Learn To Fly A Helicopter

Learn To Fly A Helicopter

Code: BNK571
  • $299
  • 64 Reviews
  • Location: Sydney, NSW
  • For: 1 person
  1. Valid for 12 months
  2. Free exchange

Learn to fly a helicopter in Sydney! Grab the controls of the most versatile vehicle on earth and see what it's like to fly one yourself. In safe hands, under the watchful eyes of a fully CASA-accredited helicopter flight instructor, you'll take to the skies for an extreme learning experience!

Your Learn To Fly A Helicopter experience begins with a coffee and greeting with your instructor. You'll be shown a half hour video on the principles of helicopter flight and how the controls are used to manoeuvre the Robinson R22 helicopter.

After the video we show you how a pre-flight inspection of the helicopter is performed - this ensures there's no problems in-flight.

Be briefed via whiteboard on the exact exercise you'll undertake then your time has come... you're feeling confident and your time has come...

Parked on the helipad will be the helicopter - it's time to learn to fly! Get in. Go through the start up procedure. The engine fires, the rotor blades start turning. Minutes later, you're floating above the pad. Your instructor maintains a watchful eye and safe control of the aircraft at all times. During your half-hour flight you learn to manipulate the controls individually. Toward the end of your massive half hour in the air, you're flying the helicopter yourself!

When safely back at our base, you shut down the machine and debrief with the instructor. Could there be anything more satisfying than knowing you took that awesome machine around for half an hour?!

This experience voucher is valid for 12 months from date of purchase.

Venue:

You'll fly out of Bankstown Airport - just 30 minutes south of the Sydney CBD.

Session Length

You'll get a full half hour's flight time! Allow 2 hours from start to finish. Flights are available between 7am and 5pm, 7 days a week. Weekends are generally busier, so book ahead if you have a day and time in mind.

Guidelines:

Participants only need to be 12 or older! For comfort and safety reasons, there is a 109kg weight limit. Budding pilots need to be over 160cm tall to reach the controls.

Numbers:

Trial Instructional Flights are conducted on a one-on-one basis between customer and instructor. If 2 or more of you want to have the experience together we can arrange this in advance, however the flying component must occur individually. This is therefore subject to availability.

Spectators:

Spectators are welcome. Join in the briefing and pre-flight inspection if you like. You will be able view the flight departing and returning however the majority of the actual flight takes place away from our heliport. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in our comfortable lounge area.

Weather:

We are able to fly in most weather conditions, but low cloud, high winds or heavy rain can limit this. If in doubt call us. If the weather is extreme we'll call you. There is no cancellation fee – simply reschedule for a better day.

Other Info:

No previous experience or license is required. Your time in the air can be logged as part of a license to fly. We also have information available if you'd like to continue your learning.

Map

The map below gives you the location of this experience to allow you to plan.

Exact location, directions and meeting place will be available to you once you have booked your experience

Reviews

  •  
    Reviewer: andrew
    December 23 2011

    I had an excellent experience. Thoroughly enjoyed it and found it very interesting at the same time.
  •  
    Reviewer: Farida
    September 06 2011

    It was a fantastic experience! Strongly recommend this to everyone especially those afraid of heights like me!
  •  
    Reviewer: Kathryn
    September 05 2011

    Great website that was easy to navigate and something for everyone in family. I love the wish list part.
  •  
    Reviewer: Sue
    September 05 2011

    The best way to describe my experience is "WOW". From sky diving to scuba diving and lots of inbetween,it was definitely the ultimate thrill!Thanks to my lovely daughters and wife,for making this happen.the guys at red balloon were great and gave me confidence.In all,to all fellow adrenelin junkys,,,JUST DO IT.
  •  
    Reviewer: Sue
    September 04 2011

    My experience!!!WOW,is the best way to describe what took place.Being an adrenelin junkie,from sky diving to scuba diving and most things in between.This is by far the most facinating,exciting thing I have ever done!Thanks to my daughters and wonderfull wife,the team at RedBalloon and the gun flight instructor that made this possible.I will relish this experience for ever.
  •  
    Reviewer: Francis
    September 01 2011

    It was great, I was nervous at first but the guys at Bankstown made me feel very confident that my experience in an helicopter would have me grinning from ear to ear
  •  
    Reviewer: Daniel
    August 25 2011

