What is a helicopter flip in Cape Town like? — featuring Nicole Eddy (NAC Helicopters)

In this video: Things in Cape Town #3 - Helicopter Flip

Nicole Eddy · 10 years ago

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Is a helicopter tour safe?

Yes. The video shows professional operations with experienced pilots (including the female pilot praised in the footage) and standard safety briefings before departure. NAC Helicopters operates commercially in Cape Town, adhering to aviation safety standards.

At a glance

Length
4 min
Channel
Nicole Eddy
Video from
Apr 2016
Rating
⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
Best for
Adventurous travelers visiting Cape Town who want to see the city from above and book unique experiences early.

What this video answers

  • Is a helicopter tour safe?
  • What if I've never flown in a helicopter before?
  • Can I take photos from the helicopter?
  • What's the best time to go on a helicopter tour in Cape Town?
  • How much does a helicopter tour cost?
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What to Expect on a Cape Town Helicopter Flip Experience

A helicopter flip—also called an aerial scenic flight—is an exhilarating way to see Cape Town from above. In this video, Nicole Eddy takes her father and a friend on an early morning helicopter tour operated by NAC Helicopters, departing while the city is still waking up. The flight showcases Cape Town's most iconic landmarks and natural features from the air, giving passengers a bird's-eye perspective of the region's geography and beauty.

This experience suits travelers who want to maximize their time in Cape Town by covering multiple sights in one flight, as well as visitors who've always dreamed of seeing the city from above. It's particularly appealing if you want to identify landmarks you've already visited on foot, or if you're visiting Cape Town and want a memorable capstone experience before you leave. The early start—6:30 a.m. in the video—ensures clear skies and beautiful morning light for photography.

Key Moments

Highlights of the NAC Helicopters Cape Town Flight

  • Aerial views of Cape Town's major landmarks, including the natural wonders visible from above
  • Small-group intimacy: the flight accommodates just a few passengers, making it personal and interactive
  • Professional female pilot leading the experience with skill and enthusiasm
  • Early morning departure that captures the city in soft light before the day gets busy
  • Real reactions from first-time and returning flyers, showcasing genuine excitement and surprise
  • Opportunity to photograph and identify locations you've explored during your Cape Town stay
Featured image for the guide to Things in Cape Town #3 - Helicopter Flip by Nicole Eddy

What You Need to Know Before Booking Your Helicopter Tour

  • Early start: The video departs at 6:30 a.m., so prepare for an early wake-up call
  • Booking details: Reserve through NAC Helicopters (nachelicopterscapetown.com); spots fill up, so book in advance
  • Group size: Flights accommodate a small number of passengers, keeping the experience personal
  • Best timing: Consider scheduling your flight near the end of your Cape Town visit so you can spot landmarks you've already seen and traveled to
  • What to bring: A good camera—the video was shot on a Canon G7X, which captures sharp aerial footage—or simply enjoy the views with your phone
  • Duration: While the exact flight length isn't specified, anticipate 30 minutes to an hour of airtime, plus ground time for briefing and boarding

Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Town Helicopter Flights

Is a helicopter tour safe?

Yes. The video shows professional operations with experienced pilots (including the female pilot praised in the footage) and standard safety briefings before departure. NAC Helicopters operates commercially in Cape Town, adhering to aviation safety standards.

What if I've never flown in a helicopter before?

The video includes a first-time passenger (Kaye) who's thrilled by the experience, and passengers with prior helicopter experience (Nicole has flown before). Both types of flyers find it "epic" and highly rewarding, so previous experience isn't necessary—just an adventurous spirit helps.

Can I take photos from the helicopter?

Absolutely. The video was filmed entirely during the flight using a Canon G7X, so you'll have opportunities to capture aerial shots. Passengers are clearly photographing and recording their own footage throughout.

What's the best time to go on a helicopter tour in Cape Town?

The video takes off at 6:30 a.m., capturing soft morning light and clear skies. Early morning flights tend to have better visibility and fewer clouds. The video's creator suggests going late in your Cape Town stay so you can spot familiar landmarks.

How much does a helicopter tour cost?

The video doesn't mention pricing, but you can check NAC Helicopters' website directly for current rates. Helicopter tours are a premium experience, so expect mid to upper-range pricing for this type of scenic flight.

