Landing platform on top of the Thames

Strangest things tend to happen to me lately and last Friday an offer was made which I could not refuse. An offer which saw me return back to London way sooner than expected for a weekend. An offer to experience something once in my lifetime. An offer like no other

Friday morning 10 am

The story starts on my way to the office. I get a call from Imke Dielen, asking if “I would be interested to travel to London for the weekend by helicopter“. Seems there was a flight planned the next day which would be flying empty to London (and back on Sunday) to pick up a regular customer.

Now Imke thought I might be interested as I had stated the week before (upon return from our #youngscum trip) that I’d like to go back as soon as possible. I fell in love with the city, that to say the least. At first I thought she was pulling a good joke on me though, but after having heard the entire story I realised it was true and I had to grab the opportunity. (To be honest it took me an hour before I convinced myself I should drop everything and just go )

As there would be space for 6, a search started and after a couple of tweets, telephone calls, mails and disappointments (as Niel realised he lost his ID card and would not be able to leave the country) our travel party of 6 was formed.

Later that day I got briefed on what was about to happen and was told to  “Forget everything you know about aviation, this is how rich people travel“. No annoying pasport controls, no delays (although we did have like a 15 minute wait upon return proving private airtravel ain’t what it used to be #butdontcryforus), …

Literally flew by the London Eye & Big Ben

Saturday, 10.45 am

Boarding time. First time in a helicoptah and excited as a Catholic priest on Sunday morning we headed out to the heliport of Oostende. There our chariot awaited, a eurocopter AS365. Quick coffee and of we were to cross the channel. Amazing view needless to say (although I got stuck in the middle seat ).

As soon as we touched Britisch soil (or even better asphalt) in Battersea (near the Thames) we got welcomed by to customs officers. “Business or pleasure Sir?” “Pleasure! Felt like having Burger Kind I responded in a sec”. What followed was a hard laugh, yet I still think they believe I meant it

Anyhow, no taxi service or Benson waiting for us. A walk to the nearest overground station is what awaited. Check-in at the Royale Grand Hote, which sounds fancy but nothing more, awaited.

The week-end

What followed was a relaxed 24hour-something visit through London, doing touristy things. Visited the British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, Notting Hill, Picadilly Circus & other well-know spots. All the stuff I had previously ot been able to do really.

The Mayor of Battersea Heliport checking in

Upon return

After our return I was informed that the guys who made this possible are launching http://jethopper.net/. Have a look as they also want to give other people the experience, but that of flying by private jet at an affordable price.

As every day hundreds of private jets move around Europe with no passengers to pick up their owners or to return to their home bases they want to try and give these seats passengers so they at least become a little bit more “green” as the are scheduled anyway.

On their site they offer an interactive map. Once they know you’re interested in certain flights they’ll contact the private jet company and come back to you with the possibilities & details. Who knows, you might find yourself enjoying a millionaire’s private jet on its way to the end of the world, having a unique experience and this for just a fraction of the real cost.

So, this was our story straight out of the sky. If you ever get the chance to do something as insane as this, grab it with your two hands and run with it. Defre did and now he’s the mayor of Battersea Heliport and officially changed his ringtone to the airwolf theme song Out.

PS: Pics of our trip can be viewed overhere. There are some great shots from the sky!

Tagged: customs, helicopter, jethopper, london, once in a lifetime, oostende