The Great London Helicopter Caper: How Many Landing Pads Can This City Handle?
Ah, London. A city steeped in history, brimming with culture, and... surprisingly short on dedicated helicopter landing spots? That's right, folks, for a metropolis of its stature, London seems to be a bit stingy with the helipads. But fear not, fans of fancy rotorcraft, we're about to take a whirlwind tour (pun intended) of London's landing zone landscape.
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| How Many Helipads In London |
The Lone Wolf: The Edmiston London Heliport (Formerly Battersea)
Let's get the formalities out of the way first. There's one, and only one, licensed heliport in all of London: the Edmiston London Heliport (formerly known as Battersea Heliport, but hey, sponsorships gotta sponsor). This granddaddy of London's landing zones sits proudly on the south bank of the River Thames, offering stunning views and (presumably) a posh waiting area for those arriving in style.
Fun Fact: This heliport has been around since 1959, which means it's seen its fair share of rotor-headed celebrities and VIPs. Imagine bumping into James Bond waiting for his chopper (shaken, not stirred, of course).
The Hospital Heroes: London's Rooftop Helipads
Now, things get a bit more interesting. While London might be lacking in James Bond-esque landing pads, several hospitals across the city boast their own rooftop havens for heroic helicopters. These lifesavers ferry critically ill patients and vital organs, making every landing a race against time.
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Places to look up to (literally):
- St George's Hospital
- Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (though sadly, its helipad is no more)
- Queen's Hospital
- King's College Hospital
So, can you just land your helicopter on any random hospital roof? Absolutely not! These landing zones are strictly for authorized medical helicopters. Unless you're a superhero with a medical emergency, best stick to the designated spots.
The Not-So-Secret Landing Spots: Airfields with Helipad Hangouts
London itself might be a bit of a helicopter landing zone desert, but fret not, fans of choppers! Several airfields surrounding the city do have helipads. These include:
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- Biggin Hill Airport
- Oxford Airport
- Redhill Aerodrome
But wait, you say, these aren't dedicated heliports! You've got a keen eye, my friend. These airfields cater to a wider range of aircraft, so helicopters might have to share the space.
Think of it like rush hour on the tarmac. Not quite as glamorous as a private heliport, but hey, it works!
FAQ: Your Helicopter Helicoptering in London Needs Answered!
How to land my helicopter in central London?
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For non-medical purposes, your best bet is to avoid landing in central London altogether. Head to one of the surrounding airfields with helipads mentioned earlier.
How much does it cost to land a helicopter in London?
Landing fees vary depending on the heliport or airfield, but expect it to be on the pricier side.
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
How can I become a helicopter pilot in London?
There are several flight schools around London that offer helicopter pilot training. Buckle up, buttercup, because it's a thrilling (and expensive) journey!
How to avoid accidentally landing my drone on a helipad?
Drones are a no-go in helipad zones! Always check airspace restrictions before flying your drone.
How cool would it be to have a personal helipad on my balcony?
While undeniably cool, it's highly unlikely you'll get permission for a private helipad on your balcony. Safety regulations and grumpy neighbors tend to put a damper on those dreams.
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