Chief Pilot Jean Noël Durand (r), Sabine Weber and Benjamin Mondie

Our Robinson R-44 is bright yellow, and its licence plate WH has to be spelled with the international radiotelephony alphabet: Whiskey Hotel.

I was about to take my first helicopter flight with Jean Noël Durand, a volunteer Chief Pilot, and Benjamin Mondie, an Accounts Manager, both members of the Aéroclub de Monaco.

Jean Noël is a former airline pilot, and says that when he got into a helicopter for the first time, he knew he was meant to be there: “There is no other place where you can feel this absolute freedom.”

We take off from Fontvieille out to sea then glide easily over Monaco’s hinterland, over the picturesque Mala bay in Cap d'Ail. We are soon approaching the tiny ski resort of Gréolière-des-neiges. On our way, we fly over a family of deer, a very privileged moment as they look so beautiful altogether.

We are making our way towards a small platform of about four square meters, perched on a rock. All around it there is nothing but a very steep slope.

Jean Noël knows I am nervous and teases me mercilessly, yet I am totally confident in him and his machine. It really is magical, the way it drops down onto the platform - no landing strip required. It is easy to see why helicopters are so effective for rescue and military operations.

During the flight Jean Noël tells me about the club which dates back to 1941 when it was called the Modèle Air Club founded by Jean Marquet.

The club offers members the opportunity to take their PPL, Private Pilot’s Licence.

To pass it, you need to devote seven months to a year with about an hour’s flight time per week. The minimal amount of flying lessons is 45 hours, and costs around 550 euros an hour.

Once you pass the licence, you have access to the club's helicopter rental service, and the chance to fly over the mountains yourself. You can also get another certificate to fly at night or take the controls of a particular type of helicopter. Membership costs 1,000 euros a year.

Sadly the 30 minutes flying time is too short and passes way too quickly. If my budget allowed, I would definitely try for my licence with Jean Noël as my instructor. What a fabulous hobby!

Sabine Weber