What days/times can helicopter tours be booked?

In general, winter operating hours are as follows:

Monday: 10AM – 4PM
Tuesday: Call for to request custom tour
Wednesday: Call to request custom tour
Thursday: 12PM – 8PM
Friday: 12PM – 9PM
Saturday: 10AM – 9PM
Sunday: 10AM – 9PM

A real time booking calendar is shown during checkout (prior to payment) where you can see available days and times.

Can helicopters fly in the rain? 

Yes! Helicopters can fly in the rain and tours are generally not cancelled simply because it is raining. However, fog and limited visibility may cause weather related delays or cancellations.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour? 

In the event of a weather related cancellation you will be given the choice to reschedule for a new date  or receive a full refund for the cost of your tour. Oregon Helicopters will not fly if the conditions are not safe or if we feel the weather conditions are not good enough to allow for a pleasurable tour. If a tour has to be cancelled due to weather then we will generally attempt to notify you by phone at least two hours prior to your flight.

How many people can fly at one time?

We have helicopters that can take up to 4 passengers at one time.

Are the prices shown per ticket or for the whole helicopter?

Prices for most tours are shown are per ticket, per passenger. The exceptions are excursions to wineries and picnics, air taxi service, and Romantic Date Tours which are priced for the helicopter.

Will  my flight be private? 

Yes, all flights with Oregon Helicopters are private.

Will I fly together with the other people I booked with?

Generally yes. If your party is larger than 4 passengers then we will need to split your group into multiple helicopters.

What is the minimum number of passengers needed to fly?

A minimum of two passengers are needed for any of our tours to depart. Groups of 2 or more people can freely choose their departure time and date using our online booking system during checkout or by booking over the phone.

Can I go as a single passenger?

All Oregon Helicopter tours are private and require a minimum of two tickets to fly. Singles are welcome to fly by themselves but must buy two tickets.

What ages can fly?

All ages can fly: from babies in arms to seniors, helicopter tours are a fun for everyone. Kids love it and in our experience are usually not bothered by the noise. Because the flights are private, you have the option to sit a child up front by the pilot for a bigger view or in a rear seat next to an adult.

Can I hold my child in my lap? 

Like the airlines we are governed by the FAA. By FAA rules children of 2 years old and younger may ride in an adult’s lap. Older than 2 must have their own seat.

Why do you ask my weight when booking a flight?

The helicopters we operate have a maximum weight limitation for passengers. A single passenger cannot weigh more than 300 pounds. We also need to know weights to calculate the weight and balance distribution in the helicopter.

What is your cancellation policy?

Tickets can be fully refunded or rescheduled with no penalties or fees at any time for any reason up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled flight time. No shows and cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to your tour time are charged for the full cost of ticket to the credit card provided at the time of booking.

What about cancellations due to weather?

Tours cancelled by Oregon Helicopters for either weather or mechanical reasons are fully refunded or rescheduled, whichever you prefer.

Where do tours depart from? 

That depends on the tour you have chosen.

Portland based tours depart from Downtown Portland Heliport (33 NW Davis, Portland OR 97209).

  • Guests of The Nines Hotel may receive courtesy cart transportation from the hotel to the heliport.

Columbia River Gorge tours depart from Troutdale Airport (472 NW Perimeter Way, Troutdale OR 97060)

Occasionally Oregon Helicopters will fly at events or special venues in which case flights will depart and return to the address affiliated with the event.

How far ahead of time do I need to schedule?

Often you can book a tour for the same day. Popular days and times will book out further in advance. You may see current availability online by choosing a tour and clicking the “book now” button. You may also call our customer service line (503) 987-0060 to check availability.

Can I bring a camera/take pictures?

Absolutely. We hope you do! And we hope you will then share a few with us on our Facebook page @oregonhelicopters and our instagram account @oregon_helicopters.

Is it scary to fly in a helicopter?

Many people are nervous about flying in a helicopter before they get on board. It is our experience that almost everyone gets off at the end of the flight with an irrepressible grin. Flying is new for most people and can be a little intimidating to think about doing. But once you’ve gotten into the helicopter it is truly captivating. Beyond that helicopters generally provide a smoother, less “bumpy” ride than light aircraft. If you feel panicky please know your limits and don’t force yourself to fly. But if you’re just a bit hesitant and uncertain, try it, you’re going to like it.

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