Tips for First-Timers on a Helicopter Tour

tips first time helicopter tour

Have you ever wanted to explore a city or natural landscape from above?

Do you love the adrenaline rush of trying something new?

Would you like to see some incredible sites and explore a city in a short amount of time?

If so, booking a helicopter tour is probably something you’d enjoy. Taking a helicopter ride is truly a thrilling and incredible experience. But for first-time riders, booking a helicopter tour can be a little nerve-wracking.

Many people have a little bit of trepidation when it comes to flights and may feel a bit anxious about booking this type of tour. People also have lots of questions about what they should expect and how to plan for this kind of tour.

So, here are some useful tips to ensure that your first helicopter tour is a fun and unforgettable experience!

Decide What Type of Tour is Best for You

Helicopter tour packages 1

Most places that offer helicopter tours have various types of flights, depending on how many people are flying and what types of sights they want to see. For instance, at Sarasota Helicopter Tours, we offer tour packages for 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes.

If you’re incredibly nervous about flying in a helicopter, perhaps booking a shorter flight for your first ride is a wise decision. However, if you want to see a lot of sites and make the most from your experience, consider taking a full hour!

Listen to All Safety Rules

Helicopter ride safety rules

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are responsible for regulating safety precautions for all helicopter tour businesses. So, there are specific rules that all passengers must follow before boarding and while in-flight.

The pilot will cover all of these safety rules before you take flight – so make sure to pay close attention.

One useful tip to remember these rules is with the S.A.F.E.T.Y. acronym:

  • S – Seat belts must be fastened at all times.
  • A – Action to take in the case of discomfort (tell the pilot about any issues)
  • F – Fire extinguisher location and operation
  • E – Exit door securement and emergency evacuation plan
  • T – Talking (don’t distract the pilot)
  • Y – Your questions (be sure to ask the pilot questions before take-off)

Pack Accordingly

You are encouraged to bring some items on your flight and some that you should leave at home.

First, be sure to dress comfortably in non-restrictive clothes. Layers are recommended as the temperature can drop the higher you go! Second, wear closed-toe shoes instead of sandals, so you don’t trip or get caught when entering and exiting the cabin.

Second, make sure that any photography or video equipment is secured. You should have neck or wrist straps on at all times, so you don’t drop your camera!

Finally, do not wear any hats or large, flashy jewelry on your flight. These can interfere with the pilot’s view, and shiny materials may reflect in the sun.

Plan Out Your Photo Ops

Plan out your photo ops

Of course, you’ll want to capture lots of photos and videos to commemorate your helicopter tour experience! So whether you’re a professional photographer or just a novice looking to document your memories, you should plan out your shots a bit ahead of time.

Consider the time of your flight and adjust your lens’s exposure. You should not use flash photography while in-flight, so if it is a little bit dark or cloudy, you’ll need to adjust your camera’s aperture.

Take a bit of time to research the area you’ll be touring and see what kind of photos you’ll want to take. For instance, if you fly over the ocean and spot whales or dolphins below, you’ll want to bring a camera with a good zoom lens.

Have Fun

Fun sarasota helicopter ride

Of course, the most important tip is to have fun! Riding in a helicopter is a unique experience that not many people get to have. And you can rest assured when you book with Sarasota Helicopter Tours that your safety is our top priority. All of our pilots are highly trained, and all equipment is carefully inspected before each flight.

If you’d like to learn more about our helicopter tours and want to book one for your next trip to Sarasota, FL, give us a call at 941-800-1515!

 

Posted in

Suggested Articles

can sarasota weather affect your helicopter tour

Can the Weather Affect Your Helicopter Tour in Sarasota FL?

There’s nothing like seeing the beauty of Sarasota from a bird’s eye view. The striking blue waters and ...
what to wear on a helicopter ride

What Should You Wear on a Helicopter Ride

So, you’ve just booked a helicopter tour. Chances are that you’re pretty excited! Seeing the city via helicopter ...
5 tips best photos during helicopter ride

5 Tips for the Best Photos During Your Helicopter Ride

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of going on a helicopter tour. Not only will it get your ...