The Complete Guide to Helicopter Rides in Pensacola Florida

If you’re looking for information on Helicopter Rides in Pensacola Florida, your search is over.  Enjoy breath-taking views of the Florida coastline and classic landmarks of Pensacola from a birds-eye view.  First, we’ll give you tools to overcome any anxiety you may have about flying in a helicopter.  Secondly, we look at the cost and barriers that may preclude you from flying in a helicopter.  Thirdly, we examine the safety risks involved in riding in a helicopter.  Fourthly, we include many frequently asked questions about Pensacola helicopter tours.  Finally, we provide a directory of local businesses that offer helicopter tours near Pensacola.

After your flight is complete, the perception of the Pensacola area will be forever changed.  There’s nothing quite like flying, a 30 minute flight will make memories you will recall the rest of your life.  Review your options below to make the best possible choice of helicopters, touring companies, and types of tours in Pensacola Beach

Table of Contents

Overcoming First Ride Jitters
Pensacola Beach Helicopter Tour Options
Helicopter Safety
Pensacola Helicopter Ride FAQ
Pensacola Helicopter Ride Directory

Overcoming First Ride Jitters

It’s natural to have a few nervous jitters if you’re a first time helicopter rider.  The facts about your first helicopter ride in Pensacola Florida will help calm your nerves and allow you to have a great ride!

Choose the Best Helicopter

When you book your tour, ask which way the seats face.  Typically, a helicopter that has all the seats facing forward offer the best view.  This seating arrangement also allows for the best interaction if you’re riding with family or friends.  Finally, this seating arrangement will help any passengers who struggle with motion or flight sickness.

Dress Appropriately

When it comes to choosing the right apparel for a helicopter ride, safety should be your first priority.  It is important to feel great for that pre-flight photo, but you’ll want to be comfortable and safe during the flight.  Leave accessories like hats and scarves in your car since they can be blown away.  If you have long hair, pull it back and put it up.  Most importantly, wear flat, closed-toed shoes.

Seating Arrangements

Everyone will want the best seat on their helicopter ride, or they want to sit beside their favorite significant other.  However, the helicopter pilot will want to load the helicopter so that it is balanced correctly.  When you get on board, you will be shown where to site for the best weight balance of the aircraft.  If you aren’t able to sit next to your spouse or most-scared child, don’t worry! Everyone will still be able to communicate and will have an amazing, memory-making trip.

Take Photos

Cameras are almost always allowed on board touring helicopters.  Be sure to ask your booking agent or check the website.  Consider dressing in darker clothing to reduce glare on the windows since lighter color reflect off of the glass.  Plan your trip for the best times of the day to take pictures.  Traditionally, mid-morning or early afternoon are typically the clearest times of the day. 

Relax and Have Fun

Your helicopter crew are trained professionals, allow them to provide you with the best safety information.  Trust your crew to pilot the aircraft while you sit back and relax.  If you have questions for the staff, they’ll be available to provide the best answers.  Sit back and enjoy this amazing experience that will last a lifetime!

Pensacola Beach Helicopter Tour Options

There a many different tours available from Pensacola to Destin.  If you’re interested in historical events and places, we’ve got you covered.  Want to look at marine life and amazing scenery?  How about viewing a fireworks show while airborne?  Our local helicopter tours have you covered.

Another option available is to fly with the doors off.  By default, the doors are attached.  If you ask, the crew may remove the doors for an experience that is like no other!

Sunset Tours

Viewing a sunset along the Emerald Coast of Florida is one of the most stunning sights in the world.  Cruise over the emerald-blue waters that surround Pensacola as the clouds turn pink and sky turns a golden orange.  The perfect ending to a perfect Florida day.

Shark Tours

Pilots know where the hot spots are to spot sharks near Pensacola Beach.  You’re likely to see other amazing marine life as well, including sea turtles, dolphins and manta rays.

Shipwreck Tours

Pensacola has been a long shipping history.  Additionally, Pensacola has also has a naval history dating back to the first European settlers.  Over all of these years, some ships were lost at sea.  A popular flyover is the shipwreck of the U.S.S. Massachusetts.  Helicopter pilots know right where to take you to view them from a birds-eye view.

Historic Tours

A number of tours are available that tour Pensacola’s world-famous historical sites.  Whether you’re interested in viewing the historic Fort McRee, Fort Barrancas, or Fort Pickens, you’ll learn more about military history from the air than you could ever imagine.  Popular attractions during this fly-over include Pensacola Pass, Pensacola Lighthouse and even the Naval Aviation Museum located at Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Beach Tours

There are several popular beach tours offered locally, from the Alabama Coastline to Destin.  The sugar-white sands of the Emerald Coast, combined with the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico make these tours very popular.  You’ll never look at the beach the same after experiencing the unheralded beauty of our beaches from a birds-eye view.

City Tours

Popular city tours include the Historic Palafox Street and the Blue Wahoo’s Baseball Stadium in Historic Pensacola, Florida.  Heading west, you can view the picturesque coastal town of Seaside, where The Truman Show was filmed.  Or you can opt in to view Destin’s Harbor Town from the air.

