Typical questions on the topic of helicopter sightseeing flights and helicopter flying trial flights

Typical questions about the helicopter sightseeing flight

Since most people have not had or do not have much to do with helicopters in their daily life, many questions for us are of course on the agenda. We are of course always happy to answer these questions. Many questions are asked frequently, which we always answer the same way. In the following we have listed the questions that we are asked again and again - including answers of course ;-). Perhaps your question is already included and answered?

Do you have a question that you cannot find the answer to here?
Then please give us a little hint: Contact

Why can a helicopter fly?

The answer to this question is very comprehensive and would go beyond the scope of this page. But a simple explanation for so many questions answered as so often - the mouse:

  

For more details on technical backgrounds, we recommend our Helicopter blog and the book'The Small Helicopter School'. 

I have health problems/I am pregnant. Can I still fly?

Please talk to us if any of the following apply to you: 

– People taller than 2 meters

– People weighing more than 95 kg

– existing pregnancy

– You have heart problems or a pacemaker 

– You suffer from physical or psychological limitations

What can I expect from a helicopter simulation? What is the difference to a real helicopter flight?

Compared to a real helicopter flight, you simply stay on the ground in the simulator. In this way you can become familiar with the controls of a heli, an experienced pilot is at your side and you can gain experience that prepares you for a real flight. In addition, the simulation takes place completely independently of the weather conditions. In Munich is the simulator cockpit an original cockpit of a Bell UH-1 helicopter.

Who can fly helicopters?

In principle everyone who can get on and off the helicopter. If you can drive a car, you can also fly a helicopter.

can i join Heliflieger book a sightseeing flight for Austria or Switzerland?

Yes you can. We currently offer sightseeing flights for some locations in Austria and Switzerland. Further locations are in preparation. You can find our locations in Austria and Switzerland here. Please contact us if your desired location is not listed. Heliflieger-Vouchers can be redeemed equally for flights in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

In what time frame do the appointments take place?

All flights take place during the day and mainly at weekends. We usually fly until sunset - also depending on the time of year. Depending on the weather, short-term delays may also be necessary.

How quickly can a helicopter flight be canceled?

Should a flight have to be canceled due to bad weather, for example, we will do our best to notify you of a flight postponement as early as possible so that you can reschedule accordingly. Therefore, please be sure to tell us your mobile number. This way we can contact you and, if necessary, inform you about changes on the day of departure. Under https://www.heliflieger.com/status-rundflugplanung/ you can also see the current status of a scheduled flight.

In which direction does the main rotor of the helicopter turn?

The main rotor can rotate in one direction or the other depending on the manufacturer. This has no impact on performance or security. If you look at the rotating main rotor from above and it turns anti-clockwise to the left, then the helicopter is usually from an American manufacturer. If the rotor turns clockwise to the right, then the manufacturer is most likely based in Europe. This is roughly comparable to a steering wheel in a car on the right or left side. 

The direction of rotation of the tail rotor is independent of the direction of rotation of the main rotor.

What do I wear for the helicopter flight?

It is best to wear comfortable clothing appropriate to the weather. It can get very hot for a short time while hovering in the cockpit in summer and cooler in winter. But don't worry - the cockpit can be cooled by the wind or heated by a heater. Avoid loose items such as scarves and hats. These could fly away when entering and exiting.

Can my friends or family come to watch?

Companions are no problem at almost all locations. Contact us if you are departing from a commercial airport with security checks, such as Hamburg or Zurich. Feel free to bring family and/or friends with you. They can then take photos from below. At many locations there is also a restaurant for the waiting time.

Can I spontaneously take a friend or relative with me on the flight?

Our planning in advance of a flight day is very complex and must be planned down to the last detail. Normally, all seats are occupied for each flight. Therefore, spontaneous changes are usually not possible.  Still, ask that Heliflieger-Team after a spontaneously vacated seat. In rare cases, a passenger may not be able to board the flight.

How and when will I find out the exact departure time for my appointment?

After you have registered for an appointment on our website, you will receive a confirmation by e-mail. You will also receive the exact departure time and other important details by e-mail about 2-3 days before the booked date. Please contact us immediately if you have not received a notification the day before the flight. Depending on the place of departure, there may be deviations from this rule.

My sightseeing flight was canceled due to bad weather. What happens now?

If we are forced to cancel a sightseeing flight appointment, we will contact you promptly after the cancellation. In this case you will receive a new appointment proposal from us. 

What does a helicopter tour cost?

The costs depend on various factors, but most directly on the duration of the flight and the size of the helicopter. There are also minor factors such as landing fees. Sightseeing flights for one person in a helicopter for several people start at most locations with 20 minutes for € 159 per person. You can find one here List of sightseeing flight locations.

I would like to fly at a specific time. Can I choose the time?

Just contact that Heliflieger-Team if you prefer a specific time. If possible, we will take your desired time into account when planning the flight.

Why is there a green and a red light on the outside of the helicopter or plane?

Helicopters, like airplanes, have a red and green position light on their sides. The reason for this is the applicable right of way rule (or rather “pre-flight rule”) in air traffic. Just like in German traffic, right before left applies up there and worldwide. The position lights help to recognize in which direction an aircraft is flying in the dark. The green position light is on the front right in the direction of flight and the red position light is on the front left in the direction of flight. In addition, there is a white position light at the rear of the helicopter. In this way, a pilot can see from which direction a helicopter within sight is coming and whether he has the right of way or not. Does he see e.g. B. the red light, the helicopter comes from the right and has the right of way. So our pilot has to let the helicopter coming from the right pass. If our pilot sees the green position light, he has the right of way and may continue to fly. If he sees the green and the red position light, he sees an oncoming helicopter from the front and can react evasively. The right-of-way rule presupposes, of course, that both are approximately at the same altitude. You can find out more about this here.

Do I need any special prior knowledge to fly a helicopter myself?

We do not expect any prior knowledge from you on our taster flights or when flying yourself. Before the flight you will receive an extensive introduction. During the flight, an experienced pilot with a flight instructor license will sit next to you and can intervene at any time if necessary. 

If you already have previous knowledge of flying a helicopter, please let us know and we can take your knowledge and experience into account during the flight.  

If you are interested in training as a private pilot (Private Pilot License PPL-H), we can help you Heliflieger offer an education. Here see more information or simply ask us directly. 

Will the flight instructor help me if I do something wrong while flying myself?

Of course, the flight instructor will correct you if you do something wrong. We know that flying a helicopter isn't easy and we don't expect you to get it right right away. A double control is installed during the flight, which allows the flight instructor to intervene at any time and at lightning speed.

Can an accompanying person fly with the helicopter himself?

Depending on the location and size of the helicopter, you are welcome to bring someone else with you. In most cases we offer ride-along vouchers on the relevant location page. Please talk to us if you would like to take someone with you. At some locations, the training flights take place with a Robinson R22 or Cabri G2. These helicopters only have two seats, so that no other person can fly here for reasons of space.

What fuel does a helicopter use?

Depending on the type of helicopter, a helicopter is refueled with kerosene or avgas. Avgas is an aviation fuel that has additives compared to the gasoline from your gas station. Most helicopters for our sightseeing flights take off with avgas.

How long is my voucher valid?

Coupons from Heliflieger.com are redeemable at the end of the year plus 3 full years in accordance with the legal requirements. Vouchers that are purchased in the course of 2022, for example, are therefore valid until December 31.12.2025, XNUMX. A shorter validity may be possible for special offers. Anyone who was unable to enjoy their flight within the validity period has the option before expiration to extend. Contact us.

What is the difference between Helicopter and Helicopter?

Here you could write longer texts, what the difference is exactly. As a result, the answer is very brief: there is none. Except that the word “helicopter” has its origins in Greek and is made up of “helix” (which translates as “rotation, circular path”) and “pteron” (wing). While the term “helicopter” is of course only used in German, the term “helicopter” is used worldwide. Additional terms in German are “rotary wing” as opposed to “fixed wing” (aircraft) - in English correspondingly “rotary wing” and “fixed wing”.

If you've NEVER flown a helicopter before, you should definitely do it once. Or several times :-). Become the Heliflieger at one of our numerous locations. The helicopter and helicopter locations are distributed throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland - you can find an overview here: Helicopter sightseeing flights. There are also offers for Helicopter or helicopter trial flights and both are also very easy give away. Why wait? On what? Come on, fly helicopter with me Heliflieger.com:

Can I give away or pass on a voucher?

Yes. You can of course buy a voucher and give it to someone. The recipient can then make an appointment Arrange online. They can also upgrade the voucher to a higher-value flight - for example longer or with several people - or give the voucher to someone else. It is also possible to fly to another location. because Heliflieger.com has locations throughout Germany, the location can also be changed. Here is the overview of all locations. You can find more information on the subject of "giving away" on our "Helicopter sightseeing flight as a gift"-Page.

Hat Heliflieger.com a Groupon deal for helicopter tours?

No more. In our experience, said deals of this type are essentially based on the fact that customers are offered a sometimes considerable discount on the prices of sightseeing flight tickets. Another part of the rest stayed with the "deal" or "bargain" portal, so that the heli company itself did not get much of the purchase price. At the same time, we observed that many bargain customers were more demanding and had very little understanding of the processes involved in flight operations - many bargain customers seemed more concerned with the "cheap deal" than the experience itself. Heliflieger.com has therefore refrained from doing so and if you read the small print in today's deals, you will often find shorter validity periods and other restrictions that ultimately do not justify the supposedly high discount. Discounts are deducted from increased ticket prices, which means that a real direct "non-bargain" comes to almost the same price under better conditions.

My voucher will expire soon. Can I extend?

That's fine. Heliflieger.com vouchers are valid until the end of the year plus 3 full years in accordance with legal requirements. If you haven't been able to use your voucher yet, you can extend it by 6 months for a fee - ie until June 30.6th. of the following year possible. Contact us before expiration of the voucher and enter your voucher number.

Can I propose marriage in the helicopter?

We would be happy to say yes to this question :-). Simply contact us and we will be happy to discuss your individual wishes and ideas with you and plan the flight event.

We are planning a special company event with a helicopter flight. Can we charter your helicopter?

For your company event, we will be happy to provide you with a helicopter with a pilot and, if necessary, a ground crew. Your employees, business partners or customers can experience sightseeing flights at a very special event. We also transport you from A to B. Contact us to discuss your wishes.

Can I determine a flight route?

That depends somewhat on your voucher. If you are sitting in the helicopter with your own family and/or friends, you can have a say in your route in consultation with us. The duration of your booked flight time must be observed.

If you have a voucher for an individual and will be flying with other passengers, please do not hesitate to ask. Small deviations in the time frame may be possible in consultation with us and the other passengers.

What is a group flight?

We distinguish between two types of groups. We put individuals in groups of 3 or 4 so that the heli is filled. A private group consists of people you bring with you. These vouchers are typically called private group vouchers.

Do I have to wear a mask during the flight?

Currently (as of December 2022) passengers are not required to wear a mask on board. Whether a mask has to be worn on the day of your flight is up to the official regulations and whether the organizer exercises his domestic authority to prescribe masks during the flight. If so, it should be explained in the possible dates. Pilots are usually subject to not these specifications. Of course you can always wear a mask at carnival / carnival.

Does a camera run with a helicopter flight?

At some locations we have installed a camera in the cockpit. This camera runs along during the flight. After your flight you can purchase the video. So you can still enjoy the bird's eye view later and relive the indescribable feeling of flying.

Locations with a camera are e.g. B. Jesenwang/Munich, Leutkirch, Vilshofen/Passau, Straubing, Mühldorf and a few more

Can the helicopter land in my garden?

no In Germany, an airfield obligation applies to helicopters. That means: Only landings at the airport are allowed. In certain cases, however, an outlanding permit can be applied for. In addition, the property must offer sufficient space, be level, and an approach must be free of obstacles such as masts or cables. We are happy to help.

Am I insured on the helicopter flight?

All airlines that transport passengers commercially must also insure them. This corresponds to the requirements of German and worldwide legislation. Also at Heliflieger all passengers are of course insured accordingly.

How far in advance do I need to book an appointment?

