Capt PB,
There is a slight confusion arising here. There are 2 sorts of flight that people are talking about with similar terminology:
- air experience flights which are normally carried out as an introductory flight in a small helicopter by a flying school. This in theory is an introductory flight to learning to fly. Otherwise know as a trial lesson. It will happen in a small helicopter (usually 2 seater) with an instructor. Generally, the "student" will be offered to take partial control of the aircraft, although they do not need to. Flown by a flying school.
- a sightseeing trip which is carried out as a commercial flight. This does what it says on the tin really. Usually takes place in a slightly larger helicopter 4-6 seats. Flown by a commercial operator using a commercial pilot. Normally flown at a pre-arranged time with most or all of the seats full.
Unless I am out of date, Atlas is a commercial operator but NOT a flying school. The places mentioned at Goodwood are both.
They are all straight outfits. I suggest you give them a call and see which would suit the recipient best.