Private helicopter landing sites
Landing a helicopter on private land in the UK
Helicopters can land on private sites in the UK with the landowner’s permission, a safe and suitable site and the right procedures. We check the site, arrange the paperwork and fly you door to door, whether it is an estate, a hotel, a racecourse or your own garden.
If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing.
Why private sites
Point-to-point travel, without the airport
Helicopters give you the advantage of point-to-point travel, often avoiding the need for a traditional airport. In the UK, using a private site for a helicopter charter is not only possible, it is usually practical. For business, leisure or events, flying onto private land can save time and give you more flexibility.
This guide covers the legal position, what makes a site suitable, planning permission, safety and what we need from you before the flight. Read more about our helicopter charter service.
The law
Is it legal to land a helicopter on private land in the UK?
Yes, if three things are in place. The Civil Aviation Authority allows landings and take-offs from unlicensed and temporary helicopter landing sites, so ad hoc use of private land is legal under the right conditions.
1. Landowner permission
You have explicit permission from the landowner. Landing without it is trespass.
2. A safe, suitable site
The site is the right size, with a firm surface and clear approaches.
3. CAA rules followed
The flight follows the rules set by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Permission
Landowner permission is essential
Before you plan a landing, you must have the landowner’s permission. Landing on private land without it is trespass and can have legal consequences.
Need help getting permission or sorting the paperwork? We can assist with that. Our team speaks to the landowner or estate manager on your behalf and agrees the landing point, the timings and who will be on site.
- We contact the owner or manager for you
- We agree the landing point and timings
- We confirm everything in writing
The site
What makes a site suitable for a helicopter?
Helicopters are versatile, but safety comes first. A suitable site has these five things.
Size
A clear area of at least 30 m x 30 m.
Surface
Firm ground: grass, tarmac or hardstanding.
Obstacles
No nearby trees, buildings, power lines or uneven ground.
Approach paths
The approach and departure paths are clear of tall structures and obstructions.
Security
The area is free of people and animals while the helicopter is operating.
Many sites only accept landings in daylight. Use our free daylight landing calculator to find the latest take-off that still lands before sunset.
Planning
Do you need planning permission?
Occasional use: usually no. If the site is used for fewer than 28 days a year, planning permission is not usually required.
Regular or commercial use: yes. Frequent flights, commercial operations or a permanent helipad usually need planning permission from the local council.
Planning a long-term landing site? Speak to us about aviation-friendly planning support. For the detail on private sites, read the London Helicopter Guide on landing at a private site.
Safety
Compliance and safety responsibilities
Whether you are the landowner, an event organiser or a charter client, these must be in place.
Your details
What to send us before you fly
When you book a flight or arrange a landing, send us:
- GPS coordinates, in decimal or degrees, minutes and seconds
- Photos or satellite maps of the site
- A description of the surface, hazards and size
- An on-site contact person
- Written landowner permission
Tip: What3Words shares a precise location in three simple words. Need help sending the right information to the pilot? Call our team on +44 20 7781 8094.
Who uses private sites
Everyday uses for a private helicopter site
Business and VIP
Corporate travel to company headquarters, and VIP or celebrity transport.
Weddings and events
Weddings and private events at estates, hotels and venues.
Homes and properties
Visits to remote homes, country houses and estates.
Surveys
Site surveys in agriculture and construction.
Film and photography
Film production and aerial photography.
The helicopters
The helicopters we fly to private sites
AS355 Twin Squirrel
A night-rated twin that lands in smaller spaces than a jet needs.
Eurocopter EC135
A quiet twin-engine helicopter with a leather cabin.
Agusta A109 Grand
A fast VIP twin for executive and country house flights.
The free UK landing sites directory
helicopterlandingsites.com is a free, independent UK directory of airfields, heliports, airports and venues such as hotels, racecourses, golf clubs and estates that say on their own websites that helicopters can land. Each has a map, live weather and the landing rules.
Flying in and out of the capital
See our helicopter transfers between London Battersea and the airports, the London Heliport guide, and the Private Airport Guide to heliports.
Trusted by our clients
What our clients say
Thank you to the Charter a team — I cannot thank the Charter a team enough for the speedy approach they took to get me and my team from London to the south of France in one of their jets.
Ben Porter · Private jet · Trustpilot
The absolute best private charter experience.
Beverley R · Charter-A client · Trustpilot
From the start Martin was helpful and informative. The whole process was easy… I cannot recommend enough and the whole trip was amazing.
John Bloodworth · Charter-A client · Trustpilot
See what our passengers say: Trustpilot customer feedback
Questions
Private helicopter landing sites: your questions answered
Can a helicopter land on private land in the UK?
How big does a helicopter landing site need to be?
Do I need planning permission for a helicopter landing site?
What do you need from me before the flight?
What if the weather stops the flight?
How do I book?
Ready to land at your site?
Tell us the site, the date and how many are travelling. We check the site for free and a charter specialist replies with one clear, fully inclusive price.
If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing.