FAQ
We are here to help.Where is your hangar located?
We have two locations within Westchester County Airport, at Million Air (136 Tower Road, Harrison, NY 10604) and Ross Aviation West (67 Tower Road, Harrison, NY 10604).
The airport can easily be accessed by car (parking is free) or by the Metro-North railroad (Harlem line) from Grand Central Terminal (get off at White Plains station).
Do you fly everyday?
Yes, weather and aircraft maintenance permitting. We are closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Can you fly in less-than-perfect weather?
Yes. Weather decisions are made solely by the Pilot In Command.
Can i book flights online?
Yes, but online bookings are requests only and not automatically confirmed. You can request a date and time from the online calendar but we reserve the right to confirm or deny it.
What is your cancellation policy?
How can I pay for your service?
We accept cash and all major credit cards including AMEX for a small fee. We also accept wire transfers and ACH payments.
Is Wings Air wheelchair accessible?
Yes we can have temporary ramps placed to facilitate access to the helicopters.
Can I fly if I'm pregnant?
It depends on how you’re feeling. If you’re generally not prone to motion sickness, you should be ok, but please check with your doctor first.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes, they’re valid for one year after purchase and transferable. Gift certificates are sent via email in a printable PDF format and are valid for one year. (We do not offer plastic gift cards.)
I'm planning a surprise for a loved one. Can you help?
We love surprises and will do our best to bring even the most unusual ideas to life. Ask to speak with a member of our team and we’ll take it from there.
Charters
How far can you helicopters fly?
Our helicopter charter service area covers the Northeast USA from approx. Washington D.C. to Vermont. We can also operate flights in Canada thanks to our NAFTA Waiver.
Do you offer private jet charters?
Yes, we can provide our clients with chartered jets through our trusted partners.
Do you offer shared charter flights?
Wings Air does not offer individual seats for sale on charter flights. Chartering with us provides you with the convenience of a private flight suited to your schedule.
How much in advance do I need to book a charter?
To get the desired time slot it’s recommended to book several days, even weeks ahead, especially if you’re traveling during the busy summer months. Wings Air may be able to assist with same-day requests if there is availability.
How do I book a charter?
Charters can be booked by completing and signing the booking form that is emailed to you by your Wings Air charter representative. On this document you’ll be able to fill out the required information about the passengers and sign electronically. Your charter will be confirmed once we receive the signed form back.
How much luggage can I take?
Each helicopter has space and weight limitations that must be adhered to for safe operation. Depending on the number of passengers and the size of the aircraft multiple carry-on bags or small suitcases are OK. Large suitcases and oversized items may need to be transported separately on the ground. Your charter representative can help arrange luggage transfer if needed.
What if my charter is cancelled due to bad weather?
If the weather is not flyable and you’re not able to reschedule for another day, your charter rep will be happy to arrange a car for you to get you to your destination (if it’s within reasonable driving distance). Charters cancelled due to weather are full refundable.
Can helicopters land on rooftops in New York City?
Unfortunately, rooftop landings in New York City are not permitted. There are 3 heliports in Manhattan open to the general public: West 30th Street Heliport, East 34th Street Heliport, and Downtown Manhattan/Wall Street Heliport.
Scenic Tours
Where do your tours depart from?
Most of our tour flights depart from our base at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, NY and fly over Manhattan (to the south) or the Hudson Valley (to the north). The advantage of this location is the lower cost and the lack of crowds or visitor lines. Wings Air also offers private tours upon request from either one of the Midtown Manhattan heliports (West 30th Street or East 34th Street).
What is the difference between group and private tours?
Group tours are typically done on our larger helicopters with 4-6 passengers, so you’ll be flying with other people. Private tours offer the convenience of flexible scheduling and privacy in the helicopter but are higher-priced.
Is there an age limit for tour flights?
All ages are welcome on tours. Children younger than 2 years may ride on their parent’s lap if deemed safe by the pilot in command. Anyone aged 2 years or older will need to have their own seat.
Do you offer lower pricing for children?
Unfortunately pricing is by seat and is not affected by the passenger’s age. However, Wings Air offers online promotions from time to time on sites like Groupon andLiving Social.
When are tours available?
We offer day, sunset and night tours 7 days a week. Tours are scheduled upon request and reservations are required. Passenger minimums apply.
Can you fly groups?
Yes, we have multiple helicopters.
Can I bring my camera with me on tour flights?
Yes, but picture-taking is not allowed until you’re seated inside the helicopter. Airport security prohibits photos taken by passengers on airport property such as the hangars and ramp.
What is the seating like in the helicopter?
In our large turbine helicopters typically 1 or 2 people sit on the front next to the pilot and 3 or 4 people sit in the back. In our smaller Robinson R44 helicopter 1 person sits on the front and 2 people sit in the back. All seats are forward-facing and thanks to the large windows visibility is great from every angle. Passengers can communicate with one another and the pilot through noise-cancelling headsets.
What should I wear for a helicopter tour?
Anything comfortable but not too loose is OK. Avoid long scarves and hats that can fly away around spinning rotors. Dress for the season but please note there is heat and air condition inside the helicopters.
Flight Training
I want to become a helicopter pilot. What is the first step?
The first step towards your goal is to take an introductory flight lesson. This experience gives you a feel for what it’s like piloting a helicopter before you commit your time and resources to it. Once you decide to move forward, you’ll have to supply certain documents and pass a medical examination.
What type of helicopter is used for flight training?
Our flight training operations are conducted in the R44 helicopter. Wings Air no longer uses the S300 (Schweizer), Robinson R22 or Guimbal Cabri G2 models.
How long does it take to get a pilot's license?
It depends on how frequently you can take lessons. The more often you attend, the faster you’ll get it done. The typical timeframe for obtaining a private license is one year.
What is the cost of flight training?
This depends on many factors, such as which type of aircraft you’re training on and how often you take lessons. The average cost of a private pilot’s license on the Robinson R44 helicopter is $35,000.
Do you accept the GI Bill?
Unfortunately not at the moment.
How can I pay for my flight lessons?
We accept major credit cards, checks and cash. We also offer financing through a third party called Pilot Finance Inc. To save money on your training, consider purchasing discounted wholesale hours (25- and 50-hour blocks available).
Is there an age restriction for helicopter flight lessons?
The recommended minimum age for flight lessons is 14 years (parental consent needed). You have to be at least 16 years old to take your checkride but you can definitely start training earlier. There is no age maximum for flight lessons, however, if you decide to pursue flight training, you’ll have to pass a medical examination.
Can I ride along as a passenger on flight lessons?
Yes but only on the 4-seat Robinson R44 helicopter and only if weight limitations allow it. Riding along to watch your loved one flying the helicopter is optional and an additional passenger fee applies.
Aerial Photography And Film Production
What types of projects can Wings Air take on?
We can help you with anything from local aerial photography projects to commercial movie production. Check out our film credits!
What type of helicopter is used for aerial photography and film production?
Wings Air owns and operates multiple helicopters. Depending on the magnitude of your project you can use the 4-seat Robinson R44 or one of our 5-passenger turbine helicopters (AS350 or AS355).
Can Wings Air supply photographers and camera equipment?
Yes, we can provide stabilized camera equipment for aerial film production missions as well as photographers, camera operators and other specialized crew upon request. Please speak with a member of our team regarding your unique needs.