With Christmas on the way you might be starting to wonder what you can get the pilot or aviation enthusiast in your life. Here are 13 flying experience providers and aviation gifts that may make your decision a little easier
info@flyingpighelicopters.co.uk | 0207 118 8998
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Their fun, friendly, family run flying school not only offers second to none PPL(H) training but also a wide range of helicopter trial lessons and experiences for all budding pilots from 10-110yrs!
Choose a One-to-One trial lesson, learn about the controls and have a go at hovering. Something for Two? Book a romantic flight including a glass of bubbly and chocolates. For the young aviators there’s the Junior flying encounter (10-16yrs) which includes a tour of the airfield or for your movie mad teen they offer a fabulous film location flight over Elstree and Warner Bros. Studios.
Want to do something as a family/group? Then opt for one of the popular London Olympic Skyline flights.
All trial lessons and experiences are conducted by an experienced flying instructor so you will be able take the controls and actually FLY! Once landed mementos of your flight (photos, dvds and even RC Helis) are available to purchase. Discover the joy of rotary flight from just £99!
2) Heli-air
info@HeliAir.com | 01789 470476
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Heli Air offers a wide selection of Gifts and Helicopter Experiences to suit all pockets.
Start by visiting the Helicopter Gifts section at HeliAir.com/Buy Experiences where you will find great gift ideas from a simple aviator style key ring to a range of fantastic radio controlled models.
Explore the range of helicopter experiences and discover gifts that offer that extra wow factor. There’s a wide selection of Helicopter Experiences including trial lessons, sightseeing tours, regional helicopter rides, pleasure flights and helicopter training days. Each one can be gifted with a Voucher and sent direct.
Either shop online at HeliAir.com/Buy Experiences or visit one of the Heli Air bases where Gifts and Experiences Vouchers are also available.
3) Icom
sales@icomuk.co.uk | +44 (0)1227 741741
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Icom Airband transceivers have been an indispensable safety tool for pilots for decades. Icom’s latest range of handhelds are the IC-A25NE NAV COM and IC-A25CE COM only 8.33kHz/25kHz Airband VHF radios.
The IC-A25CE 8.33kHz/25kHz VHF Airband transceiver is the COM only Airband radio from Icom. It features 6 watts of output power, a stylish modern design, easy-to-use interface and large 2.3-inch LCD combine to provide stress-free programming and easy in-flight operation. The 8.33kHz/25kHz handportable is ideal for customers who want a no-nonsense easy to use radio including ground support and other professional users.
Its sister NAV COM radio, the IC-A25NE has the same features of the IC-A25CE and was launched earlier in the year. The IC-A25NE is ideal for pilots that are looking for a dependable higher tier radio with Bluetooth, built-in GPS and flight plan navigation functions.
Both would make an ideal stocking filler for any pilot.
Sales@bavionics.co.uk | 02392 299 357
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What’s the perfect gift for a Pilot in your life this Christmas? Well… Here is the Garmin D2 Delta family of premium GPS aviator watches. Putting true global flight navigation capabilities onto the wrists of forward-looking pilots and flying enthusiasts. With advanced aviation and sport functions, these sleek new designs are available in three sizes.
The top of the range 51mm Delta PX model incorporates a GPS moving map, a wrist-based pulse oximeter that tracks blood oxygen saturation in flight, Nexrad colour weather radar imagery, airport data, automatic flight logging, connectivity with compatible avionics and more. Who knew a pilot watch could do all this?
Then we have the 47mm D2 Delta, it incorporates many of the same features, but has a silver titanium bezel, as well as a premium brown leather strap.
The 42 mm Delta S features a stylish rose gold-tone bezel and is lighter, sleeker and smaller than previous D2 models. Ideal for smaller wrists and comes with a beige leather strap that makes it easy to transition from the cockpit to a night out.
5) Huey
sales@huey.co.uk | 01772 687775 or 01772 671950
Their ‘Concourse d’Elegance’ award-winning Vietnam Veteran Helicopter ‘Huey 509’ (72-21509) served as part of the 129th Assault Helicopter Company during the Vietnam War.
Phil Connolly (a local business man) purchased ‘Huey 509’ in 2003 and commissioned her full restoration. In May 2005 the aircraft arrived at her new home in Lancashire. She has been fully restored to flying condition. Huey 509 is now permitted under UK CAA Regulations to fly with 5 passengers on board.
As a privately-owned business, operating from Wesham in Lancashire with over 15 years experience, they pride themselves in offering a personal service to customers.