    They guys at Bankstown Helicopters were really good. Cal, who was my flight instructor did an awesome job explaining everything and it was awesome actually taking the controls and flying!!
  •  
    Reviewer: Veronica
    August 22 2011

    Mark the instructor was excellent.
  •  
    Reviewer: jennifer
    August 16 2011

    As the owner of two businesses it is always hard to find the time to relax and do something for myself. This experience was given to me by my wife and I thought it was awesome, everybody from Redballooon to Bankstown Helicopters were excellent and Iam looking forward to using both companies in the futrue.
  •  
    Reviewer: Michelle
    August 08 2011

    I would like to say thanks to the wonderful team at Bankstown for what was the most amazing experience on Sunday 31st July 2011. I was a spectator and even I felt apart of the experience from start to finish but the most memorable moment for me was seeing the biggest smile I have ever seen on my husbands face once he stepped out of the helicopter from his first flying experience. Not only was the hospitality fantastic but all the staff made us both feel very welcome. Special thanks to Hilal - P...
    I would like to say thanks to the wonderful team at Bankstown for what was the most amazing experience on Sunday 31st July 2011. I was a spectator and even I felt apart of the experience from start to finish but the most memorable moment for me was seeing the biggest smile I have ever seen on my husbands face once he stepped out of the helicopter from his first flying experience. Not only was the hospitality fantastic but all the staff made us both feel very welcome. Special thanks to Hilal - Pilot for making the experience so enjoyable. It's nice to know that it's still out there - Exceptional customer service.

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  •  
    Reviewer: Matthew
    August 03 2011

    The experience was outstanding. I would advise anyone and everyone to give it a go!
  •  
    Reviewer: Andrew
    August 02 2011

    It was a great experience loads of fun. It was not just a helicopter tour it was hands on instruction and experience. With the instructors help I was able to fly the helcopter not just be a passenger.
  •  
    Reviewer: Paul
    July 18 2011

    Hilal was an excellent instructor. I thought I would barely fly the helicopter, but instead I got to do much more than anticipated. Thanks so much for a great 40th Birthday present!
  •  
    Reviewer: kim
    July 17 2011

    This was a Christmas present for my husband he told me it was the most amazing experience he has ever had. The look on his face after finishing was priceless I love RedBalloon for helping me do this. You have so many wonderful experiences available I think your service is second to none
  •  
    Reviewer: Suzy
    July 17 2011

    Great experience, great instructors, great to be in control!
  •  
    Reviewer: BILL
    July 17 2011

    The team at Bankstown were sensational, the made you fell very comfortable and at ease. The flying experience was unbelievable and finances permitting I would do it all again. Thanks to you, your team, and the crew at Bankstown. Bill Sinclair
  •  
    Reviewer: Ben
    July 16 2011

    Very professional and easy
  •  
    Reviewer: Gary
    July 13 2011

    This experience was a birthday gift for my partner. My partner thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The staff at Bankstown were fantastic and a special mention must be made of instructor Jane - she was great! Thanks again, my partner is still wearing an ear to ear grin and hasn't stopped talking about it!
  •  
    Reviewer: Mary
    July 10 2011

    Wonderful, very exciting and a great learning experience. Will use your site again and have already recommended it to friends.
  •  
    Reviewer: michelle
    July 01 2011

    Fantastic an amazing experience.
  •  
    Reviewer: camille
    June 28 2011

    Great staff....amazing experience!!! I would recommend it to all my friends hungry for new experiences and adrenaline...shame the flight isn't a bit longer...I felt like staying up there forever! =)
  •  
    Reviewer: James
    June 25 2011

    It was awesome!!!
  •  
    Reviewer: Barry
    June 20 2011

    Excellent! The instructor was very knowledgeable and 'calming'. I would highly recommend the Helicopter experience to anyone who has wonderered what it is like to fly one.
  •  
    Reviewer: Michael
    June 14 2011

    Awesome day!
  •  
    Reviewer: Andrew
    June 11 2011

    I had an amazing experience. The staff at Bankstown were very professional and the instructor was great. Highly recommend this to anyone.
  •  
    Reviewer: Richard
    June 08 2011

