Although there’s a wealth of information about our Southwest Circle Helicopter Adventure on this Web site and in our printed materials, we still get questions from folks who need to know more. On this page, you’ll find a list of the most frequently asked questions — with answers — about this excursion.
Q: Can we take photos during the flight?
Definitely! Our aircraft has excellent visibility out the front and all windows. Side door windows are “bubble” observation windows that make it easy to look out and down. Keep in mind that doors-off photo flight time is also available at an extra cost during your excursion. Please let us know when booking your flight if you’re interested in this.
Q: How high up do you fly?
A: We normally fly approximately 500-700 feet off the ground. This is pretty standard for helicopters.
Q: Number of passengers:
Can you take more than 2 passengers?
Will we have to fly with other passengers?
A: Due to weight and space constraints, we can only take two passengers on our excursions. This makes our Southwest Circle a great getaway for just one couple or a pair of friends. This also makes the excursion extremely cusomizable; each itinerary is created with passenger preferences in min, thus determining flight and activity times you’re sure to approve of.
Q: What time do you depart Phoenix on the first day?
Each excursion itinerary is customizable, so departure time is at your convenience. We recommend departing Phoenix between 10 AM and 12 PM, but we can alter this as necessary to correspond to your arrival into the Phoenix area. The earliest we can leave Phoenix is 8 AM. The latest is 2 PM. If you can’t arrange for arrival in Phoenix before noon on the day of our departure, we recommend arriving the day before and spending the night. Remember, the earlier we begin, the more time you’ll have on the ground in Sedona.
Q: What time do you arrive back in Phoenix on the last day?
A: Again each excursion is customizable, so we can plan to arrive whenever it’s convenient for you. This makes it easy to hook up with a flight departing from Phoenix on that last day. We recommend departing from Flagstaff at least 4 hours before any airline flight departing Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. The earliest we can depart Flagstaff is 8 AM; the latest is 5 PM or an hour before sunset (whichever is first). The later we depart Flagstaff, the more time you’ll have on the ground there for activities.
Q: Can you arrange for or recommend a Phoenix area hotel for additional nights before or after the excursion?
A: Although we don’t have any relationships with Phoenix area hotels, we can help you choose and book a room in the area if needed. Accommodations range from basic motels near the airport to luxury resorts in the Phoenix Biltmore area or Scottsdale. Please let us know if assistance with additional nights is necessary when you book your excursion with us.
Q: Can you start in a city other than Phoenix? For example, Las Vegas?
A: We can begin the excursion in another southwest city, such as Las Vegas. Additional fees will apply due to additional flight times. Please call us for details if you’re seriously considering a different starting or ending point.
Q: Can we choose our hotel accommodations for each night of the excursion?
A: Due to high demand and sell-outs, we book all rooms at the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, and Monument Valley approximately a year in advance. Although we may be able to make changes to the type of room or bed in these places with enough advance notice, we cannot usually secure completely different hotel accommodations. In Sedona and Flagstaff, however, we can usually get reservations in your first choice accommodation. Again, the farther in advance you book, the more options will be available to you.
Q: I’m a helicopter pilot. Will you have dual controls in the aircraft so I can fly it, too?
A: Due to insurance rules and FAA regulations, all flights must be conducted by our pilot. Dual controls cannot be installed for any part of the flight.
Q: Can you do custom excursions like this to other destinations?
A: Yes. We can hand-tailor a custom excursion to meet your needs. Please call us and let us know what you’re thinking about so we can draft a proposal for you.
