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History and scenery come together on this remarkable helicopter flight, following the route used by the famous 617 Squadron as they prepared for one of the most significant missions of the Second World War. Reserved exclusively for your group, this extended experience combines fascinating history with spectacular aerial views across Derbyshire and the Peak District.
Setting off from Sherburn-in-Elmet, you'll meet your pilot before receiving a comprehensive safety briefing and introduction to the helicopter. After boarding, the helicopter climbs smoothly into the air and heads towards Derbyshire, retracing part of the historic route used by the legendary 617 Squadron, better known as the Dambusters, during their low-level training exercises in the Second World War.
Flying at approximately 1,500 feet, you'll pass over the famous Ladybower Reservoir, Howden Reservoir and Derwent Reservoir, where the distinctive twin towers of Derwent Dam were used to replicate the German dams targeted during the historic Operation Chastise raid. Seeing these landmarks from above provides a unique appreciation of both their scale and the challenges faced by the crews who trained here.
Beyond the reservoirs, the journey continues across the beautiful Peak District National Park, where rolling hills, valleys and open landscapes provide an impressive backdrop before returning to Sherburn-in-Elmet. Throughout the experience, the helicopter is reserved exclusively for your booking, allowing your group to enjoy the flight together without sharing the aircraft with other passengers.
Departures take place from Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire, providing an ideal starting point for longer helicopter flights into Derbyshire and the Peak District. The location allows the route to comfortably combine historic landmarks with some of England's most recognisable countryside.
Surrounded by an active aviation environment, the airfield offers an exciting atmosphere before take-off. Spectators are welcome to watch helicopters arriving and departing from the designated viewing area beside the helipad, subject to operational activity.
Participants should be in reasonable health before taking part. Anyone with epilepsy, vertigo or another medical condition that may affect flying should discuss this with the team before making a booking.
Children are welcome, although those under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Participation remains at the operator's discretion, and any accessibility requirements should be discussed before your visit.
Combining decades of aviation experience with a passion for sharing Yorkshire and Derbyshire from the air, the team has been operating professional helicopter experiences since 1989. Every flight is led by experienced pilots who understand both the history of the route and the importance of delivering a safe, enjoyable experience.
Operating as a UK CAA-licensed helicopter operator, the team maintains high standards across every aspect of the experience. Whether you choose the Robinson R44 or the luxury Bell 505 Jet Ranger, you'll enjoy an unforgettable private flight with knowledgeable pilots and carefully maintained aircraft.
This route follows the same general area used by the famous 617 Squadron during their low-level training before the Second World War Dambusters raid. The reservoirs and dams provided realistic practice locations before crews undertook their historic mission.
While this is a sightseeing experience rather than a historical re-enactment, flying over these locations offers a fascinating insight into an important chapter of British aviation history.
The route includes aerial views of Ladybower Reservoir, Howden Reservoir and the famous Derwent Reservoir, including the distinctive towers of Derwent Dam.
These landmarks became closely associated with the Dambusters because they closely resembled the German dams used during training, making them some of the most recognisable historic aviation sites in the UK.
Yes. Every booking is completely private, meaning only your group and the pilot will be on board throughout the experience.
This creates a much more personal atmosphere, allowing everyone travelling together to enjoy the scenery, photographs and conversation without sharing the helicopter with other passengers.
This experience is available in either a Robinson R44 for groups of up to three people or a Bell 505 Jet Ranger for groups of up to four people.
Both helicopters provide excellent visibility and are ideal for sightseeing, with the Bell 505 offering additional passenger capacity and a more spacious cabin.
You'll spend approximately 75 minutes in the helicopter, giving plenty of time to enjoy both the historic landmarks and the surrounding Peak District scenery.
Allowing around 90 minutes for your visit gives enough time for check-in, your safety briefing and preparing for the flight without feeling rushed.
Yes. A significant part of the journey passes across the Peak District National Park, allowing you to enjoy far-reaching views of hills, valleys and open countryside.
Seeing the landscape from above highlights the scale of the national park while providing a memorable contrast to the reservoirs and historic dams earlier in the route.
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