The Gyrocopter Experience - Basingstoke

Gyroplanes, Autogyros, Gyrocopters or just plain Gyros - call them what you will, they are all the same fantastic flying machines! We are more than just a flying school - we provide a supportive community for you to realise your dreams and take flight in the most fantastic aircraft you can fly.

We also care about the environment - so we offset all of the carbon emissions from our training fleet using an industry-leading scheme which supports certified carbon-reduction projects around the world.

We have a choice of open-cockpit and enclosed gyros available for training, experience flights and solo flight by students. All of our aircraft are powered by the range-topping Rotax 914 turbocharged engine for greater performance and higher safety margins.

Whether you are looking for a trial flight so that you can find out more about these amazing aircraft and experience the famous "Gyro Grin", or you want to learn how to fly one of these magnificent machines for yourself, The Gyrocopter Experience Basingstoke is the place for you.

We are based at Popham Airfield near Basingstoke in Hampshire, with great access from the M3, A303 and A34. We are THE school to come to if you live in West or South London, and are easy to get to from the South Coast, Southern England and the Midlands. We offer Trial Flights, Flight Training for the PPL(G) and advanced training for licence-holders wishing to develop their skills. If you are just starting out we will support your first steps in to aviation and will provide ongoing support once you have your licence. If you want to take your gyro flying further then we can teach night flying, commercial (CPL) and provide instructor training too!

If you decide to take the plunge and buy your own aircraft we have hangarage and maintenance available on-site, as well as a club room, pilots briefing facilities and a fantastic atmosphere.

We offer experience flights and gift vouchers - please contact us by phone or email to book or to purchase a voucher

Buying a Flight as a Gift

Your Introductory Flight

Ever since mankind first raised its eyes towards the silver screen and saw James Bond strap himself in to Little Nellie eveyone has thought "I've just GOT to have a go at that!"

Now, thanks to the Gyrocopter Experience you can turn those dreams in to reality and experience the unique thrill of gyro flight. OK, so way may not have the machine guns and rocket launchers attached to our aircraft, but the thrill of flight in these amazing machines more than makes up for that! We can take you flying in our open-cockpit "motorbike of the skies" for that "classic" gyrocopter experience, or you can fly in our comfortable enclosed gyroplanes which even have a heater!

From our base at Popham we have amazing local scenery to explore - you will see the landscape in a way which you have never seen it before. In the summer months we sometimes see crop circles (how do they make them?), and if you are an aviation enthusiast then the comings and goings from Middle Wallop and Odiham provide the potential for varied and interesting aircraft activity.

When you come for a trial flight you will be provided with all the specialist equipment you need - for open cockpit flying a flying suit, a helmet and headset and a pair of gloves; for enclosed gyros a noise-cancelling headset. The only thing you need to bring is yourself and your sense of adventure!

If you prefer to bring your own clothing, then for an open-cockpit flight we would recommend an extra layer, a windproof jacket or coat and a pair of not-too-thick gloves.

If you have long hair please bring along a hair tie to keep it out of the way.

When you come for a trial flight with The Gyrocopter Experience Basingstoke:

• you will receive a briefing about the flight
• you will get the opportunity to handle the controls yourself
• we will fly a number of manoeuvres, typically covering fast flight, slow flight, hovering, vertical descents, tight turns, take-off and landing (with a bit of normal "just flying around" too!) to show you the capabilities of a gyro
• or if you want we can just go sightseeing
• we will tailor the content of the flight to suit you and do the things you want to do

All flights are subject to suitable weather conditions. We don't often have to cancel but we'll send you a text message on the morning of your flight to confirm. Your friends and family will be welcome at the airfield - we have ample parking, indoor and outdoor seating and a cafe serving hot food at the weekends.

We don't put OUR time-slots on the website, so if you want to book an experience flight just call one of our instructors to get yourself booked in.

Meet the Staff

Andy Jones

Andy is a one of the UK's most experienced Gyrocopter Flying Instructors and Examiners and is our chief instructor for PPL training. He has flying experience spanning over 20 yrs. He is qualified to instruct on all factory built open and enclosed gyrocopters. His aim is to make your Gyrocopter experience as enjoyable as possible and will tailor an IAPGT training program or Experience flight to suit your needs. Give him a call on 07855 301799 to discuss your gyro flying requirements!

Steve Boxall

Steve is a very experienced gyroplane flying instructor. Steve "it's because I started very young, not because I am now very old" Boxall has been a Flying Instructor for over 35 years, has been flying Gyros for over 20 years and started his gyro-ing adventures in a single seat gyro which he built himself in the garage. Steve was the owner of the very first of the new factory-built gyroplanes in the UK and was the first Instructor in the UK to operate the new generation of factory-built gyroplanes. In 2017 Steve became the first gyroplane pilot in the UK to hold a gyroplane night-flying rating and became the first holder of a Commercial Pilots Licence for gyroplanes.

As well as flying gyroplanes Steve used to be a commercial hot-air balloon pilot and instructor, and holds an aeroplane Commercial Pilots Licence, Instrument Rating and Multi-Engine rating. Steve can be contacted on 0790 505 9789.