Helicopter Flying Lessons Near NYC
Pilot your own R44 Raven II chopper on an exhilarating training flight. No experience required!
Ever wanted to try your hand at flying a helicopter? Then book this incredible helicopter experience and make your New York vacation one to remember forever! You’ll be picked up from Manhattan for the drive to Westchester County Airport, where a professional instructor will join you on a flight over the New York State countryside with the Big Apple skyline in the distance. Once you’re in the air, you’ll be handed the controls so you can feel the unique thrill of flying this magnificent machine!
- New Tour
- Learn the ropes from an expert instructor
- Take the controls and soar through the sky
- An experience to take your breath away!
Your helicopter flight experience starts with pickup from your Manhattan accommodation. Your private driver will navigate confidently to Westchester County Airport which is north of the city just 45 minutes away. Your friendly, professional flight instructor will be waiting to greet you, and before setting off, you’ll be given a comprehensive ground briefing.
When you’re ready, you’ll board an R44 Raven II helicopter for your flight over New York's Westchester County. After take-off, your guide will hand you the controls during the 30-minute flight, and you’ll experience the thrill of flying through the skies by your own hand!
No experience is necessary, and your lesson will be individually tailored to suit your skill and confidence. Want to bring friends? Up to two people can join you on your flight, with an additional fee payable on the day. Weight restrictions apply.
New York Helicopter Lesson Description
Your training experience and 30-minute flight includes:
Private round-trip transportation to Westchester from Manhattan hotels
Ground briefing to cover controls, techniques, and safety
30-minute helicopter training flight
Take the controls of an R44 Raven II as you soar over New York state
Views of Westchester County, New York coast, and Hudson River
Friendly, experienced helicopter instructor
Private experience, with option to bring 2 guests (extra fee payable on the day)
Please note that an additional airport fee of $35 per person must be paid locally at the airport.
Learn the Ropes Before Take Off
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the flight team and your professional instructor who’ll run through a full briefing to make sure you’re ready for the experience that lies ahead. Covering helicopter controls, flying techniques, and safety procedures, you’ll feel confident about taking to the skies.
And don’t worry, your instructor will be with you the whole way and will get the bird in the air for you—one of the hardest parts!
Your Incredible Helicopter Flight Experience
After your briefing, your instructor will lead you to the helicopter, an R44 Raven II model known for superior safety, high performance, and comfort. Each lesson is tailored especially to the student, so your instructor will make sure you feel comfortable before handing you the controls after take-off.
The thrill of controlling such an impressive machine is tough to match, and you’ll feel the adrenaline surge as you make your first turn in the air. The views from this height are stunning too. Take in views of the beautiful countryside of Westchester County, the Hudson River, the New York/Connecticut coast, as well as the iconic skyline of the Big Apple in the distance.
As your 30-minute flight comes to an end, your instructor will land the helicopter and you’ll set foot on firm ground again having experienced something that most people can only dream about. Your private driver will be ready and waiting to take you back to the city when you’re ready.
What you get with this tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Please dress according to the weather and bring an extra layer in case you need it during the flight.
Can I bring friends with me?
Yes, up to 2 other people can join you as passengers on your flight. Children 18 years and under must be accompanied by an adult, and children under 2 years old fly at no cost if they can safely fit on parent's lap. An additional fee of approximately $80 is payable on the day for each passenger, as well as a $35 airport fee.
What to bring?
Please dress according to the weather and bring an extra layer in case you need it during the flight.
Is there a weight restriction for this tour?
Yes. Maximum weight is 250 lbs (113 kg) per person and 500 lbs (226 kg) combined in the R44 helicopter. Maximum passenger height is 6 ft 3 in (192 cm). Please contact our team about alternatives if you don’t meet these requirements.
Is this tour ever cancelled due to weather?
Yes, if it is deemed unsafe to fly then the tour will be cancelled and you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
Is there a minimum age to fly?
Yes, flight students must be 14 or older. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. An additional fee is payable on the day for each passenger.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, wheelchair users can join this experience. Please contact us after booking so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, it is run by one of our trusted and vetted partners in New York.
Will I fly over New York City?
No. Flight lessons are not permitted in NYC airspace. Your lesson will take place in the Westchester area to the north of the city.
Are there any additional fees?
Yes. A $35 per person airport fee is payable locally. Up to 2 passengers can join the flight for an additional fee of approximately $80 per person, also to be paid locally.
What if I'm not staying in Manhattan for hotel pick-up?
This tour only offers transportation from Manhattan. Otherwise, you can meet your pilot at the Westchester Airport .