Helicopter Flights & Training in Headcorn, Kent | 01622 891158
Helicopter Flights & Training in Headcorn, Kent
01622 891158

Welcome to Thurston Helicopters

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Thurston Helicopters was formed in 1989 to be both a Helicopter Training School and provider of Helicopter Sightseeing Tours across Kent. Since that time we have flown thousands of delighted sightseers across the Kent skies to see the Garden of England as never before, and have trained hundreds of enthusiasts to gain their Helicopter Private Pilots Licence (PPL-H).

Introductory Tours

See Kent from the skies!

Experience the joy of a Helicopter Introductory Tour Flights as you take to the skies to view the picturesque countryside and coastlines of Kent - the Garden of England. Our Robinson R44 Helicopter offers unparalleled visibility so sit back and enjoy the wonderful panoramic views of the Kent countryside. Your pilot will point out the scenic landmarks so don’t forget to bring your camera!

Our Robinson R44 helicopters seat 4 people including the pilot. Bookings must be made in advance.

60 minute Kent Scenic Tour

For £487, this fantastic 1 hour flight allows you to see Kent - the Garden of England - and the South Coast as you have never seen it before! …
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40 minute Kent Scenic Tour

For £339, our 40 minute flight over Kent will fly you over Leeds Castle, Scotney Castle and Bodium Castle …
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25 minute Kent Scenic Tour

For £244, our 25 minute flight over Kent will explore the local area and fly you over Scotney Castle and Leeds Castle the ‘Loveliest Castle in the World’ … MORE INFORMATION
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To purchase a tour, call us on 01622 891158 or visit our GIFT VOUCHERS page.
We pride ourselves on high standards, personal service and are committed to helping our clients achieve and enjoy gaining their helicopter pilots licence.

We like the fact that being a small company means we can keep in close touch with all our students - many of whom have become friends.

Thurston Helicopters in Headcorn is centrally located in Kent, "The Garden of England".

Our situation offers free airspace up to 3,500 feet which makes it ideal for helicopter training.

We have been based at Headcorn Aerodrome for over 25 years offering an unparalleled level of training.
We are committed to helping clients achieve and enjoy gaining their helicopter pilots licence.

We offer a range of services:
- Individual Helicopter Rides -
- Group Introductory Tours -
- Trial Lessons -
- Full PPL(H) Training -
- Self-Fly Hire -

 

Our Fleet

Thurston's fleet of helicopters consists of a Robinson R22 Beta II and three R44s - a Raven 1, Raven 2 and a Clipper 2 - all of which which are fitted with comprehensive avionics and an enhanced leather interior.
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Robinson R22

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Robinson R44 Clipper 2

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Robinson R44 Raven 1

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Robinson R22 - Technical Specifications

Weights:
Gross Weight 1,370 lb
Empty Weight Equipped (w/full oil) 855 lb
Fuel (19.2 gal) 115 lb
Optional Auxiliary Fuel (10.5 gal) 63 lb
Passengers and Baggage w/stnd fuel 400 lb

Powerplant:
Lycoming O-360 Four-Cylinder, Air-Cooled
Derated to 131 horsepower at 2652 rpm

Performance:
Maximum Airspeed (Vne) up to 118 mph (102 kts)
Cruise Airspeed @ 70% Power 110 mph (96 kts)
Maximum Range (no reserve) Over 200 miles
Maximum Range (w/aux fuel) Over 300 miles
Average Fuel Consumption 8 to 10 gph
Rate-of-Climb at Sea Level Over 1,000 fpm
Rate-of-Climb at 10,000 Feet Over 600 fpm
Maximum Operating Altitude 14,000 feet
Hover Ceiling IGE @ 1370 GW 9,400 feet
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Robinson R44 - Technical Specifications

Weights:
Gross Weight 2,500 lb
Standard Fuel (30.6 gal) 184 lb
Auxiliary Fuel (18.3 gal) 110 lb
Passengers and Baggage w/standard fuel 774 lb

Performance:
Cruise Speed up to 130 mph (113 kts)
Maximum Range (no reserve) approx 400 miles
Hover Ceiling IGE @ 2400 lb 6,400 feet
Hover Ceiling OGE @ 2200 lb 5,100 feet
Rate-of-Climb over 1,000 fpm
Maximum Operating Altitude 14,000 feet
Naturally all the machines are immaculately maintained and are fitted with the required instruments and avionics to enable full training in the use of radio navigation and instrument flying.

If you are thinking of learning to fly a helicopter and working towards your helicopter private pilots licence PPL(H), please see our TRIAL LESSONS page. If you have any other questions then please CONTACT US.
 

Headcorn Aerodrome

We are based in Headcorn Aerodrome, a 100+ year old airfield catering for both Helicopters and aeroplane activities. These activities include:

  • Introductory Tours - Helicopter
  • Balloon Flights
  • Parachuting
  • Annual Southern Model Show
  • Annual Military Vehicle & Vintage Airshow
Headcorn Aerodrome Facilities include:
  • Ample Free Parking
  • The Aerodrome Cafe
  • The Wings Bar
  • Aviation Military Museum (weekends during the summer)
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Privacy Policy:
  • We do not store any information about you from this site except when you contact us or pay online
  • All information given to us is strictly private and is not shared with any other organisation
  • You may see what information we hold at any time, upon request and without charge
  • We will honour any request to remove information held within 14 days
Thurston Helicopters Ltd . The Aerodrome . Headcorn . Kent . TN27 9HX . Incorporated in the UK 07618873 . VAT no. GB 565 3285 25