What to Expect on Your First Helicopter Ride in Sydney
Helicopter tours of Sydney are a fun and memorable experience, whether you’re an local looking for a unique perspective or a tourist eager to see the city from the sky. These tours offer a variety of experiences that can last anywhere from 20-30 minutes.
Some first-timers worry about turbulence but most of the time, your tour will be smooth. It is normal to feel a bit of turbulence during take-off and landing.
What to Wear
A helicopter ride is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it’s also an adventure that requires a certain amount of preparation. Knowing what to wear and bring on your flight will make it more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone, including yourself.
Helicopters are more agile than airplanes, allowing for hairpin turns and breathtaking swoops. While this makes the flight more thrilling, it can also feel a bit disorienting and uncomfortable at times. Fortunately, headsets will muffle the noise and reduce the feeling of turbulence. If you’re concerned about the sensation of flying, talk to your pilot or a Sydney HeliTours staff member before your trip.
The best way to prepare for your helicopter tour is by wearing comfortable clothes and shoes that won’t get caught on anything. Flip flops aren’t recommended, and you should avoid wearing any items that could potentially catch on something in the aircraft, such as dangly earrings or scarves. Long hair should be tied back as well, as it can easily blow around and get caught in things.
Long pants and a shirt will provide you with the comfort and protection you need during your tour, no matter the season. Wearing a jacket or windbreaker in winter is also recommended for added warmth. You can even use the hood of your jacket to block out the wind.
You’ll also want to wear clothes that are darker in color. Light-colored clothing will reflect off the windows of the helicopter, making it difficult to see out the window. This can also spoil photos taken during the flight.
Helicopter tours offer a unique and unmatched vantage point, showcasing beautiful landscapes and iconic landmarks in their full grandeur. The mesmerizing scenery can be a little overwhelming at first, but you can relax and enjoy the ride by taking slow, deep breaths. The rhythmic thrum of the blades will help calm your nerves, and soon you’ll be immersed in awe-inspiring beauty. You’ll forget all about your nervousness in no time! To ensure that your ride is comfortable and safe, it’s important to arrive at the heliport at least thirty minutes before your scheduled flight. This will give you time to check in, meet with your pilot, and go through a safety briefing.
Safety Precautions
When you step onboard the helicopter, your first thought is probably “wow!” But don’t get carried away with the excitement and forget about your safety. Helicopters are regulated by stringent safety standards and pilots go through rigorous training before being considered for the job. However, a lot of factors can affect flight conditions, including weather.
Helicopter tours are one of Sydney’s most popular attractions for a good reason. Soaring above iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House offers a stunning perspective you’d never get from any other angle. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to impress your friends and family, it’s a unique way to make memories that last a lifetime.
The best thing to do is arrive at the heliport at least thirty minutes prior to your flight time. This gives you enough time to check in and receive a briefing from the pilot. Most tours will also have you weigh in before boarding so the operator can ensure you’re not over the weight limit (these are strict rules for your own safety!).
Once you’re on board the helicopter, be sure to follow all instructions from the crew. They’ll tell you to stand low in a crouch and not raise your hands above your head during the ride. It’s also important to keep all loose personal items secure. These can easily blow away as you approach the aircraft or could get caught in the rotor wash during flight.
If you’re worried about motion sickness during the flight, take some Airborne or other anti-nausea medication beforehand. Professional pilots do their best to avoid turbulence but it’s impossible to guarantee that every ride will be smooth.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to be aware of the weather forecast for the day of your tour. Helicopter rides require clear skies and an absence of clouds for optimal visibility. If it’s cloudy or windy on the day of your flight, it might be necessary to reschedule your adventure for another day. Most operators offer flexible booking options, so it’s not a big deal if you have to change your plans.
Take-Off & Landing
Helicopters operate differently than airplanes, and their maneuverability allows you to experience hair-raising swoops and take in the cityscape from an entirely new angle. As you glide through the air, you’ll marvel at how the world becomes miniature: vehicles resemble ribbons of road and buildings look like intricate models. Whether you’re riding with a loved one or treating yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you can expect your first helicopter flight to leave a lasting impression.
Your pilot will conduct a pre-flight briefing before your ride, which is an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you might have and ease your nerves. They’ll explain safety procedures and how to use your seatbelt and headset, and will provide a detailed overview of the sights you’ll see on your tour.
Once you’re onboard, relax and enjoy the ride! If you’re feeling queasy, try to concentrate on the rhythmic thrum of the blades and the mesmerising panorama unfolding beneath you. The flight is smoother than you might imagine, and turbulence is minimal.
At certain times, you’ll be able to grab hold of the straps and take photographs and video clips. Your pilot will be happy to give you tips on how to get the best shots. However, you should always follow the instructions for your specific aircraft as there may be restrictions on what can and cannot be done while flying.
During your ride, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Sydney, its iconic bridges and coastline from a completely unique perspective. If you’re lucky, you might even spot whales during the annual season from May to November!
For an unforgettable experience, you can tour Sydney via helicopter and get a bird’s-eye view of the iconic landmarks, from the Opera House to Bondi Beach. This thrilling journey offers a completely new perspective on the city’s beauty. Admire the glistening ocean waters of Bondi and Coogee, the cliffs of Dover Heights and Vaucluse, and the picturesque houses perched on them.
As you approach your final destination, the rumble of the engine becomes audible again, and your pilot will prepare for a smooth landing. Stepping back onto solid ground, you’ll feel a rush of exhilaration and post-flight euphoria.
Flight Time
As you soar over the city, the sights and sounds of Sydney come to life. Your first helicopter ride is an exciting adventure that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. The unique perspective and exhilarating sensation of flight might even inspire a new passion or a greater appreciation for the world around you.
When you arrive at the heliport, give yourself plenty of time to check in and prepare for your flight. Most reputable helicopter tour companies provide a pre-flight briefing that discusses safety procedures and addresses any anxieties or concerns. Arriving early also gives you the opportunity to ask your pilot questions about the route and any specific sights you’re excited to see.
You’ll likely experience a bit of turbulence during take-off, but once you reach altitude the helicopter will fly smoothly. Helicopters operate in an extremely thin air, which allows them to maneuver more freely and achieve remarkable speeds. As a result, you’ll experience hairpin turns and breathtaking swoops that are impossible with airplanes. This agility also means that helicopters can fly at much lower altitudes, offering an unparalleled view of the landscape below.
The best thing to do is relax and enjoy the ride. The sweeping views of the city skyline and harbour are mesmerizing, and you’ll have ample opportunities for photos and video recordings. Be sure to bring your phone or camera, and don’t forget extra batteries!
Once the helicopter begins to descend, you’ll be treated to another perspective of the Sydney landmarks you’ve been seeing all along. You’ll be able to witness the beauty of these famous attractions from an entirely different angle, and it might just spark a new fascination or appreciation for the world below you.
Once you land, make a point of sharing your experience with friends and classmates. Your excitement might encourage others to pursue their own helicopter flight, and you might be able to help ease some of their anxiety about the unknown. You might also inspire them to learn more about aviation and explore the many career opportunities available in the field.