It is best to book as early as possible as demand can be quite high at times. If there are no appointments available online for your location, it could be because scheduling is still in progress for that location. Please check our regularly Appointment registration in the menu.

What safety rules do I have to observe around the flight?

Depending on the location and the helicopter, there are different rules that you must follow for safety reasons. Before each flight, the pilot or the ground staff will inform you accordingly. Please feel free to ask proactively if you are not sure or if you have physical complaints.

Please always adhere to the following rules:

  • Never enter the airport area without a competent person
  • Leave excess handbags/backpacks or other unneeded items in the car or with an attendant
  • The opening and closing of the helicopter doors is always done by the staff
  • Let the staff help you to buckle up the seat belts
  • After the flight, remain seated in the heli until instructed to disembark.
  • Always follow the instructions on your ticket
How many passengers does the helicopter fit?

The number of passengers mostly varies between 1 and 5 passengers + pilot and depends on the type of helicopter. In Munich Jesenwang we fly a Robinson R44 with space for 3 passengers. At other locations, a Bell Jetranger flies with space for 4 passengers.

Can my children fly in the helicopter?

With pleasure, although we recommend a minimum age of 6 years. From this age children get more from the flight and have more fun. The probability of phrases like "When are we there?" or "I have to go" is significantly lower in children from the age of 6 - but here, too, every child is different.

I have a voucher for an amount in euros. How do I get an appointment?

You can redeem a voucher issued for a pure euro amount by simply registering for an appointment. Choose a sightseeing flight for your desired location off and Log in. If the balance in euros is not sufficient, the remaining amount can be paid in another way. If the credit is higher than the price of the selected scenic flight, the remaining credit will remain until the end of the validity period.

What is the meaning of life, the universe and in general?

42. No more and no less.

I am a student / pensioner / XY – can I fly for free?

No.

Is there a discounted price for children?

Because a child MUST occupy a full seat in the heli, we are unfortunately unable to offer reduced scenic flight prices for children at most locations. However, there are exceptions at some locations. If available, child rates are offered in the respective booking options

What happens if I cannot attend a booked flight appointment at short notice.

Your appointment registration is generally binding. However, changes are sometimes possible depending on the location and how far away the appointment is. In the worst case, you can nominate a substitute who is no more than your weight.

Which helicopter do I fly with?

A Robinson R44 helicopter is mainly used for sightseeing flights: a 4-seater helicopter for 3 passengers plus pilot. Each passenger has a window seat. For charter flights etc. we also have other helicopters available, such as the Bell 206, AS350 or EC120 with space for the pilot plus 4-6 passengers. For taster flights or "flying yourself" we use different models - mainly smaller - for cost reasons.

How high and how fast does the helicopter fly?

For sightseeing flights, a helicopter usually flies about 500-700 meters above the ground. So you can enjoy the view and still see something on the ground. The cruising speed is around 200 km/h.

When do I have to be at the airport before a scenic flight?

Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure. If you are not there in time, the helicopter cannot wait for you due to flight planning and the voucher will be forfeited.

Are there age restrictions for helicopter tours?

Our oldest passenger to date was a lady who was 100 years old. So if you're fit, that's no problem. A ticket can of course also be purchased for a child. A certain understanding of what has been experienced should be present depending on age, we recommend a minimum age of 6 years.

how do i solve one Heliflieger.com coupon?

Vouchers can be redeemed simply by registering for a specific flight on a specific date at Heliflieger.com/dates. In the case of pure € value vouchers in particular, we would calculate any remaining amount or remaining credit for you.

What about health restrictions for helicopter sightseeing flights?

As a passenger, you should have a normal constitution, be able to get on and off the helicopter without problems and not exceed the respective maximum body weight (depending on the helity type). It is best to ask your doctor if in doubt. Disabilities per se do not have to be an insurmountable reason, it depends on the type of disability. You're welcome contact us - We are happy to help.

Why are there weight restrictions for passengers on helicopter tours?

