY FLIGHT

Flying is the ultimate dream pursued by mankind. Should you want to live it for real, the discovery flight will certainly fulfil your expectations: After a pre-flight briefing, you will enjoy a full hands-on flying experience with one of our instructors. If you are looking for a memorable gift idea, look no further!

Private Pilot Licence 

Let aside the ground exams that most student self study before taking the tests on site, the obtention of a PPL(H) requires a minimum of 45 hrs of flight training, including 10 hrs of solo. The duration of the course will naturally vary, depending on the student commitment and ability.

Commercial pilot licence

Holding a Commercial Pilot Licence, CPL(H) gives you the status of professional helicopter pilot. To achieve this, 155 hrs of flying time post licence is required, of which 50 hrs must be Pilot In Command ( PIC ).

Type rating

Having achieved your PPL(H), you may wish to fly different types of helicopter. A type specific ground training course followed by a minimum of 5 Hrs of flight training will suffice to put you to the Type Rating test.  

night rating

Holding a night rating gives you the most flexibility, as sunset will no longer prevent you from flying. To achieve this, 100 hrs of flying post licence is required, of which 60 Hrs must be Pilot In Command ( PIC ). 

self-fly hire

With an impressive fleet of over 30 helicopters, HQ will certainly be able to facilitate your flying requirements, either on a short term hiring or on a long term leasing basis. 

 

missions

Inspired by Captain Q’s “World All Around” adventures, HQ is keeping up the tradition  by organising expeditions to amazing places. Please let us know if you want to be part of the HQ flying squad!

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advanced training

Should you want to master the Art of Auto-Rotations, HQ is definitely the place to practice this so called “emergency procedure”. Twice Aerobatic World Champion, Captain Q will push your boundaries and teach you how to fly safely.

 
 
 
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MAINTENANCE

 
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Rebuilds

At HQ, our experienced and dedicated engineers carry out the highest quality rebuilds on calendar or time expired machines. The 12 years inspection or 2200 Hr overhaul will be tailored to your specific needs. With an infinite choice of colours for the exterior, and the finest materials for the interior, your machine will be reborn “unique”.

Maintenance

Being an authorised Part 145 Maintenance Facility, HQ can carry out all types of work on your Robinson or Cabri Helicopter. From small scheduled inspections to unforeseen defects, our engineers will look after your machine with the greatest care. 

Part sales

With an impressive stock of Robinson and Cabri spares, HQ can offer an AOG service to get the parts you need without delay.  Our Stores Team are always on hand to give you some assistance. 

 

hangarage

Please enquire if you would like to base your aircraft temporarily or permanently at Denham. Our Operations team are on site 7 days a week, to provide moving in-and-out service and refueling assistance.

avionics

From upgrading your existing radio, to installing USB ports to the instrument console: HQ works with experienced Avionics engineers to ensure the best outcome for the owner and improve the whole flying experience. 

 
 
 
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Sales

 
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NEW Helicopters

Global Rotors, a division of HQ Aviation Ltd, are an official approved Robinson Factory distributor. GR will give you the necessary guidance to design your brand new “Robbie”. With a great range of optional equipment, your R22, R44 or R66 will be tailored to your needs. Contact us to book a demo at our London showroom.

Configure a new Robinson helicopter

Email: MissionCommand@GlobalRotors.com

Telephone: +44(0)1895 833373

 

USED Helicopters

If you are considering selling your machine, please contact our sales team. HQ will do the necessary arrangements to facilitate the transaction. If on the other hand, we are willing to buy a used aircraft, please let us know your criteria and HQ will look for a suitable machine for you.

View available used aircraft

Email: Sales@HQAviation.com

Telephone: +44(0)1895 833373

Robinson Helicopter Rebuilds

REBUILt helicopters

Having rebuilt over 40 Robinsons in his career, our expert Chief Engineer has gained the experience to deliver a “like new” product. Attention to details is paramount, fine tuning is a must, and there is no limit to the choice of colours and materials that can be selected to personalise your beloved machine. 

Email: Maintenance@HQAviation.com

Telephone: +44(0)1895 832833

 
 
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Contact Us

 

HQ Aviation, Denham Aerodrome, Denham, UB9 5DF, United Kingdom

+44 1895 833373 - Operations@HQAviation.com

 +44 1895 832833 - Maintenance@HQAviation.com

 
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FAQ

  • HQ Aviation is a helicopter flight school based in London inside the M25 boundary, just a 30-minute drive from Central London.

    Hangar E, Denham Aerodrome, Hanger Road, Denham, Uxbridge, London, UB9 5DF

  • HQ Aviation is a family-run helicopter flight school, maintenance facility and dealer, based in London. We have experience in most types of helicopters; however, we are a specialist Robinson Dealer & Service Center, as we strongly believe that these are the best helicopters for private individuals.

  • Quentin “Q“ Smith is the founder of HQ Aviation and world-renowned helicopter pilot, whose mission has always been to share his experience and the beauty of flight. Having taught 1000’s of students, he is regarded as the most experienced instructor in the world.

    His accomplishments:

    1st helicopter pilot to reach the North Pole, in an R44 helicopter and later in an R66 helicopter.

    1st helicopter pilot to reach the South Pole, in an R44 helicopter.

    1st helicopter to circumnavigate the world, in an R44 helicopter (twice).

    Winner of several helicopter freestyle aerobatic competitions.

    more.

  • It all depends on your dedication and how frequently you come in.

    Some of our students have passed in less than 2 months, while the average is around 6-7 months.

    The requirements are:

    • A minimum amount of training of 45 hours

    • 9 MCQ theoretical online exams

  • HQ Aviation is like a clubhouse, with a warm atmosphere full of character and friendly staff that will make you feel welcome.

    Feel free to come in for a chat and an espresso! And to see some amazing helicopters in action.

  • You can really fly a helicopter at any age.

    For young aspiring pilots:

    You can officially log your hours at 14 years old, fly solo at 16 years old and pass your PPL exam at 17 years old.

    In terms of an upper limit, the only requirement to have your PPL is that you can pass a medical exam.