Planning and safety

Booking a helicopter tour is simple, but a little planning goes a long way. Knowing how tours are regulated, what to check when choosing an operator, what will happen on the day and how weather affects your booking helps you choose well, stay safe and avoid disappointment.

This section brings together our planning and safety guides.

Guides in this section

• Choosing a safe operator: regulation, authorisations, what to check and red flags.
• What to expect on your flight: check-in, weight, the safety briefing, motion sickness, children and accessibility.
• Weather, cancellations and refunds: how weather decisions are made, rescheduling and consumer rights.
• Helicopter or plane?: how they compare and which suits each destination.

How helicopter tours are regulated

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is Australia's aviation safety regulator. It licenses pilots, authorises operators and sets maintenance and operating standards. Commercial passenger-carrying flights, including most scenic flights, are generally conducted by operators holding an Air Operator's Certificate. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) independently investigates accidents and incidents and publishes reports to improve safety.

Before you book

• Check the operator's authorisation and experience.
• Compare time in the air, routes and inclusions.
• Check the aircraft and seating.
• Check the weather and cancellation policy.
• Declare accurate weights.
• Book early in your trip so you can reschedule if needed.

On the day

• Arrive on time.
• Wear comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes.
• Secure loose items.
• Listen to the safety briefing.
• Follow the pilot's and ground crew's instructions.
• Stay seated until told it's safe to leave.

Weight and balance

Helicopters have strict weight and balance limits. Pilots use passengers' weights to plan the flight and assign seats. Some operators have a maximum weight per passenger or require an extra seat above a certain weight. Use our group planner to enter your operator's limits and your group's weights.

Weather

The pilot has the final say on whether a flight goes ahead. Low cloud, wind, turbulence, storms and poor visibility can cause delays and cancellations. Book early in your trip and stay flexible.

Your consumer rights

Under the Australian Consumer Law, services must be provided with due care and skill. If an operator cancels and doesn't provide the service, you may be entitled to a remedy. Check the operator's terms, and read the ACCC's guidance.

Accessibility and special needs

Talk to the operator before booking if you have reduced mobility, medical conditions, or are travelling with infants or young children. Requirements vary between aircraft and operators.

Learning from investigations

The ATSB publishes investigation reports on aviation accidents and incidents, including those involving tourist flights. Reports explain what happened, why it happened and what can be done to prevent similar events. They're a valuable resource for anyone interested in aviation safety.

Questions to ask operators

• What authorisation do you hold for passenger flights?
• How experienced are your pilots?
• What aircraft will I fly in?
• What's your weather and cancellation policy?
• What does the safety briefing cover?

Reputable operators are happy to answer.

Travel insurance

Check whether your travel insurance covers helicopter flights and associated costs, such as cancellations and medical expenses. Policies vary.

Booking checklist

Before you pay, run through a short checklist. Confirm the date, departure time and check-in time, and the exact address of the helipad or airport, which may not be where you expect. Confirm how long the flight is in the air, not just the total experience. Ask what the weather and cancellation policy is, and whether refunds or rebooking are offered. Check any weight limits and whether you need to provide passenger weights in advance. Ask about seating, especially if a front seat or window matters to you. Finally, read the terms and conditions, including any fees for changes, and keep your confirmation handy on the day.

Children and older travellers

Families and older travellers can enjoy helicopter flights, but check age limits, mobility requirements and any medical restrictions with the operator before booking.

Weight and balance

Every helicopter has limits on total weight and how that weight is distributed. Operators ask for passenger weights to plan seating and fuel. Be honest; it's a safety matter.

Reporting concerns

If you have a safety concern about a flight, raise it with the operator first. You can also report safety concerns to CASA, which regulates aviation safety in Australia.

Key points

Helicopter tours in Australia are regulated by CASA. Check the operator, compare flights carefully, declare accurate weights, listen to the safety briefing, follow instructions and plan for weather.