Research Tips and Choosing Your Helicopter Tour Company

So you want to take a helicopter tour so that you can see some of the beautiful wonders of the world from a bird’s eye perspective? A helicopter tour will be a thrill you will never forget.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when you are booking a helicopter tour:

Could a Helicopter Tour Enhance Your Next Trip?

If you are planning a vacation in an amazing location, think about whether a helicopter tour would be something exciting to do during your visit. Do you want to fly over the amazing and dramatic Grand Canyon at sunrise or soar over the sparkling lights of the Las Vegas strip at night? Do you want to see Ayer’s Rock from above, or the lush rainforests and steaming volcanoes of Hawaii? There are many helicopter tours around the world – if you are visiting a scenic location or a stunning landmark you can bet that there will be a tour that flies over it.

Once you have planned your next vacation, you can take a look at the different companies that offer helicopter tours there. Glance through your options so that you can start looking for the one that fits your needs and budget.

Look Into Safety

Before you choose a helicopter tour it is important to look into the risks. Accidents are not frequent, but they do happen and it is important to choose a helicopter company with a good safety rating. Look for a helicopter tour provider that is certified as an FAA Part 135 Air Carrier, which means that they are subject to higher standards. You can check the website to find out whether they are a FAA part 135 certified carrier and if it doesn’t say clearly on the website you can give them a call and ask.

Also, take a look on the National Transportation Safety Board and research the tour provider in the accidents database. Be sure to check out the “doing business as” column, as sometimes helicopter companies change their name.

The Federal Aviation Administration has a database of accident information, so you can take a look there in order to perform further research. You should also be looking into the experience of the pilot. They should have several years of experience and training so that they will be able to safely fly the helicopter while giving the tour.

Ask About the Seating Arrangement

When researching your helicopter tour experience, don’t forget to ask about the seating arrangement. Most helicopters that are used for giving helicopter tours will have enough room for six guests in a seating set up that has two in the front and four in the back.

If this is the case, you might get stuck in the middle seats with a limited view. Make sure that you book early so that you can request a window seat or the front seat and enjoy a better view. The tour company might not be able to guarantee anything because they need to balance out the weight of the passengers equally in the helicopter. However, if you are travelling with someone else there is a good chance that at least one of you will get the window seat. Also, some tour companies will allow you to pay extra to guarantee a seat by the window.

Take a Look Online for Best Pricing

Take a look at the helicopter tours that you are considering so that you can find the best option online. Most companies will offer you a nice discount for booking your tour directly with them online, so it never hurts to ask. Also, sometimes the tour companies will offer special discounts and other rates every now and then.

Read Online Reviews

Once you have chosen a helicopter company and a tour that looks good, take a look online and read some of the reviews from others who have experienced that tour. This will give you an indication o what to expect if you decide to book.

Above all… don’t be afraid to ask questions when researching your helicopter tour! It’s important to find the right option so that you will have the best possible experience on your exciting helicopter adventure.