Planning a visit from Heliphotos
Before a helicopter may land at your school, we need to conduct a site survey and this is generally done by appointment during the winter months. Once this is complete and the landing area has been approved (we obtain all permissions), a date can then be arranged for your school visit.
Our main flying operations usually take place from April through to September each year. However, if you have a special school event or celebration at any time of the year, please let us know.
Please remember, Heliphotos' costs are met by the sale of the Souvenir Picture Packs, which contain a class group picture. The company asks for sole rights to supply these and so, if you normally have class photographs arranged, please postpone them for the academic year of the visit.
Once you have received confirmation, a firm date and time, and all the necessary certification, please be sure to sign and return the letter and Terms & Conditions as soon as possible. In particular, we require confirmation of the correct spelling of your school.
2 weeks before the visit, please send your neighbours in the local vicinity a letter - we recommend this one.
3 days before the visit ring and inform the local Police and Fire Service as a matter of courtesy.
On The Day
For the school photographs beside the helicopter, we always find two gym benches very handy for the class photographs. Our Pilots and staff will direct the picture session.
The only preparation needed before the day itself is to practise forming your shape or logo, which will be photographed from the air when the helicopter arrives overhead. This shape should involve the active participation of all children and staff and may take the form of the school name, initials, date or simply a "smiley" welcoming face.
We recommend marking the shape out in chalk on your playground and having a practice run prior to the visit. For some hints on making a successful logo, see Making Successful School Logos.
