This experience is designed for novices eager to learn the basics of helicopter flying as well as seasoned pilots looking to fly in the unique setting of Hawaii. Each session provides practical, hands-on learning, focusing on the fundamental differences between helicopter and airplane flight mechanics.

Learning to fly a helicopter involves mastering a set of skills quite distinct from flying an airplane, especially during maneuvers like hovering, take-offs, and landings. The process to become proficient is rigorous, requiring a minimum of 40 flight hours as mandated by the FAA, with at least 20 of those hours under direct instructor supervision. For most, achieving a comfortable level of skill takes between six months to a year, gradually making the challenging controls feel more intuitive and manageable.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: All age groups are welcome.
• Weight: Participants who weigh 280+ pounds will account for two seats.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: It is recommended that students are at least 8 years old. All students under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Pets: Sorry, no pets allowed.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: 30, 45 or 60 minutes depending on the package selected
• What’s included: Introductory flight with an FAA certified flight instructor.
• Who will be present: You will have an FAA certified flight instructor with you at all times.
• Spectators: Up to 2 people can join as passengers on the flight (based on weight restrictions).
• Photo/ video: Photos and video are encouraged!
• Specific rules to follow: Your FAA certified flight instructor will go over all the rules and safety instructions upon arrival.

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: This experience is weather dependent.
• Arrival: Check in time for your flight is 60 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. Please understand that your check in time is required to ensure you are prepared for your flight and a safety briefing will be given at that time. Late arrivals are subject to a reduction in flight time and/or full cancellation of flight.
• Parking: There is parking available onsite.
• What to wear: Your choice of clothing depends on whether you book a doors on or doors off tour. For a doors on tour, the temperature aboard the helicopter is very comfortable during flights-t-shirts and shorts are just fine. However, if you choose a doors-off tour, your flight will be windy and cold so jackets and/or sweatshirts are required and long pants are recommended. Closed toed shoes are also required for doors-off tours. Please note that hats are not allowed on board your flight. Your hat might blow off your head and fly up into the rotors and that is very unsafe. You may leave any hats in the office during our flight. Lastly, for anyone with long hair a hair tie is required to put up your hair so you don’t get what we call “helicopter hair,” which is not fun afterwards! Policy states that you will not be able to board a doors-off flight without a jacket or sweatshirt and closed toed shoes, so be sure to remember to dress warm!
• What to bring: Valid photo ID for check-in and gratuity for your instructor if you enjoy the tour.
• Restrooms/ lockers/ changing rooms: Restrooms are available at the airport, but there are no lockers or changing rooms.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 30 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 48 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 48 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.