About Nigel Turner, CEO of Heli USA
My love of airplanes was instilled in me early. As a boy, I lived in a house under the final approach to Manchester Airport, England. At age 7, I waited up to see and hear the roar of the first American plane to pass over. It was a Pan Am 707 jet, and though I didn’t know it at the time, my future life as an aviator was born at that moment. I also had a passion for the American West, catching every John Wayne movie that came to our local theatre, fantasizing I was the immortal “Duke,” as he gunned down every outlaw who dared cross his path.
After achieving my first dream—a Captain in the British Army, flying helicopters—I set out for the U.S., where I started my own helicopter company in Las Vegas, Heli USA Airways. The goal: to make helicopter sightseeing affordable for everyone. Today, Heli USA Airways has flown over 1.4 million visitors through the Grand Canyon, capturing the imaginations of my guests.
My final dream was purchasing an authentic western ranch, and the 165 square mile Grand Canyon Ranch is as authentic as it gets. Originally known as the Diamond Bar Ranch, outlaws and gunfights were as common as the eagles flying overhead. Myself and over 120 dedicated employees would like to invite you to visit and make your dreams come true.
A Note From Nigel Turner
Dear Travel Colleague,
This is an exciting year for both Heli USA Airways and Grand Canyon Ranch Resort, with the addition of more exciting tour attractions, an increase in accommodations; plus TEN new heli pads being constructed for a completely NEW fleet of custom designed tour helicopters.
Heli USA Airways is proud to be the first to introduce its own customized seven passenger AgustaWestland 119KE into the helicopter tour industry so our passengers can enjoy the ultimate flying experience.
Designed in Italy and England by Agusta/Westland, two of the best known aircraft manufacturers in the world, the NEW Augusta 119Ke is referred to by many in the industry as the “Ferrari of Helicopters.” This magnificent machine is truly in a class by itself, providing the very best in...
LUXURY. With a retail price tag of nearly four million dollars, it’s no surprise that the Agusta 119Ke is one of the most luxurious jet helicopters on the market today.
VISIBILITY. Huge windows, custom designed for Heli USA Airways, provide all-around panoramic views—including near vertical views for seeing the Grand Canyon in an exciting new perspective.
COMFORT. With seven of the largest and most comfortable seats in any tour helicopter, weight blocks or cramped conditions are no longer an issue. The Agusta 119Ke is also equipped with a powerful air conditioner for complete comfort in the 100-plus temperatures at the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.
MUSIC & NARRATION. A first time ever, $150,000 custom “iPhone® technology” system provides a selection of 10 foreign language tour narrations, surround sound music, private communication between individual parties, Bose® noise attenuating headsets, and GPS activated tour narration. These high tech additions are absolute marvels of engineering, and make our Grand Canyon tours the best in the world.
PERFORMANCE. The fastest and most powerful helicopter to take to the air, the AgustaWestland has a top speed of 175mph, or 281 KPH. Its range: 616 miles, or 953 KM. It has a useful load of 3000 lbs, or 1363 KG.
SAFETY. The AgustaWestland 119 takes safety to a higher level. This aircraft’s safety features exceed other helicopters in its class. Included are dual hydraulic and fuel systems, and it’s the first tour helicopter equipped with an SAS (autopilot) system.
In addition to our new aircraft, we’re also excited to announce some new and updated tours, including the Grand Canyon Explorer, Grand Canyon To The Edge and Beyond, and Chariot of Fire—each one offering additional attractions and competitive pricing.
On behalf of Heli USA Airways and Grand Canyon Ranch, I’d like to thank you for your support, and with great pleasure look forward to a mutually successful 2013/2014.
Sincerely,
Nigel Turner
President/CEO
“Flying with Heli USA Airways, you see the wonders of the Grand Canyon with the very latest in helicopter technology and then land at Grand Canyon Ranch for a true western experience. What a fantastic trip and a great opportunity for everyone!”
—Geoff Hoon, Former Leader of the House of Commons, UK
“Safe. Reliable. Powerful and fast.”
—Michael Griffiths, CEO of Life Flight Network, one of the largest EMS organizations in the United States, commenting on the new Agusta 119Ke fleet.