HAMPSHIRE-based FAST Helicopters has had one of the busiest Easters since the company was founded 17 years ago.

The improvement in the weather in the week leading up to Easter and over the holiday period gave members of the public, who were bought gift vouchers for Trial Helicopter Lessons at Christmas, the chance to have a go at flying the company's fleet of Robinson R22 training helicopters.

FAST Helicopter's managing director and chief pilot, Mike Green says that between its Shoreham and Thruxton operations they flew more than 200 people on 30-minute or one hour introductory flights where the public can try flying and hovering the helicopter, as well as see the surrounding countryside and towns.

"Our instructors enjoy flying the trial lessons as it is often the first time someone has experienced helicopter flight,'' said Mike Green, one of the UK's leading Civil Aviation Authority helicopter flight examiners and a former Army Air Corp captain.

"The level of instruction we give to the public depends on how interested they are in the way the helicopter flies. Many people prefer to enjoy the view and watch the world go by.''