HELICOPTER FLIGHT OF A LIFETIME|CONFINED AREA LANDING|FULL ATC

Experience the beauty of a helicopter flight over stunning countryside, showcasing both the intricate cockpit controls and breathtaking aerial views. This aviation journey highlights the landscape below and the unique experience of being a pilot. Enjoy this 4k video that brings you along for the flight.

My mission today in G-HVRZ is a special one. I depart Barton to collect two passengers from the garden of their stunning countryside home in the Manchester CTA with the helicopter rotors running for a HOT pickup — not a bad way to start your 18th birthday for one of them.

We lift into the skies over the beautiful Cheshire countryside, routing past the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory before crossing into North Wales. Along the way, the birthday boy gets the chance of a lifetime — hands on the controls and flying the helicopter under supervision.

Our destination is a gorgeous pub lunch stop on the banks of the River Dee, combining great flying, stunning scenery, and a memorable celebration from start to finish.

This is what general aviation — and helicopter flying — is all about.

✈️ Flight Details
• Aircraft: Eurocopter EC120
• Registration: G-HVRZ
• Departure: Barton Aerodrome
• Pickup: Private garden landing – Mobberley (rotors running)
• Route: Cheshire countryside → North Wales
• Landmark Overflown: Jodrell Bank Space Telescope
• Destination: The Boat Inn (Erbistock) Riverside pub
• Purpose: 18th birthday flight & lunch trip
• Special Moment: Birthday passenger hands-on flying (under supervision)

🎥 Camera Setup
• GoPro 13 – Forward-facing exterior / scenic shots
• GoPro 12 – Cockpit wide angle (pilot + passengers)
• GoPro 12 – Instrument panel & forward view

🧰 Software & Tools
• ForeFlight – Navigation & situational awareness
• Sky Demon - Navigation & situational awareness
• Autorouter – Route planning
• Windy – Weather analysis
• Final Cut Pro – Editing
• FxFactory – Titles & overlays