Pennsylvania > Pittsburgh > Flying Experience Gifts > Learn to Fly Gifts Experiences

Learn to Fly a Helicopter

Zelienople, PA

From: $420

Item #: AIR-PIT-0007

(37 Reviews)

Learn to Fly a Helicopter in Zelienople, PA

Discover the thrill of flying when you Learn to Fly a Helicopter near Pittsburgh!

FAA Certified Flight Instructor teaches you the basics of flying and lets you take control of the aircraft
Fly in a uniquely designed Robinson R44 - one of the most popular flight training helicopters in the world
Learn flying skills that may include climbing, descending, and hovering
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pennsylvania landscape!

From: $420

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Overview

Discover the thrill of flying when you Learn to Fly a Helicopter near Pittsburgh!

FAA Certified Flight Instructor teaches you the basics of flying and lets you take control of the aircraft
Fly in a uniquely designed Robinson R44 - one of the most popular flight training helicopters in the world
Learn flying skills that may include climbing, descending, and hovering
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pennsylvania landscape!

Full Description

Location

Zelienople Municipal Airport - Zelienople, PA

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:
Monday through Friday - 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday- 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Important Details

Essential Information

Maximum weight limit for flights in the R-44 helicopter is 285 lbs per passenger
Maximum combined weight of both student and passenger cannot exceed 540 lbs
Please bring a government issued ID with you on your scheduled date
No experience necessary
Participants must be 16 years of age or older, and parental consent is required for anyone under the age of 18
A headset will be provided
Helicopter is equipped with a heater for tours during the winter months

Duration

Approximately 30 or 60 minutes of flight time depending on the option selected. Total experience time is about 30 minutes longer than the flight time selected.

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

For flights in the R-44 helicopter, the student may bring 1 additional passenger if the option is selected, but the total weight of the student plus passenger cannot exceed 540 lbs, and each individual must weigh no more than 285 lbs.

Spectators

Spectators are welcome to watch the take-off and landing from the viewing area at the airport.

Weather Dependent

This experience is weather dependent. Always contact the experience provider with any questions regarding weather conditions. In the event of inclement weather, your pilot will work with you to reschedule your experience.

What To Wear

Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for weather conditions. Flat, rubber-soled shoes are recommended.

FAQs

Do I need experience?

No experience is necessary!

What kind of helicopter is used for this flight lesson?

You will learn to fly in a Robinson R44 helicopter.

Can I take someone up in the air with me?

If the option is selected, a passenger may come along with you, pending weight restrictions. Individual weights in the Robinson R-44 may not exceed 285 lbs and the combined weights may not exceed 540 lbs.

Are there any age or weight restrictions?

All participants must be 16 years of age or older. Participants under the age of 18 will need parental consent prior to the experience. Maximum weight limits for all flights in the R44 is 285 lbs per passenger and 540 lbs combined. Maximum weight limit for all flights in the Enstrom is 295 lbs for one student.

What do I need to bring with me?

Please bring a government issued ID with you to the airport.

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, no refunds will be given. Rescheduling is allowed up to 72 hours prior to your experience, failure to appear on your booked date or to reschedule at least 72 hours prior to your booked date will result in the loss of the value of your experience. In the event your experience is canceled due to inclement weather you will reschedule your experience directly with your experience provider.

Other Pittsburgh Experiences

Customer Reviews

This experience has a customer rating of 5
based on 37 reviews.

View More Reviews:

The experience was awesome and Ron was a great instructor.

— John M | Jul 09, 2022

Great time!!! Everyone should try it!!!

— Kerry G | Jun 28, 2022

Spiker Helicopter provided an outstanding experience!

— Richard F | Jun 15, 2022

Ron was terrific! Throughly enjoyed the flight and it was exciting to take the controls.

— Bob M | May 21, 2022

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hello Robert, What a thrilling experience to learn how to fly a helicopter! I hope you enjoyed the views of the Pittsburgh area while taking over the controls of the aircraft. I admire your adventurous spirit and thanks for sharing your review with us! Thanks, Ryan

Ron was great. It was a very cool experience and really got to fly.

