FAQ’s

Why cant I see available dates?

The way our system is designed allows customers to purchase the desired flight type/duration. Once this is complete and payment received you will then be sent an email with further information explaining how to register for an account. At this point all available dates/venues will be displayed.

How long are the vouchers valid for?

Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the voucher start date. Please bear in mind that our flying season is April to October. Depending on your voucher expiry date, it may be difficult to book flights nearer to the end of the flying season, so we strongly recommend booking as soon as possible once you receive your voucher code.

What happens if the weather is bad?

On a helicopter flight day our pilot assesses the Met Office aviation weather forecast for the conditions at 2,000 feet above ground level for the whole day and over a 50 mile radius from the venue, to determine whether the helicopter flights can proceed. It is often the case that the weather at the venue is different to your (or the helicopter’s) starting location. To save yourself an unnecessary journey and losing your entitlement, please ring the checkline (information given on actual booking) to hear the recorded message which confirms whether your helicopter ride is going ahead. Please DO NOT PHONE THE VENUE.

Do I lose my seat if the helicopter rides are cancelled due to the weather or unforeseen circumstances?

No – you simply need to contact our office to reschedule for an alternative date. Your ticket becomes valid for a further 12 months from any date of cancellation by ourselves, irrespective of any price increases. Your voucher will only become void if a 12 month period elapses without the ticket being booked in. If your flight is postponed more than 5 times we can consider a refund (minus 20% for administration fees).

What should I wear?

Sensible footwear and clothing is advised as the majority of our locations are field sites. Your clothing should be appropriate for the weather conditions. The interior of the helicopter is as warm as the inside of a car.

What time should I arrive?

Please report to the check in area upon arrival at the helicopter flight venue a minimum of 15 minutes before your scheduled flight time. Our ground crew will take details of your postcode and weight. In the interests of security and weight no hand luggage will be allowed with the exception of cameras.

Can I just turn up?

Occasionally we can accommodate seats on the day but to avoid disappointment and waiting, it is advisable to pre-book.

What happens if I need to cancel my seat?

A passenger cancelling a seat within 72 hours of the flight, not turning up for a flight or arriving late, will invalidate the ticket as seats cannot be re-allocated at this late stage. This ticket is transferable, if you do not wish / unable to take the flight. Please contact the office for more information.

Can I take photos?

Yes. The helicopter offers outstanding visibility for all passengers, so you should be able to take some memorable images! Participants wishing to take cameras and other photographic equipment on the flight do so entirely at their own risk. No photographs or videos can be taken whilst on the airside ground at the venue.

Is there any age limit?

No. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. All passengers must have their own seat. Anyone over the age of 85 must also be accompanied by a parent or guardian – Only joking! If the passenger is game, we are!

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. In the interests of passenger comfort and safety we have to consider all weights. Please give an accurate weight for each passenger at the time of booking. Failure to give an accurate figure may result in the passenger being refused a flight without refund.

Group size of One – Max 15 Stone (95kg)
Group size of Two – Max 30 Stone (190kg)
Group size of Three – Max 43 Stone (273kg)
Group size of Four – Max 56 Stone (355kg)

If as a party of one you weigh in excess of 15 stone, you may still be able to fly however you will need to purchase an additional seat. This seat will either have to remain unoccupied or can be occupied by an individual as long as the combined total as listed above is not exceeded. The Co pilot weight cannot exceed 15 stone (95kg).

Please contact our office to discuss.

Do you accommodate disabled people?

Yes, we have ground crew who are accustomed to supporting passengers with disabilities. However, we need to know the nature of the disability before they fly.

As a guide all passengers have to be able to get in and out of the aircraft by themselves and be able to walk 25 metres (in the event of an emergency landing). For passengers who have a carer for day-to-day tasks, the carer would be required to accompany the passenger – please email us to discuss to prevent any disappointment on the day. The pilot will always make the final decision on whether any passenger can fly on the day.

Can I fly when pregnant?

We are happy to fly pregnant passengers however we cannot give medical advice, please consult your doctor if you have any concerns at all before taking your flight.

Can I speak to the pilot?

The pilot is happy to talk to all passengers when possible. This may not occur if the pilot has to talk to air traffic control or other radio users plus please remember they are in control of the aircraft so let them carry out this role for everyone’s safety.

Flight Distances/Times?

The pilot will aim to keep to the distance stated at the time of booking. Due to weather conditions, air traffic control and occasionally circumstances out of the pilots control the distances/times may vary. If it is shorter we apologise. If it is longer then please enjoy!

What regulations cover the flights?

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is in charge of public safety for aviation. They monitor companies who hold an AOC (Air Operator’s Certificate) – This will be Northumbria Helicopters AOC GB2257. This allows a company to fly members of the public. The flights are subject to, as appropriate, Regulation (EC) No. 889/2002. This means that when you fly with us you have insurance cover similar to with a major airline such as British Airways, Virgin etc.

What if I have been bought a voucher but don’t want to fly?

Our office staff are happy to discuss any concerns or fears you may have about flying. If we still can’t reassure you, your voucher can be transferred to another individual to use. If you cant fly for any other reason or your voucher expires your voucher will be deemed void and no refund will be given.

When do flights start and finish on a pleasure flight day?

Our usual operating hours are between 09.30hrs and 17.00hrs (subject to weather and light conditions). As a guide our flying season starts at the beginning of April until the end of October.