
1. Get to your destination in a third of the time
Andrew Butt, founder of Enable Software, needs to get from his base in Stratford-upon-Avon to clients around the country. For years he’s been dodging the traffic in his Robinson R44. He says: “I can get to the east, south or west coasts in about an hour. Yesterday, I flew to Brighton and the return journey was just over two hours – compared to six hours by car.” He emphasises that helicopters can be as spontaneous as their four-wheeled rivals. “A popular misconception is that you need to file a flight plan and be on the radio, which would be a real hassle. In reality, you can fly from field to field without talking to anyone.”2. You get much more leg room
Unlike cars, where one of the biggest choices is petrol or diesel, choppers have a wide variety of dimensions. If your budget is tight, stick to a two-seater. If you’re planning to take your board along for the ride, you’ll need something with a bit more leg-room. Giorgio Bendoni, marketing director of Sloane Helicopters, says: “First-time buyers go for anything from the Robinson R22, which has two seats and a single piston engine, to the AgustaWestland Grand, with eight seats and a twin-turbine engine.”3. They’re cheaper than a Lamborghini
4. You’re less likely to die
Unlike the Japanese bullet trains, which boast a zero-fatality record since 1973, helicopters do occasionally crash and claim lives. High-profile deaths such as rally driver Colin McRae and Lake District tourism entrepreneur Mark Weir tend to skew perception, exaggerating the dangers. Looking at statistical databases such as the US Civil Helicopter Safety Trends study (on Rotor.com), deaths average one per 150,000 hours flown – a similar rate to aircraft.5. No more frustrating three-point turns
6. But… there aren’t many london parking spaces
Your fantasy of landing on the roof of a skyscraper in the City is not going to happen. Sorry. Noise controls and the proximity of Heathrow and City Airport mean there are tight restrictions on helicopter flight paths. Your best bet is to land at Battersea Heliport and continue on foot. Vanguard Wharf on the Isle of Dogs is restricted to the smallest craft. Outside London, you can alight at Northolt, Denham, Elstree and Biggin Hill.Chopper fact: The only man with a licence to land a helicopter in the Square Mile is De Beers chairman Nicky Oppenheimer. He used to share that privilege with Robert Maxwell, who would land on the roof of the Mirror building.
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