After many years of hard work and dedication they are now able to offer this amazing and exciting experience to you. They are the only genuine flying Vietnam Veteran Huey Helicopter in Europe and you will not find another experience like this in the UK.
6) Tiger Club
01708 524633
Calling all vintage adrenaline junkies. If the sight and sound of this classic British biplane fills you with excitement and transports you back to the nostalgia of the 1930’s, this experience is for you.
Accompanied by an experienced club member, this is your chance to take a seat in the historic two-seater Tiger Moth and fly into a bygone era. Feel the exhilaration of the wind rushing past you as you soar into the skies in this open cockpit biplane. Flights start from £180.
For the true adrenaline junkie, step into the agile CAP-10 for a thrilling aerobatic rollercoaster ride. A superb chance to experience rolls, loops and stall turns – the ideal gift for anyone looking to crank up the G-Force. Flights start from £180.
For more information and how to book please visit: www.tigerclub.co.uk/experiences
7) ‘Not a Natural Pilot: The move from RAF Regiment Gunner to Pilot’ by Laurie Tallack
A wonderful gift for the true aviation enthusiast in your life.
Here the author explains what the book is all about…
“This is not Bravo Two-Zero, but a collection of my short flying stories and experiences as a pilot in the RAF, as well as some memorable moments as a gunner in the RAF Regiment. Most are funny, some serious, some with an important learning curve for me; but hopefully all are entertaining.
“I make no claim of heroism short of actively having the guts to turn away from what I really wanted to do towards the end – and then I’d have been able to write an even more exciting book, but would probably be still suffering the nightmares of merely following the thrill of violent adventure – of which there’s plenty of such books available.
“So, a heroic tale of inaction based on conscience – if you like.
“However, if you want excitement, turn to the chapter on the take-off in Iraq from the side of a mountain…”
8) Kai Aviation
+49 372 955 0830
Kai Aviation Complete Set
Featuring t-shirts and other items of clothing to give a casual look with an elegant touch, this complete set will make a great gift for any aviation enthusiast.
A quarter size bottle of champagne is also included in a bag printed with the phrase “All you need for a safe flight!”
info@aerialcollective.co.uk | 01223 653830
Create magical memories with this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Choose from the iconic Spitfire, majestic Mustang or powerful Sea Fury, and take to the skies above the historic Duxford airfield.
Friends and family can relax in the client area with fantastic views of the runway, sharing in the roar of the engine and the wonder of the aircraft in flight.
Your unique and unparalleled experience includes an Aerial Collective gift bag, complete with log book and souvenir flight patch, as well as entry for both you and a plus-one to IWM Duxford.
Whether for yourself or a loved one, you can guarantee that a flight in one of their amazing warbirds is an experience that will be treasured forever. Fly with them and book your perfect adventure today.
10) SPOT X
eusales@findmespot.com | +353 (1) 2909571
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SPOT X provides two-way satellite messaging so you can stay connected to family, friends and colleagues whenever you’re outside of mobile range, including direct communication with Search & Rescue services in case of life-threatening emergency.
SPOT X even provides you with your own personal mobile number so others can message you directly from their mobile phone or other SMS devices at any time.
Features include:
Illuminated QWERTY Keyboard | 2.7″ Backlit Display | Personal Mobile Number | Impact Resistant, Dust & Waterpoof (IP67) | Rechargeable Lithium Battery
11) Warbird Experiences at The Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar
office@bigginhillspitfire.com | 01959 576767
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The Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar is the largest centre for Spitfire activity in the world. Fly one of the genuine WWII Spitfires from RAF Biggin Hill, the most famous Battle of Britain fighter base. Flights over Kent, Beachy Head and Dover are available.
Daily Spitfire restoration tours showcase their engineers working on multiple Spitfire projects from all over the world.
They are a ‘living museum’ and home to a collection of airworthy Warbirds including Spitfires, Hurricane, Messerschmitt 109, Harvard and Cub aircraft as well as jeeps, motorcycles and military artefacts from the WWII era.
They’re open all year round with guided tours from £39 and Spitfire flights from £2750. Quote PLTM20 for a £50 saving on one of the flights.
12) Jersey Aero Club
info@jerseyaeroclub.com | 01534 743990
Trial lessons from 30 minutes to one hour and thirty minutes, learning control of the aircraft whilst taking in the stunning views.
Prices from £140.
12 issues for just £25!
Treat someone you love to a Christmas gift subscription!
Save up to 50% off the shop price, with free UK delivery to any address and FREE gift card to give on Christmas Day!
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