Western Ridge and Valley Floor 20 Minute Flight

Note

• All participants must be over the age of 18 for the tour
• Tours require 2 participants to run and can take no more than 3 passengers
• All flights have weight restrictions, are subject to weather and aircraft availability
• Maximum individual weight is 130kg
• All up combined maximum passenger weight is 270kg

How It Works

Check in

• When you come to the main office, you be greeted by our friendly staff.
• There are some formalities we need to get out of the way before flight. Passenger manifest and safety briefing, these are required by Australian Civil Aviation Law.
• All aspects of YOUR safety will be covered in a safety briefing. Please listen carefully!

Pre-flight

• These items need to stay behind: hats, bags, scarves, anything lose (including selfie sticks). Either our staff will care for them or return them to your vehicle.
• Cameras, phones, sunglasses are ok to fly with.
• Our ground crew will escort you to the helicopter, before you board, they will show you where to stand to have your photo taken next to the helicopter. Using YOUR CAMERA or PHONE.

Boarding Helicopter

• The Ground Crew will also determine the best seating arrangements – this is according to individual size/weight. Children will always have their own seat and generally will be in the back seats. Please do not promise the front seat to any person.

Once inside the helicopter

• Once seated, the ground crew will ensure your seat belt is fastened correctly. You will also be assisted with putting on your headset, allowing you to communicate with the other passengers and pilot. The Ground Crew will ensure the doors are closed correctly.

Everything in the Green & Good to Go

• The pilot will explain what he/she is about to do and when they are ready for take-off. Remember your pilot has done this many times and if you feel a little un-easy, please tell him/her and they will be able to talk through the process as it is all happening. The pilot will point out some of the famous landmarks and icons of the Barossa Valley. If there are any questions, do not hesitate to ask.

Arriving at your chosen winery/pub/venue (food & wine, outback pub or tailored packages only)

• We will land you as close to the venue as physically possible to ensure the "Rockstar" arrival!
• We ask you to remain inside the aircraft until the pilot has shut the aircraft down and opens the doors.
• At this time, the pilot will let you know the departure time from the venue.
• They will then with you inside the venue and introduce you to the staff member who will guide you through your experience.
• After your experience at the winery the pilot will help you back into the aircraft and shut the doors for you.

Arriving back at Base

• Once you are back on the ground at our base, the pilot will once again shut the aircraft down or one of our ground crew will help you disembark and take you back through to our reception where we say our goodbyes!

On your way out

• Our ground crew can help with local recommendations for lunch or wine tastings. They will ask if you have a local visitor guide.
• We enjoy hearing about your experience! We take pride in helping others enjoy a special milestone, or just seeing the region from above! Please share your comments on Google and TripAdvisor or share your photos on Facebook and Instagram!

Inclusions

• 20 minute private scenic helicopter flight
• Pre-flight safety briefing
• Experienced local pilots
• Window seats

Exclusions

• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Time

• Flights run seven days a week, excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day
• Available between 10am and 3:45pm
• This flight is 20 minutes in duration, with an additional 10 minute safety briefing

Departure Location

• Barossa Helicopters, 261 Hoffnungsthal Road, Lyndoch, SA 5351

What To Bring

• The helicopters can get quite hot during the Aussie summer months and cooler during the winter months, so dress comfortably.
• If you plan to take photographs we recommend darker colour’s to reduce any window reflections.
• Ladies please wear flatter shoes.
• Hats, bags or any loose clothing are not allowed to be worn in or around the helicopters as they can fly up into the rotors and damage the aircraft. We will be happy to hold any hats or bags for you until you return from your tour.
• We encourage you to bring your phone, camera, or movie camera to help you remember your fabulous time at Barossa Helicopters.

Additional Information

• Tours require 1 participant to run and can take no more than 3 passengers
• Please inform us at the time of booking ALL accurate passenger weights

Best time time to fly

• When is the best time to fly?

• We open for flights between 10 am and close at 4pm, Australian Central Standard Time.

• It is wise to book a tour early in your stay, that way if your pilot determines that weather conditions on a particular day is not the best for your tour, there will be options for re-scheduling.

• As far as the best time of day for a helicopter tour you should consider your personal schedule. Most of the time we have nice weather; during summer it can get quite hot, so it is best to schedule your flight for early morning. If we happen to have rainy weather, the pilot will consult the weather forecast and actual conditions to determine if it will be safe to fly.

