Flying a helicopter in Ireland

Updated 2024

In Northern Ireland, the authority is the CAA whereas in Southern Ireland, it’s EASA with delegation to the Irish Aviation Authority. Ireland is considered a heli-friendly country.

UK to Southern Ireland

You are required to submit the GAR at least 2 hours prior to departure as usual. You must also notify the police if your departure airport does not have a police designation. In this case you are required to notify the police at least 12 hours prior to departure.

• via sGAR or other approved third-party application; or
• Directly to the Police force responsible for the area in which your departure airport is situated (see Annex F)

If the departure airport has a police designation you do not have to notify the police.

See Annex E for a list of police designated airports. See also U.K. Airfields, Customs and GAR forms.

Where are the places to fly?

Ireland’s diverse and picturesque landscape makes it an ideal destination for helicopter pilots looking to explore the island from above. Here are some of the most stunning and accessible places to fly:

• The Cliffs of Moher: Rising dramatically over the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks. Flying along the cliffs provides an extraordinary perspective, showcasing their sheer scale and the rugged beauty of the coastline.
• Skellig Michael: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Skellig Michael is renowned for its ancient monastic settlement and striking natural beauty. A helicopter flight to this remote island allows for a unique aerial view of its rugged terrain and the surrounding seas, especially during the summer puffin season.
• The Ring of Kerry: While often explored by car, the Ring of Kerry offers a completely different experience from the air. A helicopter flight over this scenic route reveals the full beauty of Ireland’s southwest, with its rugged coastlines, emerald fields, and charming villages.
• Connemara: Connemara is known for its wild, unspoiled landscape. With its mix of mountains, bogs, and rugged coastline, this region is perfect for helicopter exploration, offering breathtaking views of some of Ireland’s most pristine areas.
• The Giant’s Causeway: Located in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is famous for its unique hexagonal basalt columns. A helicopter flight over this UNESCO World Heritage Site allows for a spectacular view of this natural wonder and the surrounding coastline.

Helipaddy have lots of great places to land:

Are there any restrictions or special permits required for landing at private sites?

As with all sites, it is mainly a case of requesting prior permission. This is easy these days with the Helipaddy Flights feature. Helipaddy is an invaluable resource for identifying potential landing sites and providing detailed information on contact details and landing requirements.

In Ireland, certain sites, particularly those near urban areas or of significant cultural or environmental importance, may have restrictions on helicopter landings. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) oversees these regulations, and it is important to be familiar with any restrictions that may apply to your intended landing sites.

For certain locations, particularly those with high environmental sensitivity or historical significance, a special permit may be required. This is often the case for areas like national parks or sites of archaeological importance. It’s advisable to check with the IAA or local authorities well in advance to determine if any additional permits are needed.

Ireland’s cultural and natural heritage is highly valued, and helicopter noise can be a concern, especially near residential areas or during certain times of the year, such as the nesting season for birds. It is important to be aware of and comply with any noise abatement procedures in place for your landing sites.

IMC and Refuelling

The CAA IMC rating is not recognized in Ireland: one must either possess a full instrument rating or none at all. There are no Visual Flight Rules (VFR) permitted at night in Ireland, and flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) is not allowed without an instrument rating. This significantly restricts the options for night flights for those who do not have an instrument rating, confining them to Special VFR within a control zone.

It is not unusual for airports to be out of Avgas, and this issue is particularly prevalent at regional airports. Therefore, it is essential to check Helipaddy fuel map and the NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) frequently, as this information is often found there.

Helicopter shows and expos

Ireland hosts a few annual events that are of interest to general aviation enthusiasts, including those involved in helicopter flying. While the country does not have a large number of aviation shows compared to some other regions, the following events are noteworthy:

Private Flyer Fest

• Private Flyer is also co-located with The Irish Golf Show. A perfect events combination to both introduce a new audience into private flying, whilst also serving a the current private aviation industry.

Irish Air Spectaculars and Fly-Ins

• Ireland West Airport Knock Air Show: This event, held at Ireland West Airport Knock, often features a variety of aircraft, including general aviation planes and helicopters. It is one of the larger air shows in the country, attracting both local and international visitors.
• Fly-Ins at Weston Airport: Weston Airport, located near Dublin, frequently hosts fly-ins and aviation events. These gatherings provide opportunities for pilots to meet, share experiences, and enjoy displays of various types of aircraft.

Foynes Air Show

• The Foynes Air Show is an annual event held in County Limerick, celebrating the rich aviation history of the region, particularly its role in transatlantic flight. While the focus is often on historical aircraft and aerobatic displays, the event attracts general aviation enthusiasts and often includes helicopters.

Bray Air Display

• The Bray Air Display, held in Bray, County Wicklow, is one of the largest air shows in Ireland. It typically features a wide variety of aircraft, including general aviation planes and helicopters, and draws a significant crowd. Although the focus is on aerobatics and military displays, the event is of interest to all aviation enthusiasts.

AERO Expo UK (Shannon):

• Although not held every year in Ireland, the AERO Expo UK has previously taken place at Shannon Airport. It is one of the largest general aviation exhibitions in Europe and, when hosted in Ireland, provides a significant event for the general aviation community, including helicopter pilots.

Irish Helicopter & Aviation Conference

• While not an air show, the Irish Helicopter & Aviation Conference is a noteworthy event for those in the helicopter community. It provides an opportunity to discuss industry trends, regulatory changes, and innovations in helicopter aviation. This event is more focused on professionals in the field but is valuable for enthusiasts and pilots alike.

Smaller Local Fly-Ins

• Various smaller aerodromes and flying clubs across Ireland host annual or semi-annual fly-ins. These events are more casual gatherings of pilots and aviation enthusiasts and often feature a mix of general aviation aircraft, including helicopters. Examples include fly-ins at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome and Birr Airfield.

All landing sites are available to Helipaddy Premium members.