Every helicopter has a maximum allowable take-off weight, which must not be exceeded so that the components in the helicopter are not overloaded and fail at some point due to material fatigue. For this reason, pilots must make various calculations before each flight to ensure that this maximum weight is not exceeded. This weight then includes not only the passengers, but also, for example, the pilot himself and the fuel in the tanks. In addition, additional calculations are made that are part of the flight preparation. The leverage effect determines which passenger is seated with which weight in which seat. Some helicopters also have specifications from the manufacturer. With the Robinson R44, for example, no passenger may weigh more than 130kg - a maximum of 6kg may be added as luggage. How much a passenger is allowed to weigh is stated on the respective location page and on the ticket.

What happens if someone weighs more than the helicopter flight allows?

Passengers with more than the maximum permitted weight depending on the location demonstrate above-average capacity of the maximum permitted take-off weight - this would no longer be available to the other passengers. The following options are available:

  • You could purchase another seat and take the weight of that seat yourself.
  • For the second ticket, you could also take someone who is very light.
  • You could pass the ticket on to someone who is lighter and who flies in your place.
  • You can upgrade the ticket to a group ticket and use two of the three seats for yourself. And possibly take someone who is very light.

Depending on the type of helicopter, there are regulations from the manufacturer. A body weight of 136kg or more per person is unfortunately not possible for the Robinson R44 according to the company Robinson Helicopters. There are different limits depending on the type of helicopter, which you can find on the respective site page. If you have any questions, just contact us via info@heliflieger.com - we are happy to help.

We gues urgently depend on it, Your weight or that of your fellow passengers if you register them deliberately or even negligently incorrect. The load of the helicopters must not exceed the permissible maximum. Therefore, the weight of the passengers can be checked on site and if exceeded to protect the other passengers and the pilot, this can result in exclusion from the flight and the expiry of the voucher / ticket.

Why do helicopter tours seem so expensive?

Many factors affect the ticket price:

Acquisition price:
A helicopter is a relatively complex aircraft - not only in the control but also in the manufacture. This technical effort has a significant impact on the purchase price and operating costs of a helicopter. A new Robinson R44 currently costs around $ 500.000. Turbine helicopters can be calculated from around € 1 million.

Insurance:
Every aircraft requires statutory insurance, comparable to motor vehicle liability and passenger insurance. In addition, there is a kind of comprehensive insurance for the helicopter itself. Costs for this are usually € 1.000 per month - depending on the value.

Maintenance:
There is a maintenance plan for every Helityp, in which not only oil changes but also precisely defined work and tests are carried out. In addition, most components have an expiry time, ie they have to be replaced after a certain number of flight hours for safety reasons, regardless of whether they really show signs of wear or not. If defects are discovered, these must of course also be eliminated before the helicopter can be allowed to serve again.

Fuel:
The fuel consumption of a piston-powered Robinson R44 helicopter, for example, is around 1 liter of aviation gas (AVGAS) per minute, with one liter costing around € 2,40 (as of February 2020).

Education:
The training to become a professional helicopter pilot is around € 80.000 - € 100.000 and takes around 2 years. In addition, there are regular legally required training courses and further education as well as cost-intensive check flights.

Despite these high costs, you can enjoy a great helicopter flight for just a few hundred euros. And for significantly less than for an iPhone. In addition, this experience will remain unforgettable for you - while the new iPhone has not become new in a short time, but has become normal and will soon have to be replaced ...

How safe are helicopter sightseeing flights?

Commercial aviation in Germany is subject to strict official controls. Registered airlines are regularly checked, the helicopters are maintained according to plan and the pilots undergo a medical examination at least once a year in order to detect and eliminate risks as early as possible. All of Heliflieger.com mediated flights are operated by professional pilots or registered airlines that are subject to these requirements.

How do I or the recipient get an appointment for our helicopter tour?

Voucher holders can register on the Appointments page register for an appointment.

Are helicopter sightseeing flights only on weekends?

Most customers are employed and prefer to take their sightseeing flights on weekends. In addition, the individual tickets are calculated on the basis of a fully occupied helicopter and additional passengers therefore have to be coordinated. This has the best chance of success on weekends. Therefore, at many locations where no helicopter is permanently stationed, we are only on site on certain weekends. More flexible are offers on the subject of "flying yourself" and group tickets, which can also be used on weekdays depending on availability - provided the helicopter is available there. This can be seen on the respective site pages. You are welcome to send us your appointment requests and suggestions about the Appointment registration report.