• We do not take our guests on a tour unless we are certain we can give you an excellent experience. Apart from not being enjoyable, rain does damage the helicopters blades. The pilot’s decision is final, regardless of the occasion.

• However, if your needs do not fit into our standard hours, we are happy to fly anytime, by arrangement and aircraft availability, some fees may apply. Bookings are essential on weekends. We do not want you to miss out!!!

• Are the helicopters air-conditioned or heated?

• Yes, both.

Seating Arrangements

• How is the seating arranged?

• The Robinson R44 is a 3-passenger helicopter.

• Seating is assigned according to weight and balance calculations.

• Please do not promise anyone in your group a specific seat (especially children), we cannot guarantee specific seating as it depends on the weight of all the guests booked on a particular flight.

• Visibility for all passengers is excellent as there is no separating bulkhead to obscure the sweeping view from each seat.

• Will we be the only ones in the helicopter?

• Yes, you will be the only passengers in the helicopter. We do not join groups.

Flying while Pregnant

• Can I fly while pregnant?
• Yes - the decision to fly at any stage of your pregnancy is entirely up to the individual. There are no pressure changes or manoeuvres that could cause discomfort.

Motion Sickness

• I get motions sickness sometimes, but I am keen to fly!
• This is a scenic tour, not a thrill ride. Most people do not experience motion sickness.
• Our flights are smooth, and turns are slow and gentle.
• We recommend that if you are prone to motion sickness, that you do not use your camera or phone. Looking at these screens can create distorted vision, which can cause motion sickness.
• If you are particularly prone to motion sickness an anti-motion sickness medication is a good idea.

Surprises, Proposals and Special Occasions

• If the flight is a surprise or a marriage proposal, please advise us (by phone 08 8524 4209 or email, not just on booking form) of the special occasion so that we can best coordinate with you to make it a special time.

Terms And Conditions

Weather Conditions

• What happens if the weather is bad?
• Barossa Helicopters reserves the right to change flights due to weather conditions or other operational considerations. The pilot’s decision is final – regardless of the occasion.
• Your safety and that of our pilot’s and aircraft are the Number 1 Priority!
• If you are travelling long distances to fly, please let us know at time of booking. This way we will discuss a time to make the call if the weather does not look promising.

Weight Restrictions

• Each flight has a minimum of total weight limit including fuel, passengers etc.
• Maximum individual weight is 130kg.
• All up combined maximum passenger weight is 270 kg per flight.
• Accurate weights at time of booking must be supplied.

Age/Height Limits

• What are the age limits?
• Children under 100cm tall are not able to fly.
• Each person is required to have their own individual seat regardless of age.
• A child must be able to sit independently on their own seat.
• We do not allow children to sit on laps.

Travelling with Pets

• Can I bring my dog? NO!
• Do not bring your pets on to our property!
• This applies to your dog, who you think is human, so please do not be offended if we ask you to take the dog off site.
• We take bio security very seriously. Based on a working farm with livestock and vineyards, we do not want disease being spread.
• Exception to this rule is special needs dogs, BUT they are not allowed to fly.

Items that CAN and CAN'T fly

• What am I allowed to take on the helicopter?

• Camera or phone

• On longer flights, water bottle

• Items that CAN’T fly?

• Selfie sticks

• Hats

• Bags

• Headscarves, if it is for religious reasons you wear a head scarf, it MUST be pinned on or it DOES NOT fly.

• No loose items

Smoking

• No Smoking: The Barossa Helicopters base is non-smoking for all clients and customers.

Will we see all sights mentioned?

• Are we guaranteed to see all the sights mentioned in your tour descriptions?
• You will see every point of interest mentioned in the tours if weather permits.

Cancellation Policy

• Clients that are a “NO SHOW” will forfeit the cost of the entire booking.
• Full cost of booking will be charged if cancellation is made inside 24 hours of booked flight time.
• No charge outside 48 hours.
• Full refund will be made available to customers in the event of a cancellation of the flight by Barossa Helicopters Pty Ltd due to adverse weather or any other unforeseen event.

Booking Information

• Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
• Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
• Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
• Offers and inclusions are subject to change without notice
• We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 48 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
• For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
• The operator reserves the right to update their rates without notice