Illinois > Chicago > Flying Experience Gifts > Helicopter Tours Experiences

Learn to Fly a Helicopter

Schaumburg, IL

From: $495

Item #: AIR-CHI-0017

(14 Reviews)

Learn to Fly a Helicopter as you take the controls of an extremely maneuverable OH-6A helicopter!

Fly with an experienced FAA-certified flight instructor
You'll get an introduction into the operation of a helicopter and the theory of flight, and actually take the controls of the helicopter
Bring along a friend to ride as a passenger and share the experience
Experience the unparalleled sensation of flight as you take the controls of a helicopter
No experience necessary!

From: $495

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Overview

Learn to Fly a Helicopter as you take the controls of an extremely maneuverable OH-6A helicopter!

Fly with an experienced FAA-certified flight instructor
You'll get an introduction into the operation of a helicopter and the theory of flight, and actually take the controls of the helicopter
Bring along a friend to ride as a passenger and share the experience
Experience the unparalleled sensation of flight as you take the controls of a helicopter
No experience necessary!

Full Description

Location

Schaumburg Regional Airport -Schaumburg, IL

Availability

When Do I Choose A Date?

If giving as a gift, your recipient can choose a date at their convenience; otherwise, you can choose one after checkout.

Year-Round:
Daily - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Important Details

Essential Information

Must be at least 18 years of age
Small camera bags and purses are permitted at the discretion of the pilot and are subject to search
Individual participant weight cannot exceed 280 lbs
Combined participant weight cannot exceed 750 lbs

Duration

Flight time varies from 30 to 45 minutes depending on the option selected. Flight time is calculated from engine start to engine stop.

Experience Provider Info

Complete information for your Experience Provider, including contact information, will be included on your booking confirmation email once you or your gift recipient have scheduled the experience. Our Product Management team handpicks top-rated experience providers, removing the guesswork for you and ensuring your peace of mind.

Maximum Participants

The student may bring along 1 passenger.

Spectators

Spectators are not allowed beyond the 1 passenger the student may choose to bring along for the flight.

Weather Dependent

This experience is weather dependent. Always contact the experience provider with any questions regarding weather conditions.

What To Wear

Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for weather conditions. We recommend bring a light jacket with you.

FAQs

Is there an age requirement?

Yes, participants must be at least 18 years of age.

Can I bring a passenger?

Yes, the student can bring along one passenger.

Do I need previous experience?

No, this hands-on lesson is designed for beginners.

What if my flight is cancelled due to weather?

We always recommend contacting your pilot on the day of your experience if you have any concerns regarding weather. In the event your flight is cancelled due to weather you can reschedule directly with your pilot.

Returns, Exchanges & Cancellations

Returns
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be returned hassle-free within 30 days. All refunds will be made to the original purchaser.
Exchanges
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be exchanged for anything else in our marketplace at any time. If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs more, you'll simply have to pay the difference. If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs less, you'll have a credit towards your next booking with Virgin Experience Gifts.

Cancellation Policy

Once you have scheduled a date and received a booking confirmation, all bookings are final. In the event your experience is canceled due to inclement weather you will reschedule your experience directly with your experience provider.

Other Chicago Experiences

Customer Reviews

This experience has a customer rating of 5
based on 14 reviews.

View More Reviews:

Pilot - Steve - was very professional, really enjoyed the experience. Would definitely recommend!

— Nikola K | Aug 15, 2022

Had a fantastic time. First time ever in a helicopter, and took my son along as a passenger. Great time, the pilot Sara was very knowledgeable and helped me overcome my nervousness. The helicopter itself has a great history (former military chopper used in Vietnam and then completely overhauled). Highly recommended for someone who has never experienced a helicopter flight.

— Mark S | Aug 11, 2021

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hi Mark, Thank you kindly for taking the time to review your introductory helicopter flight! I am beyond delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic experience! Taking the controls of a helicopter for your first time is quite intimidating. It is great to hear that your instructor could ease your nerves and give a flight of a lifetime for both you and your son. Thank you for your recommendation and for sharing a bit of the helicopter's history! It is not every day you get to be a part of such a unique and fun adventure! Best, Brianna

Excellent service. Top notch experience. Would do again in a heartbeat.

— Bob H | Jun 03, 2019

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Thanks for the awesome review, Scott! Top notch experience for a top notch customer! We hope to see you back in a heartbeat for more adventures. Best, Kelsey

Great intro to helicopter flying. Got to control cyclic and attempt hover for several minutes and fly over western suburbs. Gained appreciation of the complexity and versatility of helicopter. Pilot John was great and a font of knowledge of flight!

— Jonathan S | Jul 25, 2018

Awesome, experience of a lifetime! Our pilot was outstanding and accommodating, can't wait to fly again with doors off!

— Brian K | Jul 17, 2017

The pilot was great. Did a super job and explained a lot . I would want him for my lessons when I start.

— Tom W | Nov 06, 2016

My wife was not planning to join me on my flight but our instructor pilot put my wife at ease and convinced her to join me. We had a very memorable experience. John, our pilot was outstanding!

— Jim S | Jun 22, 2016

Overall it was a great time, I just wish we spent a bit more time over the area near my home. Which is why I asked to fly by my home in the first place. We had a good time. Maybe put another type of 3-way harness in the back of the helicopter -- my wife seemed like having only one seat belt scared her.

— Joseph B | Aug 17, 2015

Fritz did a thorough job going through the pre-flight of the OH6A. Once airborne and at altitude he gave me the cyclic controls, followed by the pedals, and finally the collective. I found the OH6A to be far more stable and easy to fly than a R44, in which I had previously taken a lesson. Throughout the lesson, Fritz demonstrated various maneuvers. All too soon it was ready to head back. After a few pictures we put the bird away, Fritz completed some paperwork, and we headed over to Pilot Pete's, where we debriefed over lunch in the company of some other helicopter pilots and a friendly waitress. I highly recommend this experience and will certainly be back for a repeat in the future.

— Don B | Nov 22, 2014

I bought this for my boyfriend for an early birthday present because he is going on a deployment. This was his dream come true. This was an amazing experience for him and I even got to go along! Total adrenaline rush and tons of fun.

— Aaron Z | Sep 08, 2014

Very cool experience. the pilot was really cool and knowledgeable. We had a great time.

— Scott W | Jul 22, 2013

Wonderful experience with the amount of "hands on" flying!

— John K | Jul 09, 2013

Fritz the Pilot made the experience fantastic. He was very friendly, knowledgeable and went out of his way to make the experience great!

— Christopher K | Oct 04, 2012

Time of my life - even more realistic than my expectations. Fritz was perfect. Confidence inspiring but not full of himself at all. Great guy!

— Christopher J | Apr 16, 2012

Learn to Fly a Helicopter