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
Reading time: 6 minutes Why Your First Flight Instructor Matters More Than You Think Jonny's guide to becoming a helicopter pilot - Your first helicopter instructor can shape your flying habits, safety standards and approach to aviation for years to come. Jonny Greenall explains what to look for in a good instructor — and why choosing the right one matters from your very first lesson. by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 9 minutes How Do You Become a Professional Helicopter Pilot? — Zero to Hero Jonny's guide to becoming a helicopter pilot - Want to become a professional EASA helicopter pilot? Jonny Greenall explains the three routes from zero to CPL(H), including integrated and modular training, theory, hour building, medical requirements and the CPL(H) skills test. by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 5 minutes How Much Does a Helicopter Licence Really Cost? Jonny's guide to becoming a helicopter pilot - How much does it really cost to get a helicopter licence? Jonny Greenall explains the true costs of PPL(H) training, including the extras that are often missing from headline prices. by Jonny Greenall
Reading time: 6 minutes Is Becoming a Flight Instructor a Good Way to Build Helicopter Hours? Jonny's guide to becoming a helicopter pilot - Is becoming a Flight Instructor really the best way to build helicopter hours? Jonny Greenall looks at the difference between instructing to build a logbook and becoming an instructor who genuinely wants to teach. by Jonny Greenall