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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about flying with H5 Helicopters — Arizona’s premier luxury helicopter tour company.

Booking & Pricing

The easiest way to book is to call us at (480) 272-1100 (text works too)— we respond quickly and love talking through options with you. You can also email us at info@h5helicopters.com and we’ll get back to you promptly. Package rates are listed on the website; custom adventures will be quoted personally.

Pricing is based on total flight time, any layover time, the nature of the flight, and time of day. Our packages start at $1,850 for the 35-Minute Phoenix ride and go well over $10,000 for longer custom trips, with all rates billed per flight — not per person — for up to 5 passengers. Package rates are listed on the website; custom flights are quoted individually. Our pricing reflects the world-class, cinematic experience we deliver — guests consistently call it the best investment they’ve ever made in a memory. There are no taxes on our flights. A 3.65% processing fee applies when paying by credit card — no fee for cash or wire transfer.

All of our package rates are billed per flight, not per person. Whether it’s just the two of you or a full group of five, you pay one flat rate — making it an incredible value the more people you bring.

Absolutely. We accommodate virtually any request — unique flight routes, champagne toasts, catered mountain-top meals, proposals, anniversaries, corporate experiences, and more. Call us and we’ll brainstorm something unforgettable together.

The Experience

Think of it as a luxury SUV in the sky. You’ll fly in our climate-controlled Airbus AS350-B2 wearing Bose noise-cancelling headsets, so you can hear your pilot’s narration and carry on full conversations with your group. H5 plans every flight the same way we do when filming for IMAX, National Geographic, Netflix, and AppleTV — so you get a cinematic, front-row perspective on Arizona that most people never see.

Overwhelmingly, yes. Our guests consistently call it the best or most memorable experience of their lives. The helicopter is essentially a time machine — it lets you see places in minutes that would take hours to reach by land, and from angles that are simply impossible any other way. Rates are per flight, not per person, so split among a group it’s surprisingly accessible. We’d challenge you to find a better value for an experience of this caliber.

Yes — every H5 flight is completely private. You’ll never share your helicopter with strangers. One passenger can ride up front with the pilot, and up to four in the back. For couples, we often remove the front seat to open the whole cabin for maximum comfort and visibility.

Yes. Our pilots have deep knowledge of Arizona’s landmarks, geology, history, and hidden gems. They’ll point out everything worth seeing and are happy to answer questions along the way.

Arizona’s weather is exceptional for flying nearly year-round. Morning and afternoon flights are both great. Sunset flights are our most popular — Arizona sunsets are genuinely spectacular from the air. If you’re flexible, we’re happy to help you pick the best time for your goals.

Arrive on time. Wear comfortable clothes (our cabin is climate-controlled, but wear closed-toe shoes if you’re doing an off-airport landing). Immerse yourself in the experience — taking pictures/videos is encouraged and we recommend soaking in the moments to the fullest. Bring sunglasses for bright days. And ask questions — our pilots love sharing what they know.

We can! H5 was founded as an aerial film production company, so professional-quality video is in our DNA. Let us know when you book and we’ll mount cameras to capture the highlights. It makes for an incredible keepsake.

Safety & Comfort

Yes — safety is our absolute top priority. H5 Helicopters has been flying incident-free since opening in 2008. Our Airbus AS350-B2 is widely considered one of the safest helicopter models in the world, and it’s maintained by certified Airbus Airframe & Powerplant mechanics. We adhere to the strictest FAA safety standards on every flight.

H5 was established in 2008 as an aerial film production company — we’ve flown for IMAX, National Geographic, Netflix, and AppleTV. That means we approach every guest flight with a filmmaker’s eye: optimal routes, cinematic perspectives, and an attention to detail that generic operators simply don’t have. Flights will include a combination of flying at different altitudes to give you the best perspective. We’re family-run and veteran-owned. Our typical clientele includes celebrities, executives, and high-net-worth individuals who expect an elevated experience. You’re not cattle being herded through — you’re the star of the show.

H5 pilots are among the most experienced in the industry. With more than 55 years of combined aviation experience and a spotless safety record between our two pilots, you’re in excellent hands. Our team has flown missions for major film productions and has extensive knowledge of Arizona’s terrain and airspace.

Nerves are completely normal! We hear this often, and almost every nervous first-timer ends up loving it. Our pilots are calm, professional, and great at putting guests at ease. The aircraft is smooth and quiet. And here’s something that helps: if for any reason something feels off after takeoff, we can return to the hangar immediately — no questions asked. There’s no pressure. Just let your pilot know and we’ll take care of you.

Only if you’re particularly prone to motion sickness. Our flights are exceptionally smooth — guests often compare it to riding in a luxury SUV. The overwhelming majority of passengers have no issues whatsoever. If you want to be cautious, we provide complimentary over-the-counter motion sickness medication that can be taken beforehand is a reasonable precaution.

Safety and guest experience come first, always. Arizona’s weather is outstanding for flying the vast majority of the time. We monitor conditions closely before every flight and will proactively reach out if we anticipate any concerns. Guests are never charged for delays or cancellations caused by weather.

Who Can Fly

There are no age restrictions for our tours. Per FAA regulations, children age 2 and older must have their own seat and seatbelt. Children under 2 may sit on a parent’s lap. There is no maximum age limit, and we’re happy to assist guests getting on and off the helicopter.

Yes — our AS350-B2 has an 850-lb total passenger weight limit (sometimes reduced in summer heat) and a 300-lb per-passenger limit. Please keep this in mind when booking so we can ensure a safe and comfortable flight for everyone.

We don’t have a blanket restriction on flying during pregnancy. However, we recommend that guests in their third trimester consult their doctor before flying. Our flights operate at lower altitudes, which reduces any altitude-related concerns.

Absolutely. We assist guests in and out of the aircraft and have accommodated guests who use wheelchairs. We may be able to store a folding wheelchair in the cargo area depending on it’s size and your flight plan. Give us a call and we’ll work out the details together.

Logistics

We’re based at the Scottsdale Airpark — 16114 N 81st St, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. It’s a convenient location about 20 minutes from the heart of the Phoenix metro, easy to reach from Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, and surrounding areas.

We require 24 hours’ notice for cancellations. Cancel before that window and there’s no charge. Cancellations within 24 hours of your scheduled flight will be billed at the full rate. Weather-related cancellations are always fully waived — no charge to you.

Altitude varies by location and what makes for the best experience. Our pilots fly routes similar to how we do for professional film productions — using altitude dynamically to give you the most cinematic, immersive perspective possible. In scenic canyons, over lakes, and through some areas of the desert, we fly lower (and sometimes slower) so you can truly soak it in.

Flight speed varies throughout the tour to maximize your experience. In canyons and scenic areas, we slow down so you can take it all in. Maximum cruising speed is approximately 140 mph depending on wind.

Comfortable, everyday clothes are perfect. Our cabin is fully climate-controlled so you don’t need to worry about temperature. If your flight includes an off-airport landing (like a mountain top), we recommend closed-toe shoes due to desert terrain. Sunglasses are a great idea on sunny days — our windows are large by design to maximize your views.