Helicopter Tour Safety: How Safe Are Helicopter Rides for Tours?

Helicopter tours offer one of the most exciting and scenic ways to experience a destination but one question often comes up before booking:
Are helicopter rides actually safe?

If you’ve ever had doubts about flying in a helicopter, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll break down how safe helicopter tours really are, what you can expect, and how to pick a trustworthy operator. You’ll also get practical safety tips for a smooth and confident ride.

Are helicopter tours safe? – Best Helicopter Tour FAQs Video

Are Helicopter Tours Safe?

Yes helicopter tours are generally very safe when operated by licensed and reputable companies. Accidents are rare and typically involve situations outside of normal tour operations. Most tour providers follow strict protocols regulated by aviation authorities such as the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in the United States.

Well-maintained aircraft, skilled pilots, and safety-first operations are the industry standard in today’s tourism-focused helicopter services.

Safety Regulations and Certified Tour Companies

A tour’s safety depends heavily on the company behind it. Licensed helicopter operators are required to:

• Follow rigorous maintenance schedules
   
• Conduct regular safety inspections
   
• Employ certified commercial pilots
   
• Follow all air traffic and weather protocols

In the U.S. and many other countries, pilots must maintain active certifications and accumulate hundreds (often thousands) of flight hours. That means you’re flying with professionals who have been trained to handle all kinds of conditions.

What Makes a Helicopter Tour Safe?

Here’s what contributes to a safe, smooth flight:

• Modern, well-maintained helicopters
   
• Experienced pilots with advanced training
   
• Weather awareness and conservative cancellation policies
   
• Passenger briefings with clear safety instructions
   
• Backup communication and navigation systems
   

When these boxes are checked, you can expect a safe, memorable ride.

How to Check If a Helicopter Tour Is Safe

Before you book a tour, take a few minutes to research:

• ✅ Is the company licensed and insured?
   
• ✅ Do they have positive reviews specifically mentioning safety?
   
• ✅ Are pilot bios or flight hours listed on their website?
   
• ✅ Does the company clearly explain their cancellation and weather policies?
   
• ✅ Do they give a pre-flight safety briefing?

If you’re not seeing this information up front, that’s a red flag. Stick to companies with clear transparency and strong reputations.

Passenger Safety Tips

There are also a few things you can do to make sure your experience is safe and enjoyable:

• Wear your seatbelt at all times
   
• Listen carefully to the pre-flight briefing
   
• Avoid loose accessories or items that could fly off during doors-off flights
   
• Secure long hair and remove hats
   
• Follow all pilot instructions during loading, takeoff, and landing

Is a Helicopter Ride Scary?

Many first-timers expect turbulence or fear due to heights, but most are surprised by how smooth and stable helicopter tours are. The vertical lift-off and cruising altitude feel more like gliding than flying.

Helicopter Tour Safety FAQ

Question: Are helicopter tours safe?
Answer: Yes. Helicopter tours are highly regulated and safe, especially when operated by FAA-certified (or local equivalent) companies with trained pilots and well-maintained aircraft. Operators follow strict safety procedures before, during, and after each flight.

Question: How often do helicopter tour accidents happen?
Answer: Accidents are very rare. Helicopter tours have strong safety records, especially in popular tourist destinations where companies operate under tight regulations and use modern equipment.

Question: What kind of training do helicopter tour pilots have?
Answer: Tour pilots must complete extensive flight training, log hundreds of hours, and pass FAA or local authority certifications. Many have military or commercial flight backgrounds and undergo ongoing safety training.

Question: Are helicopter tours affected by bad weather?
Answer: Yes. Tours are never operated in unsafe weather. If conditions are windy, rainy, foggy, or low-visibility, flights are delayed or canceled, and guests are often offered a reschedule or refund.

Question: What safety features are built into helicopters?
Answer: Tour helicopters are equipped with multiple safety systems, such as dual engines, terrain avoidance systems, radios, GPS, and emergency floatation devices for over-water flights.

Question: Do helicopters have seat belts?
Answer: Yes. Every passenger has a secure, aircraft-style seat belt. Doors-off flights also include harnesses for extra safety. Pre-flight safety briefings always include seat belt instructions.

Question: Are doors-off helicopter tours safe?
Answer: Yes. While they offer a more thrilling experience, doors-off tours use extra safety harnesses, strict weight limits, and are flown by experienced pilots. Loose items are secured, and safety is prioritized.

Question: What should I do if I feel nervous about flying?
Answer: Let the tour staff know. They’re trained to help anxious passengers feel at ease. Sitting in the middle or front seat, focusing on the scenery, and wearing noise-canceling headsets can help reduce anxiety.

Question: Is there an age or health restriction for helicopter tours?
Answer: Most companies allow children ages 2 and up, with some exceptions. Pregnant guests and people with serious heart or mobility conditions should consult their doctor and the tour operator in advance.

Question: How can I make sure I’m booking with a safe tour operator?
Answer: Look for operators with FAA or local aviation authority certification, strong reviews, clear safety policies, and modern aircraft. All tours on Helicopterstour.com meet high safety standards.