Types of helicopter flight

The types

Private (exclusive) charter

Whole aircraft hired for your party, point to point or return; priced per flight (flight time, positioning, landing fees). Suits groups, events, business trips.

Sightseeing tour (shared or exclusive)

Round trip over London landmarks. Wingly lists a 35-minute Redhill flight in an R44 with max 3 passengers; a Wycombe Air Park operator sells a 50-minute London tour from Wycombe Air Park as either one shared seat (GBP 245) or an exclusive R44 for 3 (GBP 675).

Shared seat shuttle (event)

Per-seat shuttle used at events: Turweston Aerodrome to Silverstone, about 15 minutes each way, from GBP 1,590 return per person (a charter broker's event page, plus VAT on charters shown there).

Regulation: Air Operator Certificate (AOC)

UK operators carrying fare-paying passengers must hold a CAA AOC (commercial air transport). CAA publishes the list of UK aeroplane and helicopter AOC holders as a PDF with contact details. Source

Operator vs broker (CAA-style guidance)

Leaflet 'Is my flight legal? A guide to the Air Operator's Certificate' (hosted by British Helicopter Association; points to CAA contacts): a company offering flights 'may sometimes be brokers and not the flight's operator'; the operator must hold an AOC and the broker should be able to give the operator's name. If a provider cannot give the AOC name and number, do not book. Source

What a charter broker does

Arranges the flight rather than operating it; the legal operator of the flight must hold the AOC (see BHA/CAA leaflet). Source

Passenger payment makes a flight commercial

Leaflet: if a passenger is asked to contribute in any way (not only money) the flight is likely public transport and the operator must hold an AOC; exceptions include some charity flights and some cost-shared flights with up to three passengers. Source