Flying in a helicopter is a thrilling experience, and everyone must try it at least once in their lifetime.
However, some people find it a little overwhelming, especially when it is their first time onboard a helicopter.
After speaking to many people who have been on multiple tours, we have come up with a list of tips on how you can enjoy your first helicopter tour.
What’s ahead
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Focus on reducing your anxiety
Start your helicopter tour day with some deep breathing exercises or meditation to calm your nerves.
Visualizing the experience can also be incredibly helpful—try watching a few videos to get a clearer picture of what to expect.
If you’re flying with a partner, have a conversation about any concerns to ease your mind.
For added peace of mind, there’s no harm in consulting your doctor for anti-anxiety medication to help keep you relaxed during the flight.
These simple steps can make your first helicopter tour smoother and more enjoyable.
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Trust the Pilot and the helicopter
You don’t need to be nervous about flying, for it is one of the safest forms of travel – much safer than car travel.
Car accidents outnumber flying accidents by a huge margin every year.
Related: Discover Why Helicopter Tours Make an Excellent Gift
The Pilot
Helicopter pilots are highly trained professionals with many hours of helicopter flying experience.
They have flown the same helicopter many times on the same route in various weather conditions.
The helicopter
If you land at the airport early, you can see that every helicopter undergoes a battery of tests before every flight.
After the helicopter is refueled, helicopter maintenance engineers go through their protocol of checks to see if it is airworthy, and only after their approval does the helicopter take off.
Related: Experience the Thrill of Doors-Off Helicopter Tours
Always listen to the Pilot
Before the helicopter takes off, the Pilot will give you a safety briefing. Listen to every word he/she says.
When the Pilot points out where they have kept the first aid kit and the life jackets, note it.
Since seats are assigned based on the weight of every passenger (to balance the helicopter), you must sit in your assigned seat.
*If you think you will get nauseated during the chopper tour, request the Pilot for a middle seat. There is no guarantee, but if their weight calculations allow for it, you can get lucky.
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Be aware of in-flight safety measures
For the safety of the passengers, helicopters have many in-flight safety measures built-in.
To ensure passengers don’t get tossed around when the helicopters swoop and serve, they must wear seatbelts throughout the flight.
Everybody also gets noise-canceling headphones to keep the noise of the helicopter away and also to communicate with the Pilot.
The chopper also has fire extinguishers for use in case of fire.
All helicopters also have life jackets for use during a water landing and emergency kits, which contain ropes, knives, flares, and other emergency equipment.
Related: Enjoy Breathtaking Views with Sunset Helicopter Tours
Pilot’s safety briefing
The helicopter tour pilot’s safety briefing usually revolves around these topics –
Getting in and out of the chopper
It is important to follow the safety regulations even while getting in and out of the tour helicopter.
Being aware of how to approach and leave a helicopter becomes even more important if your tour includes a landing, a hike, a picnic, or just some photographs.
Dress up in your most comfortable clothes
For your helicopter tour, it’s important to dress in layers to stay comfortable, regardless of the season.
Even during summer, temperatures can drop as you gain altitude, especially on doors-off helicopters.
Opt for sneakers or sturdy shoes instead of sandals or flip-flops for safety and comfort.
Avoid wearing hats or leaving your hair loose, as strong winds can cause distractions.
Dressing appropriately ensures you’ll fully enjoy your flight experience without any discomfort!
Don’t panic during turbulence
Most of your helicopter ride is going to be smooth.
However, during take-off and landing, it is normal to have some turbulence.
Some first-timers start panicking during taking off and then don’t enjoy their trip at all.
The trick is to know that take-off turbulence is normal, and the moment the helicopter gains altitude, the ride will be smooth again.
