We Have Touchdown!
After all the anticipation, as the noise and wind builds, so too does the sheer excitement amongst those assembled. Your own school field has become the stage for what many children have described as their "best ever day at school!" An impressive sight! The aircraft circles overhead, photographing the children assembled below. We encourage each school to form a recognisable shape (such as the school badge or logo, or even a "smiley" face). This gets everyone involved making for a great photo featuring all of the school children.
When the helicopter lands, the crewman walks across to greet everybody whilst the pilot shuts the aircraft down.
The Pilot's Talk
The pilot introduces himself, and takes everyone over to the helicopter for a fascinating out-door assembly. The 20 minute talk describes to the children how and why a helicopter flies - but in an uncomplicated way that even the smallest child can understand! For instance, a frisbee is introduced to help the children understand the principles of a spinning disc. This enlightening talk is designed to educate and entertain, with a sense of fun thrown in for good measure. Afterwards, the children are encouraged to ask questions.
The Picture Session
Next comes a Picture Session in which the forty-foot long helicopter is used as a backdrop for each class. The Heliphotos teams pride themselves on their efficiency and Head Teachers often remark that what has taken 45 minutes seems to take their normal school photographer half a day! When it is time to leave, the crewman will explain to the teacher responsible that every school gets a set of aerial pictures of the locality. These are a series of tailor-made aerial photographs featuring the school in the foreground and the surrounding area in the distance - ideal for geography projects and activities. With safety uppermost, the children and staff are moved to an area away from where the helicopter runs up its engines in readiness to depart.
During the last 20 years, Heliphotos School Visits have demonstrated and explained helicopters to over a million school children nationwide. We are a "peoples' organisation" and whether invited to your school to support a work topic or a special event, you can depend on Heliphotos for a positive and professional approach. In recognition of our valuable educational contribution by involving the community in aviation, we were awarded a National A.O.P.A. (Air Operators and Pilots Association) Trophy.
"..I cannot speak too highly of the presentation to the children - detailed and informative, it contained lovely elements of fun to sustain the children's interest... It was a masterclass in presentation."
Kings's School, Rochester