A still from the video Things in Cape Town #3 - Helicopter Flip by Nicole Eddy
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Key Terms

Helicopter flip
A scenic aerial flight in a helicopter that loops or circles key landmarks and views of a region.
NAC Helicopters
A Cape Town-based commercial helicopter tour operator offering scenic flights over the city and surrounding areas.
Aerial tour
A guided flight experience designed to show passengers landmarks and landscapes from the air.
Seven natural wonders
The most iconic natural features or landmarks in a region, in this case visible from Cape Town's aerial perspective.

Sources: Helicopter flip · NAC Helicopters · Aerial tour · Seven natural wonders — definitions cross-referenced with Wikipedia

Justin’s Take

This video is valuable because it doesn't oversell the experience or hide the early wake-up call; it shows real people reacting genuinely to the flight, which gives you honest expectations. You see the route, the pilot's professionalism, the types of views you'll get, and hear from multiple passengers about what makes it worthwhile.

What I liked best was how the video frames the helicopter tour as a way to consolidate and celebrate your Cape Town memories—spotting landmarks from above and realizing how much of the city you've covered. That perspective shifts it from just a thrill ride to a meaningful capstone experience. If you love aerial views and want a world-class scenic flight, this is genuinely among the best Cape Town activities available and absolutely worth booking ahead of your visit.

Great video · 2 out of 2

Justin
Justin

Years on the front lines of helicopter tour coordination — not as a travel blogger, but as the person responsible for making every guest experience go right. Managed 2,000+ cruise guests weekly as Shore Excursions staff aboard the Pride of America in Hawaii Personally coordinated with helicopter tour operators to confirm age, weight, and safety requirements.

Video by Nicole Eddy on YouTube. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe to their channel and show your support for the great video.

Description

Follow me on:
✈ My Travel & Lifestyle Blog: http://nicoleeddy.com
✈ Instagram: http://instagram.com/NicoleEddy
✈ Twitter: http://twitter.com/NicoleEddy1
✈ Facebook: https://goo.gl/qXd4GT
✈ Snapchat: nicoleeddy1

✈ NAC Helicopters:
Website: http://www.nachelicopterscapetown.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NACHelicopters
Instagram: https://goo.gl/CEEcu3
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Intro done by Giga Khurtsilava:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GigaKhurtsilava
Instagram: https://goo.gl/61XiUK
Dribbble: https://dribbble.com/GigaKhurtsilava
Website: http://gigakhurtsilava.com
Email: contact@gigakhurtsilava.com
_____

Music:
Del - Nostalgia (Original Mix)
Soundcloud: https://goo.gl/gBxSO0
YouTube: https://goo.gl/9JgnED
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/del_sound/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Del_Sound
_____

Camera Used:
Canon G7X

Video transcript for “Things in Cape Town #3 - Helicopter Flip” Accessibility

A full written transcript of this video, provided for accessibility. Select any timestamp to jump the video to that moment.

it is a solid 6:30 in the morning hence my sleepy eyes I don't do well with getting up early today we are going for a helicopter flip I'm taking my dad with because he has um pretty much his dreams every night about being pilot also taking along my good friend Kaye who we going to meet

[Applause] [Music] there [Applause] [Music] morning Dad morning morning morning how you doing I'm very well thank you it's a beautiful beautiful day for a let's go find the bestie morning hugsy morning how you

doing I'm good in the sou good are you excited I'm so excited have you been on a helicopter yes c town wonder which On's out let's do this tell me what's my good side Nicole what's my camera all of the sides you can come in for me thank [Music]

[Music] you [Music] [Applause] [Music]

[Music] w [Music]

[Music] thank you sorry epic how was it hug bloody epic insignificant though oh that was amazing wow kudos to the female pilot game thank you cheers bye hugsy by have

a good day if I was a tourist I'd be absolutely blown away or even living here in capwn it was such a lucky experience it was so special I'm trying to think if I'd recommend going on it before after your stay in cavet town it might be cool to go at the end and then you can track where you've been

throughout to stay here absolutely I think it's a great idea yeah cuz then you can you can at least you can identify landmarks that you have you seen already absolutely yeah I think that's probably the best Cape Town activity that I've done 15 out of 10 for me ah the bananas are great it's a it's

a big breath that off he goes it's hilarious to watch this is one of the Seven Wonders of the World the seven natural wonders and it's pretty much in my [Music]

backyard did you get a text message yeah it's actually my Mom calling

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