Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long has this Company been in business?
A. Lothian Helicopters Ltd have been operating Helicopter City Tours since 1992. They are fully licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Q. Will I need insurance when taking my tour?
A. No, we carry extensive aircraft and public liability insurance - you do not need additional cover.
Q. How experienced are the pilots?
A. Our pilots are all experienced and are fully certified by the Civil Aviation Authority. Most are ex military or North Sea trained and a few are qualified flying instructors.
Q. What type of helicopter do you use?
A. We use the world's most popular tour helicopter, it's a six passenger Bell Longranger. This is an aircraft with an excellent safety record, and has been used as the preferred aircraft in tour operations in Las Vagas / Grand Canyon, Hawaii and New York City.
Q. Is flying in a helicopter like a funfair ride?
A. Absolutely not ! A helicopter is actually remarkably smooth, even in quite strong winds.
Q. Are there any medical conditions that would stop someone from flying?
A. Yes, Epilepsy is the one condition that stops someone from flying, people with severe heart problems need a letter from their G.P to confirm that they are fit to fly. Pregnant woman also need confirmation from their G.P/midwife, we do not recommend flying in the 1st or 3rd trimester.
Q. What happens if on the day, the flight is cancelled due to the weather conditions?
A. On the day of the flight our pilot assesses the Met Office aviation weather forecast for the flying conditions at 2,000 feet for a 9 hour period; this also covers a 50 mile radius from the venue. This determines whether the flight can proceed. Flights will be cancelled if the pilot considers the weather to be unsafe. Just because the "sun is shining" does not mean that it is safe weather. Flights are only postponed in the interest of passenger SAFETY! There also may be flight cancellations, on rare occasions due to unforseen circumstances (e.g operational/technical problems, staff issues and helipad matters).
Q. Can I rebook onto another flight if it's been cancelled due to the weather?
A. Yes, off course, simply call our booking office to rearrange another date.
Q. What does it mean if my flight gets cancelled due to technical/operational reasons?
A. This is the terminology we use when a flight is postponed for any reason other than adverse weather. There can be unforeseen circumstance on the day of flight; this is unfortunate and disappointing for all involved. It does not mean that there is anything wrong with our machines.
Q. How do I rebook my next flight?
A. Simply call our booking office to rearrange another flight date.
Q. Can I redeem my voucher if the expiry date has passed?
A. No! All our vouchers have an expiry date. (We do have the facility to extend voucher validity however this has to be completed before the expiry date not after).
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. We recommend that children are over the age of 3, however there is no upper age limit! We have flown a 100 year old lady for her special birthday.
Q. Can people with a disability fly?
A. Yes, we have ground crew who are accustomed to deal and aide passengers who have a disability, however we need to know more information about the passenger(s) prior to the flight, this can be done by calling our booking office.
Q. Can I speak with the pilot?
A. Our highly experienced pilot will give an informative and extremely interesting commentary throughout the tour, all passengers (including the pilot) are fitted with headphones and a mouthpiece so that there is always continual interaction.
Q. Can I take a camera?
A. Yes, most certainly this is an opportunity not to be missed, this type of experience offers outstanding views for taking photos or videos ! However if you are using a mobile phone for capuring the views please ensure that it is in flight mode as we ask that all mobile phones are switched off prior to boarding.
Q. How many people will there be flying in the helicopter?
A. The Bell Longranger helicopter seats 6 passengers and the pilot. 5 passengers will be seated in the back and the opportunity to sit in the Co Pilot's seat is available when checking in for your flight.
Q. What happens if I need to cancel my flight?
A. Bookings can be cancelled at least 7 days before your flight, this allows us to re-allocate your seat. Passengers who do not turn up for their flight or who arrive late and miss their flight are not entitled to reschedule their flight.
Q. What time should I arrive for my flight?
A. You should arrive 15 mins before your flight so you can check in with our ground crew and also so you can receive a safety briefing.
Q. Could I fly on the day if I turn up at the helipad?
A. No, all flights must be pre booked. Please take your boarding pass with you. The Ground Crew does have a list of passengers who have booked into fly. If your name is not on their list then you will be unable to fly.
Q. Can I get a refund?
A. All our vouchers are non-refundable!
