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Learn to Fly a Helicopter

Long Beach, CA

From $181

2 Options Available

Option & Pricing:
Please select an option above.

About this experience

Discover the unparalleled thrill of flying with this unique simulator and helicopter flight training combination experience near Orange County!
SKU:
AIR-OCN-0028

  • FAA Certified Flight Instructor coaches you through approximately 15 minutes of ground instruction, 15 minutes of helicopter simulator time and up to 20 minutes of flight time
  • Fly in a Robinson helicopter and practice skills such as straight and level flying, climbing, descending and hovering
  • Enjoy views of beautiful downtown Long Beach and the Pacific Ocean while you fly a helicopter!

Take to the air in a state-of-the-art helicopter when you Learn to Fly near Orange County!

Choose to fly with just a flight instructor in a Robinson R-22 or bring 2 passengers with you and fly in a Robinson R-44!

Your experience begins when you meet your FAA Certified Flight Instructor. After 15 minutes of ground school, you'll head to the flight simulator and feel what it's like to fly a helicopter before trying your hands on a real Robinson aircraft. After 15-20 minutes on the flight simulator, you'll head to the hangar to complete the pre-flight checklist with your flight instructor.

Now you are ready to climb into the helicopter and prepare for take-off! Your pilot will handle take-off and landing, but mid-air you'll take control of the helicopter and learn how the professionals fly on an everyday basis. While in flight, you may have the opportunity to try straight and level flying, climbs, turns and descents!

Take in views of downtown Long Beach and the Pacific Ocean on the approximately 20-minute flight. When your feet are firmly planted back on the ground, feel free to take some photos with the helicopter and consider your first flight lesson complete!

Be prepared to experience a feeling few in the world ever have - the sensation of manning the controls of an airborne helicopter on this Learn to Fly experience in Long Beach!

Long Beach Airport - Long Beach, CA
Locations shown shouldn’t be used for route planning

When Do I Choose A Date?

Either yourself or the lucky recipient can make a booking and select dates once you are in receipt of the voucher. You’ll register the voucher, follow the booking instructions and your experience with us begins!

Year-Round:
Daily - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Essential Information

  • To fly in the R-22 helicopter the student must weigh no more than 220 lbs
  • Flights for 1 student and up to 2 passengers will take place in an R-44 helicopter where the maximum weight per seat is 300 lbs and total maximum weight is 580 lbs
  • Valid government issued photo ID is required
  • Students must be at least 16 years old
  • The parental consent form must be signed for students under 18 years old
  • Please note that if any combined passenger weights are over 30 lbs more than stated at the time of booking a $30 charge will be incurred
  • Any cancellation of a planned flight due to weights exceeding the maximum allowable aircraft weight (individual or combined) will be charged at full price

Duration

You will have a 15-20 minute ground school session, approximately 15 minutes of simulator time and the introductory flight where you will take control of the helicopter will last 15-20 minutes.

Experience Provider Info

Complete information for your Experience Provider, including contact information, will be included on your booking confirmation email once you or your gift recipient have scheduled the experience. Our Product Management team handpicks top-rated experience providers, removing the guesswork for you and ensuring your peace of mind.

Maximum Participants

The maximum number of participants varies based on the option selected. The R-22 option is for 1 student only, the R-44 option is for 1 student and up to 2 passengers, pending weight restrictions.

Spectators

Spectators are welcome to observe takeoff and landing from a viewing area located at the heliport.

Weather Dependent

This experience is weather dependent. Always contact the experience provider with any questions regarding weather conditions. In the event of inclement weather, your pilot will work with you to reschedule your experience.

What To Wear

Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for weather conditions; flat rubber-soled shoes are recommended. Loose clothing is not permitted.

What if the weather is bad?

Safety is the top priority. In the event of inclement weather, you will work directly with your pilot to reschedule. Always contact the experience provider on the day of your experience with any questions regarding weather conditions.

Do I need any experience?

No experience is necessary! You will have a 15-20 minute ground school session, approximately 15 minutes of simulator time and the introductory flight where you will take control of the helicopter will last 15-20 minutes.

What are the weight restrictions?

For the 1 student option, participants must weigh no more than 225 lbs. Flights for 1 student and up to 2 passengers will take place in an R-44 helicopter where the maximum weight per seat is 300 lbs and total maximum weight is 580 lbs.

Returns
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be returned hassle-free within 14 days. All refunds will be made to the original purchaser.
Exchanges
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be exchanged for anything else in our marketplace at any time.  If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs more, you'll simply have to pay the difference. If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs less, you'll have a credit towards your next booking with Virgin Experience Gifts.

Cancellation Policy

Once you have scheduled a date and received a booking confirmation, no refunds will be given. Rescheduling is allowed up to 72 hours prior to your experience. Failure to appear on your booked date or to reschedule at least 72 hours prior to your booked date will result in the loss of the value of your experience. Any cancellation of a planned flight due to weights exceeding the maximum allowable aircraft weight (individual or combined) will be charged at full price. In the event, your experience is canceled due to inclement weather you will reschedule your experience directly with your experience provider.

2 Options Available

Option

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