    Great instructor, good experience.
  •  
    Reviewer: Dale
    May 22 2011

    The instructor was very professional. He expressed an aura of control, a sense of calm, and showed patience during my flight. At no time did I feel uneasy or in a situation where if felt way out of my depth. His communication skills were clear, precise, direct and to the point. All this added to the experience in a positive manner and has encouraged me to take the next steps to learn this skill.
  •  
    Reviewer: Peter
    May 18 2011

    The team at Bankstown were fantastic....they made me feel very welcome on arrival. The flight was sensational and I finished the day with a great sense of personal achievement
  •  
    Reviewer: David
    May 17 2011

    The experience was outstanding! The people at Bankstown were all very friendly and couldn't have been more helpful. The flight was exceptional and far beyond my expectations, I was allowed to fly the helicopter for the majority of the flight and the Instructor was very relaxed and gave me confidence. I would certainly recommend this experience to anyone.
  •  
    Reviewer: Chris
    May 16 2011

    Trainers very good, made me feel very comfortable during the experience.
  •  
    Reviewer: Jeffrey
    May 14 2011

    The experience was great but flying a helicopter was more difficult than I expected.
  •  
    Reviewer: Ivan
    May 07 2011

    Being very interested in aviation, this experience was one of the best I have had. After some theory training soon after we were in the air and the feeling of being in full control of the helicopter for a long time was awesome and beyond words... just magic.
  •  
    Reviewer: Sally
    May 04 2011

    It was a great experience and helped to decide that I would not be taking flying lessons.
  •  
    Reviewer: Sarah
    May 03 2011

    The staff were fantastic
  •  
    Reviewer: Greg
    April 29 2011

    POSITIVE-POSITIVE-POSITIVE -BLOODY FANTASTIC
  •  
    Reviewer: James
    April 19 2011

    Great time. Nice people. Awesome experience.
  •  
    Reviewer: Susie
    April 16 2011

    Thank you RedBalloon and my gorgeous Year 3 class at Balgowlah North Public School for giving me the fantastic opportunity of learning to fly a helicopter. My instructor Mark was very patient and kind, he explained things clearly, so once in the air the experience was wonderful and not nailing biting like I thought it could be!
  •  
    Reviewer: GEORGE
    April 15 2011

    It was one of the best things Ive done, Really makes you think about changing profession!!!
  •  
    Reviewer: John
    April 14 2011

    A very enjoyable experience. No pressure or rush to complete things but a thoroughly friendly, professional and safety conscious approach at all times.
  •  
    Reviewer: David
    April 11 2011

    Fantastic Experience. I would highly recommend to anyone who has ever been interested in flying a helicopter.
  •  
    Reviewer: Ariana
    April 04 2011

    All good - great experience, would do it again in a heartbeat. Fantastic down to earth trainers. Got to do it!
  •  
    Reviewer: Peter
    March 28 2011

    Awesome experience, a great group of people
  •  
    Reviewer: steven
    March 28 2011

    It was a fantastic experience
  •  
    Reviewer: Stephen
    March 27 2011

    Guys, this experience was one of the best things I have done, it is well worth the money and the staff are very professional. If you want to have a challenge and a flight that you will remember for ever book now. Great day.
  •  
    Reviewer: Stacey
    March 14 2011

    Totally awesome dude!!!! A must do for any curious individual
  •  
    Reviewer: Craig
    March 14 2011

    The service at Bankstown was outstanding. The pilots are completely hands on with reception and initial briefing.My instructor, Halil, was just brilliant...Out of this experience I wanted to know whether or not I had the makings of a chopper pilot. Short answer - not without a lot of training! It was amazing to undertake that flight to understand flight controls and just how hard it is to pilot an aircraft - especially a chopper... Thanks to RedBalloon for finding a great partner in the experien...
    The service at Bankstown was outstanding. The pilots are completely hands on with reception and initial briefing.My instructor, Halil, was just brilliant...Out of this experience I wanted to know whether or not I had the makings of a chopper pilot. Short answer - not without a lot of training! It was amazing to undertake that flight to understand flight controls and just how hard it is to pilot an aircraft - especially a chopper... Thanks to RedBalloon for finding a great partner in the experience provider and making such an experience available. And I've thanked my wife even more - finding something that she could use to a) surprise me and b) help me fulfil a lifelong dream.

