Scenic joy flights explained

A scenic joy flight is the simplest helicopter experience: a short recreational flight that takes off, loops over a scenic area and returns to the same landing site. Joy flights operate at tourist destinations, airports, beaches, festivals, shows and wineries around Australia. For many people, they're a first taste of flying in a helicopter, a bucket-list experience or a memorable gift.

This guide explains what joy flights involve, how to compare them fairly, what to expect on the day and how to make the most of a short time in the air.

What a joy flight involves

Most joy flights follow a simple pattern:

1. Check-in. You arrive at the helipad or airport, check in and may be weighed.
2. Safety briefing. Staff or the pilot explain how to approach and leave the helicopter, use the seatbelt and headset, and what to do in an emergency.
3. Boarding. You're escorted to the helicopter and shown to your seat.
4. The flight. The pilot flies the advertised route, often pointing out landmarks over the headset.
5. Landing and disembarking. You stay seated until the pilot or ground crew tell you it's safe to leave.

The whole experience, including check-in and briefing, takes longer than the time in the air.

Where joy flights operate

• Tourist destinations, such as the Gold Coast, Sydney Harbour, the Whitsundays, the Twelve Apostles and Uluru.
• Airports and airfields, where operators base their aircraft.
• Events, including agricultural shows, festivals, air shows and sporting events, where short flights are sold on the day.
• Wineries and resorts, sometimes as part of packages.

Comparing flights fairly

Prices for scenic flights vary widely, and comparing them can be tricky.

• Time in the air. Check whether the advertised time is time in the air or includes start-up, taxiing and boarding.
• Route. Check what you'll see. A longer flight over a more interesting area may be better value.
• Aircraft. Different helicopters have different seating, windows and comfort.
• Seating. Check whether window or front seats are guaranteed, and whether you'll share the flight with other passengers.
• Extras. Landings, photos, transfers and refreshments may or may not be included.
• Terms. Check cancellation, weather and refund policies.

Types of helicopters

Scenic flights use a range of helicopters. Small piston helicopters, such as the Robinson R44, typically carry the pilot and up to three passengers. Larger turbine helicopters carry more passengers, often in a more spacious cabin with larger windows. The operator can tell you which aircraft you'll fly in.

Gift vouchers

Helicopter flight vouchers are popular gifts. Before buying, check:

• the expiry date. Under Australian law, most gift vouchers sold after November 2019 must have an expiry period of at least three years, with some exceptions;
• what happens if weather cancels the flight;
• whether the voucher can be transferred;
• which flights or routes it covers;
• whether there are any weight, age or health requirements.

Tips for first-time flyers

• Arrive on time, as flights run to tight schedules.
• Eat lightly before the flight.
• Wear comfortable clothes and enclosed shoes.
• Leave loose items, such as hats and scarves, behind or secure them.
• Tell the pilot if you're nervous; they can explain what to expect.
• Relax and enjoy the view. Take a few photos, but don't spend the whole flight behind a screen.

Safety

Commercial scenic flights in Australia operate under rules set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Before booking, check that the operator is established and holds the appropriate approvals. Read our guide to choosing a safe operator.

Common mistakes

• Comparing prices without comparing time in the air.
• Expecting a guaranteed front seat.
• Buying vouchers without checking terms.
• Arriving late and missing a scheduled flight.

How long should my flight be?

Very short flights give a taste of flying and suit children, nervous first-timers and anyone on a budget. Longer flights cover more ground and give more time to relax and enjoy the view. As a rough guide, think about what you want to see: a single landmark may need only a short flight, while a coastline or a reef may need longer. Ask the operator what you'll see on each option.

Private flights

Many operators offer private flights, where your group has the helicopter to itself. Private flights cost more, but you can choose who sits together, and on some flights you may be able to discuss the route with the pilot, within the limits of airspace, weather and safety.

Shared flights

On shared flights, you may fly with other passengers. Seating is assigned by the pilot based on weight and balance, so families and couples may not always sit together. If sitting together matters, ask about private flights.

Joy flights at events

At agricultural shows, festivals and air shows, joy flights are usually short and sold on the day. Queues can be long, so go early. Flights may be suspended if weather changes.

Getting the most from a short flight

On a short flight, every minute counts. Have your camera ready before take-off, know which side the main sights will be on, and spend some of the flight simply looking rather than photographing.

Choosing your flight length

Short flights suit first-timers, children and anyone on a budget, giving a taste of flying and a quick look at a local landmark. Longer flights cover more ground, giving time to settle in and enjoy the view, and may include landings. If you're unsure, ask the operator to describe what you'll see on each flight. Look at a map of the route and decide which sights matter most to you. Some people find that a mid-length flight offers the best balance between cost and experience. Whatever you choose, remember that time in the air is what counts, so compare flight times rather than total experience times when comparing prices between operators. Weather, wind and air traffic can also vary the route on the day.

Key points

Scenic joy flights are short recreational flights, often a first helicopter experience. Compare time in the air, routes, aircraft and terms, check voucher conditions, follow the safety briefing and enjoy the view.