Enjoy a heli trial lesson at Goodwood! Take one legendary location and a shiny helicopter complete with highly qualified instructor pilot and you've got yourself a fantastic aerial experience.

We are offering a choice of flight durations in either a two-seater Robinson 22 or a four-seater R44, so there should be a heli flight to suit all budgets at this fantastic centre based in the heart of the historic Goodwood complex in West Sussex. The aerodrome originally started life as RAF Westhampnett, serving as an American airbase in the Second World War. Nowadays the atmosphere is a lot more relaxed at this busy, but friendly airport.

For your heli trial lesson you can expect a really warm welcome from the team and a professional approach to helicopter flying that means you'll learn a lot, but have fun at the same time. Heading out to the helipad, you'll be shown around the chopper. When safely installed inside, your instructor will explain the controls and the effects they have on the helicopter. Once airborne and in the open skies above Goodwood and the Chichester area, you'll be invited to take over the controls - a thrilling experience. 

As you head back to the airfield, you'll have a go at one of the most essential but difficult heli moves to master - the hover. As you chopper dances from left to right just above the ground, friends and family watching nearby will be able to make the most of the close-up photo opportunity. If you select the R44 trail heli lesson in Goodwood, you'll be able to invite a passenger to fly with you as it's a four seat chopper.

Your lesson will begin with a briefing and introduction to the helicopter and the use of its controls. Your qualified instructor will handle takeoff and once airborne will give you the opportunity to take control and fly the helicopter yourself. As you return to the airfield you will attempt the hover manoeuvre for friends and family to see before landing. Flight time quoted is from engine start up to shut down.


Flights operate 7 days a week, subject to availability.


Helicopter flights take place at Goodwood Aerodrome in Chichester, West Sussex.


There is maximum weight of 17 stone for 2 seater flights in an R22. You must be tall enough to reach the pedals (if you can reach the pedals in a car this is a good guide). Those over 6'4'' may feel cramped in the R22 and should consider the more spacious R44.


Friends and family are very welcome to come along. The flying school offers a comfortable lounge with views across the airfield. Goodwood Aerodrome is a busy and lively airfield with lots of interesting things to see during your visit. Passengers in the 4 seater helicopters are at the pilots discretion and subject to weight limits on the day.