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  •  
    Reviewer: Robert
    March 14 2011

    From the moment we arrived the friendly (jovial) staff were very attentive, and took me through the pre flight session. The staff could not do much more than they did to make things comfortable for me and my friends (my ground support team).Then it was on our way to the helicopter for the experience of a lifetime, before I knew it we were in the air then I was flying. Firstly thank you to my children for the RedBalloon gift then thanks go to the friendly team at Bankstown Heliport. :) Still smil...
    From the moment we arrived the friendly (jovial) staff were very attentive, and took me through the pre flight session. The staff could not do much more than they did to make things comfortable for me and my friends (my ground support team).Then it was on our way to the helicopter for the experience of a lifetime, before I knew it we were in the air then I was flying. Firstly thank you to my children for the RedBalloon gift then thanks go to the friendly team at Bankstown Heliport. :) Still smiling 2 days later :)

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  •  
    Reviewer: Wayne
    March 12 2011

    Great experience - Cal was a great instructor and this was excellent value for money - highly recommended
  •  
    Reviewer: Peter
    March 07 2011

    The quality of the instruction way exceeded my expectations. I had a genuine flying lesson. Being at the controls first time really strains your brain and physical coordination. Getting the hang of it even just a little is a big thrill but would be almost impossible without the confidence and back up of the instructor by your side with their extra set of controls. Awesome!
  •  
    Reviewer: Zed
    March 07 2011

    AMAZING!!!. I can't believe how simple the service provided made the process. They were very organised and informative, friendly and made the experience very enjoyable. Technically, learning to fly a helicopter is a bit of a mind game and you battle through a brain dump of info and have to concentrate super hard, which makes the accomplishment even more rewarding.
  •  
    Reviewer: danny
    March 06 2011

    Staff were great in helping me understand all the requirements needed to fly..the team even gave me a quick tour in the hangers to show me the different types of helicopters they were using..such a great experience and I'll definitely be going back!!
  •  
    Reviewer: Glenn
    March 06 2011

    Excellent experience. Perfect gift.
  •  
    Reviewer: Mark
    March 06 2011

    Flight school provided a very professional experience.
  •  
    Reviewer: Daniel
    March 04 2011

    Absolutely great flight, very experienced Instructor and gave me the information that I require
  •  
    Reviewer: Justin
    February 28 2011

    Amazing, too short! I want more!!!
  •  
    Reviewer: Wendy
    February 28 2011

    The learn to fly a helicopter experience was probably the best experience I have ever had. It was interesting, exciting, educational, and fun. I have always dreamed of flying and thought it was unlikely that I ever would actually fly an aircraft. The helicopter flight showed me that it is not impossible to become a pilot and you don't even have to be an adult to learn to fly.
  •  
    Reviewer: Paul
    February 28 2011

    Absolutely brilliant. Whole process was very good, Daniel the instructor was excellent, made everything look so easy. Taking control of a helicopter at 1300 feet for the very first time, nerve wracking but out of this world. Something I have wanted to do for a very long time and finally achieved it. Now just have to find the money so I can continue to do it.
  •  
    Reviewer: Ian
    February 28 2011

    Great fun - I would recommend it.
  •  
    Reviewer: Brent
    February 23 2011

    it was undoubtedly the best thing I have ever done. It has prompted me to pursue getting my pilots license. Thanks RedBalloon
  •  
    Reviewer: Gavin
    February 21 2011

    I had a great time, the staff and instructors were very professional and made you feel at ease with the whole experience without taking away any of the safety factors involved. I can't speak highly enough of the staff or the instructors involved with my experience of flying the helicopter - thank you so much again.
  •  
    Reviewer: Mick
    February 21 2011

    This was awesome. A bloody good experience unmatched in the adrenaline/concentration department one of my best birthday pressies. I want to get my licence.
  •  
    Reviewer: Ryan
    February 20 2011

    Mark my instructor was amazing. You actually get to fly at your comfort level.
  •  
    Reviewer: DARRYL
    February 11 2011

    Just great !!! Top people with very high competence & excellence skill levels Service was also accommodating & welcoming. " I will be back "
  •  
    Reviewer: Josh
    February 10 2011

    It was one of the best things that I have ever done. I'm currently looking into a career change and becoming a commercial pilot .

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