General Questions
Where is your hangar located?
Our helicopter base is located at Atlantic Aviation West, 67 Tower Road, Harrison, NY 10604 within Westchester County Airport. The location can easily be accessed by the Metro-North railroad from Grand Central Terminal to White Plains (~35 minutes express) then a quick taxi or Uber (~10 minutes). Parking is free.
Do you fly everyday?
Yes, weather and aircraft maintenance permitting except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Can you fly in less-than-perfect weather?
Yes, as long as it is deemed safe by the Pilot In Command.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 48 hours’ notice from our customers, if they need to cancel a flight for personal reasons. Depending on the type of flight, we may reschedule, process a refund or issue a flight credit valid for one year. Please refer to the cancellation policy on the booking platform or document you used to book your flight.
How can I pay for your service?
We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, PayPal Credit, Venmo, Afterpay and cryptocurrency via Coinbase.
Is Wings Air wheelchair accessible?
Yes but wheelchair-bound passengers will need to transfer from the wheelchair onto the helicopter and be able to sit in their seat with their legs bent. Ground personnel is happy to assist and keep the wheelchair for the duration of the flight. Oxygen tanks are not permitted on board for safety reasons.
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. Gift certificates are sent via email in a printable PDF format and are valid for one year. Purchase here.
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 your helicopters fly?
Our helicopter charter service area covers the Northeast United States. We can also operate flights in Canada thanks to our NAFTA Waiver. Helicopters can fly approximately 250 miles nonstop.
Do you offer airplane charters?
Although we don’t operate any airplanes, we can provide our clients with fixed wing aircraft through our trusted partners.
Do you offer shared charter flights?
With the exception of our newly launched Westchester-NYC commuter flights our charters are private.
How much in advance do I need to book a charter?
We generally need at least 2 hours notice for charters depending on the day’s schedule. We recommend booking 2-3 days in advance, especially in the peak summer season. We may be able to assist with same-day requests if there is availability.
How do I book a charter?
Standard charters can be booked on our website. Custom charters can be booked by completing an electronic booking form that is emailed to you by your charter representative. Your charter will be confirmed once we receive the signed form back with a form of payment.
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 flight 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. Charters cancelled due to weather are fully refundable.
Can helicopters land on rooftops in New York City?
No, rooftop landings in NYC have been against the law for decades. There are three 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 Westchester County Airport home base in White Plains, NY. We also offer private sightseeing charters departing from Manhattan.
What is the difference between group and private tours?
Shared means you will be flying with other people. Shared tours require a minimum of 2 passengers to operate. On private tours it’s just you, your guest(s) and the pilot.
Is there an age limit for tour flights?
All ages are welcome on tours. Children younger than 2 years may ride for free on their parent’s lap. Anyone aged 2 years or older must sit in their own seat.
Do you offer lower pricing for children?
No but children younger than 2 years fly for free on their parent’s lap.
When are tours available?
NYC tours departing from Westchester are available between 10 AM – 8:30 PM daily. NYC sightseeing charters departing from Manhattan are available between 10 AM – 6 PM on weekdays and between 11 AM – 4 PM on weekends.
Fall foliage tours departing from Westchester are available between 10 AM – 4:00 PM daily, between September 15 and November 15. Fall foliage sightseeing charters departing from Manhattan are available between 10 AM – 4 PM on weekdays and between 11 AM – 4 PM on weekends.
Can you fly groups?
Yes, using multiple helicopters.
Can I bring my camera with me on tour flights?
Yes, but picture taking at airports and heliports is restricted. You will only be able to take a photo with the helicopter you’re flying in. Once you are seated inside the helicopter there is no limit on pictures or videos. Airplane mode is not necessary.
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 helicopters 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. There is no panel separating the front and back rows, allowing for unobstructed views. Passengers can communicate with one another and the pilot through noise-canceling 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 off. Dress for the season but please note the helicopters are comfortably climate controlled.
Are tours open door?
We do not offer open door flights for tourism purposes.
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 the flight training process is like 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. We no longer use 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 1 year.
What is the cost of flight training?
The average cost of a private pilot’s license on the Robinson R44 helicopter is $35,000.
Do you accept the GI Bill?
Unfortunately, as a Part 61 school, we are not set up to accept the G.I. Bill.
How can I pay for my flight lessons?
We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, PayPal Credit, Venmo, Afterpay and cryptocurrency via Coinbase. We also offer financing through PayPal Credit and Afterpay.
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 17 years old to take your practical test (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, 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?
We own and operate multiple helicopters. Speak with a flight specialist about the best type of aircraft for your project.
Can Wings Air supply photographers and camera equipment?
Yes, we can provide aerial cameras, camera operators, film pilots and more. We have our own Shotover F1 camera system. Please speak with a flight specialist about your project.