Landing a helicopter at a private site: what you need

Key points

• Landowner permission comes first. A pilot should not land on private land without it.
• Landing is subject to permission and site suitability. Permission does not make an unsuitable site safe.
• The site must be big enough for the aircraft we send, with a firm, level surface and no obstructions on the way in and out.
• The CAA's rules of the air restrict how low aircraft can fly near people, vessels, vehicles and structures, apart from take-off and landing.
• If a site does not work, there is nearly always an airfield or heliport close by that does.

Can a helicopter land on private land?

Landing a helicopter at a private site is possible with the landowner's permission, if the site is suitable and the landing is safe and legal. A helicopter does not need a runway, which is why it can serve a country house, a hotel, a golf course or a factory. What it does need is the owner's agreement and enough room.

The CAA's helicopter airmanship guidance advises pilots to get the owner's consent before landing at a private site, and the rules of the air include a low-flying rule, often called the 500 ft rule, which in general keeps an aircraft at least 500 ft from any person, vessel, vehicle or structure, with an exception for take-off and landing. Congested areas have stricter rules. We do not give legal advice, but we plan every flight within these rules. See our guide to where helicopters can land in the UK for the wider picture.

What does a landing site need?

A suitable site needs space, a safe surface, clear approach paths, control of people and animals and, for some operations, lighting. The exact figure depends on the helicopter, so we give you the specifics for the aircraft we plan to send. A larger aircraft such as the AW139 needs more room than the AS355, and that can decide which aircraft is chosen.

• Space. A clear area larger than the helicopter, with margin around the rotor.
• Surface. Firm and reasonably level, without loose items that rotor wash can lift.
• Approach and departure. A path free of tall trees, wires, masts and buildings, ideally into wind.
• People and animals. A cordon so that nobody walks toward the aircraft, and horses or livestock kept clear.
• Wind indication. A wind sock or other signal, if the site has no flag.
• Light. If you want to fly in the dark, the site needs lighting and markings.

Rotor wash can move gravel, leaves, light furniture and marquees. We tell you what to move before the helicopter arrives.

Who gives permission, and who asks?

The landowner gives permission, and in some places other parties matter too: a tenant, a local authority, a national park authority or a trust that holds restrictions on the land. For hotels, estates and venues, we contact the site on your behalf and handle the request, so you do not need to draft anything. For your own home or business, you tell us who owns the land, and we confirm what is needed.

Permission is not always granted. Some owners say no for noise, neighbours or insurance reasons, and a permission can come with conditions, such as limits on the number of movements or hours. We do not promise a landing at any named site until the permission is in hand.

What is PPR?

PPR stands for prior permission required. Many airfields ask pilots to ask before arriving, so that the airfield can plan for the aircraft, brief its staff and confirm that it is open. The airfield sets its own rules, and we request PPR as part of planning. Our directory of UK heliports and airfields notes where PPR applies.

A PPR is not a formality. It is also the moment an airfield can say its runway is closed, a fuel supply is short or an event is taking place. We build that into the schedule.

What if my site is not suitable?

Then we find the closest airfield or heliport that is, and arrange the last mile by car. Often the difference is only a few minutes' drive, and it removes the uncertainty of permissions, space and weather at a field. For ground transport at either end, our sister service Executive Global Travel provides chauffeurs.

We also compare options on the page for the area you are flying to: our UK helicopter charter hub links to city and region pages with the nearest sites. And for a home, estate or hotel landing, see our guide to flying to a country house, hotel or golf club.

What are the typical reasons a private site is refused?

When we are told no, the reasons repeat. Noise and neighbours come first: a site close to houses may carry conditions on timing or a limit on movements. Space is second: the aircraft we would send needs more room than the site offers. Obstructions are third, such as trees, wires, masts or a building on the approach. After that comes the surface, if it is soft, sloping or covered in loose material, and the presence of livestock or crops that cannot be moved.

Most of these have fixes. A smaller aircraft may fit a smaller site. A different time may suit neighbours. A short walk from a field is often better than a refusal. If landing at a private site is not workable, the answer is a nearby airfield, and the directory shows the choices. For golf clubs and country houses, read our venue guide.

How do I start?

Send us the address of the site, who owns it and the aircraft size you expect. We assess it, request permission and tell you what we need. Request a quote and include the site details, or call us on the line that is open 24 hours.