Fireworks Tour

Take in the Destin Fireworks from a birds eye view!  This is a real show-stopper, and is genuinely hard to put into words.  During the summer, fireworks are launched Thursday evenings over Destin Harbour.

Helicopter Safety

Helicopter accidents aren’t frequent but do occur.  In the last 10 years, there have been 1.44 fatalities per 100,000 flight hours of non-military helicopters.  You should choose a company with a good safety rating.  Below are 10 easy questions you should ask your helicopter tour company before booking a flight with them.

Ten Questions you should ask before flying on touring helicopter

1.  Are you certified with the FAA Part 135 Air Carrier?  This holds them to very high standards.  If the website does not explicitly state they’re certified, call them and ask.  You can also contact the Federal Aviation Administration to verify certification.
2. Have you had any safety violations or accidents?
3. Are you a TOPS (Tour Operators Program of Safety) member?
4. What is the name of the pilot that will be flying me and how experienced are they?  A pilots experience is measured in hours of flight.  Ideally, your helicopter pilot should have a few thousand hours of flight time.
5. What training and certifications does the pilot have?
6. Does the helicopter have flotation equipment and will I be provided with a personal flotation device?  Since you’ll be flying over water, don’t neglect this necessity.
7. Are the passenger’s restraints just like the pilot’s restraints?  Don’t accept sub par restraints.  Restraints should be a one-point quick release system.
8. Are the helicopters equipped with an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELTS)?
9. How old are your helicopters?
10. Do you give a full, pre-flight safety lecture to all passengers?

You can also research tour providers on the National Transportation Safety Board accident database.  Remember it’s your responsibility to keep you and your loved ones safe.  Spend a few minutes on the phone verifying they can answer the 10 basic questions above.  Once you arrive for your flight, verify all the equipment is present on the helicopter.  If they don’t take safety seriously, walk away.

Helicopter safety and weather

Bad weather may include isolated storms, heavy rain, hair, thunderstorms, fog, cloud cover and high winds.  Extreme heat is typically not a concern.  If the weather is unsafe the pilot will not fly.  Typically, you will not be charged or charged a cancellation fee.  If for any reason you don’t feel safe flying, don’t fly.  Even if the company and pilot clear the flight, you are ultimately responsible for your safety.  In that scenario, be prepared to pay a cancellation fee.  Be sure to contact your provider to find out the cancellation and refund policies.

Pensacola Helicopter Ride FAQ

Which days do helicopter tours operate?

Regular tour hours are typically sunrise to sunset.  Hours of operation vary by season, with the summer tourist season allowing for most availability.

How much does a tour cost?

The cost of a tour varies based on how long the helicopter is in the air.  However, there are other variables to consider like time of day, season, and  type of tour.  Presently, fares range from $55 to $250 per person.  Often there are at least 2 people required to pay at those prices.  Night and weekend flights are the most expensive.

How far in advance should I book my flight?

Schedule your tour as far in advance as possible. This will allow you to have the best selection of times.

How do I book a tour?

You can book a tour online or calling directly.  Visit the directory below for website and contact information.

How many people can fly at once?

Typically, the helicopter can hold three riders plus the pilot.  There is a weight limit of around 300 lbs per person.  The maximum weight limit is 600 total lbs for three passengers.

What is the minimum and maximum age?

People of all ages can board the helicopter and ride the tour.  Children under 2 can usually sit on the lap of an accompanying adult and are often free.  Children 2 and over must sit in their own seat.

What if I have to use the bathroom while airborne?

There are no bathrooms on helicopters.  Use the restroom before you board, there won’t be another chance until you return.

What should I wear?

The helicopter is fully air-conditioned, so the inside is comfy.  However, if you choose the “doors off” option, it will be cooler.  If you opt for the doors-off tour wear a jacket and long pants.  Hats are typically not allowed aboard the craft.  If you have long hair, it is recommended you put it up or back.

Can I bring a camera or recorder?

Yes, please take all the photos and videos you want! Feel free to share them with friends and family.

Do I have to sign a waiver to fly?

Yes, all riders must sign a waiver of liability.  For riders under 18, an adult or guardian must sign for them.

Can I talk to other passengers or the pilot during a flight?

Yes, helicopters are typically equipped with a 2-way coms system that allows everyone to talk with the others on the aircraft.

Should I tip my pilot?

While not required or expected, the pilot will appreciate your generosity for a job well done.  Check the touring company policies on tipping your pilot.

We hope you had an amazing stay and was able to partake in one of the fun Helicopter Rides in Pensacola Florida.  Please leave a comment about the Helicopter experience you opted for and any positive or negative experiences you and your family and friends had.

Pensacola Helicopter Ride Directory

These directory links are not paid links. A site’s inclusion on this directory should not be considered an endorsement of their service.  All users should carry out their own due diligence before paying for any services offered.  If we missed including a local business in this directory, please contact us!

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