Reading time: 4 minutes “I’ve Got This…” – The Killer Instinct in Helicopter Flying Experience and confidence are essential in helicopter flying, but they can also lead to complacency and poor decisions. In this extract from his upcoming Killer Instinct presentation at EU Rotors, Jonny Greenall examines how normal pilots make normal mistakes — and why recognising our limitations is a vital part of flight safety. by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 4 minutes “I’m Almost There…” – The Killer Instinct in Helicopter Flying Why do pilots continue flying when conditions are deteriorating? In this extract from Jonny Greenall’s Killer Instinct presentation at EU Rotors, we explore get-there-itis, self-imposed pressure and the dangers of pressing on simply because you are almost there. Turning back is not failure; it is good airmanship. by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 5 minutes See You at EU-Rotors, December 2026 Meet Jonny and the Balearic Helicopters team at EU-Rotors, 1–3 December 2026. Discover Jonny’s three EASA Helicopter Safety Team presentations and find out how to join us for an R44 cross-country flight between Mallorca and Lyon. by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 6 minutes The Dead Man’s Curve – Myth, Reality and Helicopter Training (According to Jonny) Is the helicopter “Dead Man’s Curve” really a death sentence? Jonny Greenall challenges a common misconception about the Height/Velocity (H/V) Diagram, explaining what it means, how it affects helicopter operations and why understanding the risks matters more than simply avoiding the shaded areas. by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 2 minutes Balearic Helicopters Award - Nit De L'Aviacio Palma de Mallorca, Spain — Today, Balearic Helicopters are pleased to announce a brand-new sustainable fuel for use in the R44 helicopter. by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 7 minutes Hovering Out of Wind – Twitchy, Fidgety or Skittish? (According to Jonny) Why can a helicopter become twitchy, fidgety or downright skittish when hovering out of wind? Jonny explains weathercocking, tail-rotor control and unanticipated yaw in simple, practical terms — without the aerodynamic textbook. by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 10 minutes What Happens If You Overpitch a Helicopter? Overpitching isn't Vortex Ring. It isn't Settling with Power. So what exactly is it — and why can it be so dangerous? Discover what happens when you ask your helicopter for more power than it can give you, and how quickly things can go wrong. Understand the warning signs, recognise the risks, and learn why prevention is always better than recovery. by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 7 minutes INTRO - What Should Happen Before Every Helicopter Flight Lesson? What makes a good flight lesson? Jonny Greenall explains the INTRO method used to structure effective helicopter flight training, from setting the scene and explaining why the lesson matters to connecting previous learning with clear objectives. by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 11 minutes How to obtain an EASA R44 Type Rating – Complete Guide. Thinking about adding an EASA R44 Type Rating to your helicopter licence? This guide explains the training, theory, skill test, revalidation and renewal requirements — including the details that are often missed. by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 6 minutes The 5 Ss - How Do You Assess a Helicopter Confined Landing Site? The 5 S’s of a confined area briefing — Size, Shape, Surroundings, Slope and Surface — provide a simple but essential framework for assessing a landing site. Jonny Greenall explains what to look for before committing a helicopter to a confined area and why getting the briefing right matters. by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 5 minutes How Long Does It Take to Get a Helicopter Licence? Jonny's guide to becoming a helicopter pilot - How long does it really take to become a helicopter pilot? Jonny Greenall explains why a five-week PPL(H) may be possible on paper, but why six to eight weeks can be a far more realistic approach. by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 8 minutes Why Hour Building Can Become a Complete Waste of Time Jonny's guide to becoming a helicopter pilot - Hour building isn't about simply adding numbers to your logbook — it's about building the skills, experience and judgement that will make you a better commercial pilot. by Jonny Greenall