In short
Close protection teams planning a helicopter move should agree the landing sites at both ends, an alternate for each, seats and weights including kit, communications, who is told what and when, and a ground fallback. We handle the aviation side and keep details need-to-know. No flight plan removes risk; it changes and reduces exposure.
Want a price for this? Tell us where and when; we reply with options and a price for the whole aircraft.
Key points
- A helicopter reduces time on the road and the number of predictable choke points, but it adds fixed points: the departure and arrival sites.
- Agree primary and alternate landing sites at both ends, and a ground fallback for each leg.
- Seats are limited and weights count. Team, kit and principal together decide the aircraft.
- Control who knows the time and place. We keep booking details to those who need them.
- No plan removes all risk. The aim is a movement that is well planned, well rehearsed and has options.
What does a helicopter change for a protection team?
A helicopter shortens the exposed part of a journey, removes the dependence on a fixed road route and puts the principal in a private cabin with a trained crew. It also removes the options a vehicle has: once airborne there is no pulling over. The planning therefore moves from the route to the endpoints, the timing and the contingencies.
We cover the broader reasoning in moving people securely by helicopter, and our secure helicopter transport page describes the service. This article is the working checklist.
Which sites should the advance team check?
Start with the landing site at each end, and ask the same questions of each: who controls access, what is the approach from the aircraft to the vehicle, what can be seen from outside, where do the team and vehicles stand, and what happens if the site is unavailable on the day. A private estate offers control but may mean agreed times with the owner. An airfield offers staffed security and known procedures. A heliport offers a defined layout.
Do the recce at the same time of day as the movement, and walk the aircraft-to-vehicle path. Our guide to private landing sites lists what the aircraft needs; your team adds what the principal needs. The directory of UK heliports and airfields helps choose alternates.
How do alternates and fallbacks work?
Every site needs an alternate, and every flight needs a ground fallback. Weather is the usual reason: low cloud or fog can close a destination while it is fine at the departure point. Agree the decision point in advance, for example "if the flight has not departed by this time, the vehicles leave", and who makes the call.
The fallback car is part of the plan, not an afterthought. Our sister service Executive Global Travel provides chauffeur transport that can be placed at the destination or on standby. If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing, so a standby car is the only cost of caution. See weather and helicopter charter for how the decision works.
How do seats and weights work for a team?
The principal, the team and their kit all count, and kit can be heavy. Give us each person's weight, the weight of bags and equipment and any items that need special carriage. A larger aircraft such as the AW139 or the H145 D3 carries eight, but with kit the practical seat count may be lower. A second aircraft or a second car for the team may be better than a squeezed cabin. See passenger weight and luggage.
Seating is the pilot's call for balance, but we discuss the preference of the team in advance, including who sits where for access to the doors.
Who needs to know what, and when?
Share the minimum. We take names, weights and times from the person you nominate and do not circulate them beyond what the movement needs. Landing sites and airports will need to know an aircraft is coming, but they do not need to know who is on board. We agree the wording with you.
A practical checklist for communications: one nominated contact for the booking, a 24-hour phone line to us, a clear way to reach the pilot through us, agreed code words for go and no-go and a written plan held by the team leader. Do not discuss timings on open channels.
What do we need from the protection team?
When close protection and helicopters meet, we need a few things from the team lead: the number of people and their weights, the kit and its weight, the sites and their owners, the timings, the contact for the day and any constraints on aircraft type or markings. We do not need, and do not ask for, details of the principal beyond what the booking requires.
In return, we give the team a clear flight plan in plain terms, the aircraft type, the pilot's availability for a briefing, and a firm decision time for go and no-go. We do not promise outcomes that depend on weather or on third parties. We promise a plan with options and clear communication.
What is the checklist, in short?
- Primary and alternate landing sites at both ends, recced at the same time of day.
- Control of access at each site, and the aircraft-to-vehicle path.
- Seats, weights and kit confirmed; second vehicle for anything that does not fit.
- Timings, decision points and a ground fallback.
- Communications plan and a single nominated contact.
- Information shared need-to-know.
- Photo ID and passports for the whole party.
- A plan for the unexpected: a diversion, a delay, a change of site.
When you are ready, request a quote and tell us the sites, the party and your constraints. We will say what is possible and how we would plan it.
Frequently asked questions
Is a helicopter safer than a car for a principal?
It changes the exposure rather than removing risk. It cuts road time and predictability but adds fixed landing sites. Planning decides the result.
Can the team travel with the principal?
Yes, within the seats and weight limit. Eight seats in the largest aircraft, fewer with kit.
How much do you share about a booking?
Only what the movement needs. Names, weights and timings go to the people planning and flying it.
What if the destination is closed by weather?
We agree an alternate site and a ground fallback in advance. If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing.
Can the helicopter land at a private estate?
Often, subject to landing permission and site suitability. We approach the owner for you.
Do you provide the protection officers?
No. We provide the aviation side and can arrange chauffeur cars through our sister service. Protection is provided by your own team.