I am only visiting the region for a few days - can I still experience a helicopter tour?

Please send us one Individual request. We check the availability and let you know immediately. Please note that prices for individuals are calculated on the assumption that all seats are filled. So it may be that only the entire helicopter can be chartered on your desired date, even if you do not occupy all the seats.

Are helicopter tours carried out in any weather?

A clear “no”. Helicopters need certain visibility to be allowed to fly. In addition, we do not necessarily fly in any weather that we should be allowed to. The pilot collects a special flight weather report every day of the flight and can decide against a flight at any time for safety reasons. If a flight cannot be carried out due to bad weather or other conditions, the tickets remain valid and a new date is agreed. Light splashes of rain, on the other hand, don't bother us as long as visibility is good overall. A blue sky without a single cloud is quite boring to be honest. Most sightseeing passengers look down and not up anyway.

What time do the sightseeing flights take place?

You will receive information about your departure time in most cases a few days before the appointment. Only then will we know which flights are actually taking place and whether the weather is likely to be good or whether we will be put off. In the worst case, you will be notified by phone on the same day as soon as it becomes apparent that the appointment cannot be held. It is therefore important to provide your mobile number.

Where does our helicopter tour start from? Is there a cafe?

Most of them Heliflieger.com airfields in the federal territory are airfield cafes. Sometimes there are really good restaurants there. You can find out in advance about the gastronomy at your place of departure via the Internet.

What happens if the helicopter drive fails?

First of all: That happens extremely rarely. Then we do not fall "down like a stone" - as is widely assumed. The pilot then initiates the "autorotation" - which means "the rotor continues to rotate on its own". The main rotor is further driven by the air flow coming from below, which means that the helicopter remains maneuverable and can be “sailed” and landed in a targeted manner to an open area. Due to the principle of autorotation, autogyros can take off and fly in the first place. The autorotation also rotates the maple seeds falling from the tree. Disadvantage: You only have one attempt. This is why professional pilots practice this and many other maneuvers at least once a year in order to be prepared for the very unlikely emergency.

Can I redeem my sightseeing flight voucher for a longer flight?

Yes, your voucher can always be exchanged for a flight of a higher value. Also at a different location.

Can I get sick of flying a helicopter?

Difficult to judge, in theory, yes - even watching the daily news can sometimes be bad. However, the helicopter is a very good-natured aircraft that does not react as strongly to possible turbulence as small aircraft - also called fixed-wing aircraft (e.g. Cessna). This means that the risk of nausea is much lower. It happens very rarely that a passenger gets sick, but not never. What we hear from our passengers 99% of the time is: "It was much less shaky than we thought".

Can I take photos or film during the helicopter flight?

With pleasure. If you turn the flash off, it will not be reflected in the glass. The mobile phone should be set to flight mode if possible so that it does not beep in the headphones when searching for signals.

Is it very loud in the helicopter during the sightseeing flight?

It is not quiet 🙂 All passengers are therefore usually given a headset: headphones with a microphone. This not only dampens engine noise, it also enables passengers to communicate with each other and with the pilot. Radio traffic can also be monitored with the tower. Please move the microphone close to your mouth and speak loudly - if you can hear yourself in the headphones, the others will hear you too.

Can we fly over a certain place by helicopter?

Route requests are gladly taken into account, provided that this is possible, permitted and can be covered in the booked flight time. If you don't book the entire heli, it may be that other guests on the same flight have a different route request - we then have to come to a common denominator. In this respect, we cannot give any guarantees if you register as an individual - i.e. not for the entire helicopter.

What exactly is helicopter flying?

You fly the helicopter together with a pilot / flight instructor. As with a normal training flight, a double tax is built into the helicopter - similar to the driving school car. First of all, it explains exactly what to do when flying a helicopter on the ground. This introduction does not count towards the booked flight time, but is added. Of course, after 30 minutes or 60 minutes you cannot fly a helicopter completely yourself. But you get a good insight into what it means to control the helicopter yourself - you need a sure instinct!

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