— Michael B | Apr 19, 2022

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hello Michael, Glad to hear you enjoyed your flying experience! I truly admire your adventurous spirit for taking controls of the aircraft. We truly work with the best of the best and thrilled Ron gave a great flight. I can't even imagine the breathtaking views you got to enjoy of the Pennsylvania landscape. Thank you for sharing your review with us! Thanks, Ryan

Loved the instructions and the hands on flying. Sure makes you want to learn to fly. The day was beautiful and we saw a lot. Ron was great in pointing things out.

— Toni S | Sep 26, 2021

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hi there, I am beyond excited that you were able to discover the magic of flight! Everything from your instructor to the views and weather truly sounds fantastic. I can’t even imagine how powerful and freeing it must feel to take control of a helicopter. Let us know when you are ready for your next lift off! Cheers to you, Elizabeth

It couldn't have gone any better. The instructor was fantastic, we had to rebook and it he was so understanding, and we had no issues. The flight was fantastic. We will be back again. Amazing experience.

— Jeffrey T | May 31, 2021

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hello Jeffrey, Wow! We are so thrilled that you had an amazing time out piloting over Pennsylvania! Cheers, Kasia

My first time in a helicopter. Great experience! I'm hooked will be going to get pilot lisence soon!

— Jarred H | Oct 15, 2020

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hi there Jarred, Or should I say, soon-to-be Pilot Jarred?! We love that you had so much fun on your lesson. Flying is certainly a thrill and I am happy that our partners helped introduce you into aviation in the best way possible. Thank you for letting us be a small part in your journey towards a new pastime! Best, Sophia

Best experience I ever had! My instructor was amazing! So amazing!! I may consider lessons....that you cloud9 and my amazing girlfriend for suprising me with such an amazing gift for my 50th bday

— Rod W | Sep 21, 2020

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hello, Karla! My goodness! We are thrilled to hear that your experience was so incredible that it has opened the door to potentially a new hobby and skillset for you. It isn't everyday that you get to fly a helicopter, not to mention with a wonderful instructor. We hope that your special day was one for the books! Your girlfriend sure is a great gift-giver! Best, Sophia

Great experience with a very professional staff. My instructor was great, gave me plenty of good guidance, and allowed me to take the controls as far as I was comfortable in such a quick time. Overall experience was great and I’m looking forward to another one.

— Nick C | Sep 23, 2019

It was an awesome experience I would do it again, spiker helicopters exceeded my expectations

— Robert S | Jul 09, 2019

Enjoyable experience. I actually had some control of the craft.

— Jeffrey K | Jun 24, 2019

Ron was a great instructor!

— Vince S | May 13, 2019

This experience was fantastic! My pilot was very knowledgeable and friendly and took me on a great flight. I would recommend this package to anyone who wants to learn the basics of flying a helicopter, Top notch.

— Walter N | Apr 08, 2019

This was great, worth every penny and more. Just an excellent experience all the way around.

— Jake M | Mar 25, 2019

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hi Jake, thanks for the awesome review! We're thrilled that you had an excellent experience and so glad you spent your pennies on it! We hope we'll see you back again for more fun and adventure at some point! Cheers, Kelsey

Ron Spiker was PHENOMENAL ! The experience was actually better than I could have ever expected, and would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this experience to everyone! Absolutely a dream come true !

— Brian B | Mar 11, 2019

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hey Brian, we appreciate the raving review and recommendation and we are so glad it turned out better than you expected! We hope you have an amazing 2019 and we hope to see you again soon!!! Best, Kelsey

Just had my Helicopter experience with Ron Spiker ...there are not enough words to describe this experience..Fabulous day. Ron is so kind and so helpful it was a pleasure to spend time with him. My wife bought this for me for a Christmas present because she said I did not need another shirt I needed a life experience ...she was right this was totally beyond my expectations ...and was by far better than another shirt for Christmas...would HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS EXPIERENCE you haven't lived until you try this money well spent and the memory will last a lifetime...a shirt would have been gone in a year...THANK YOU RON for such a great day... Omer Zaidan

— Omer Z | Jul 28, 2018

It was a fantastic experience learning and flying a helicopter, this was my first time in a helicopter. The instructor was very professional and a great teacher. I loved every minute and whished we could have flown all day.

— Michael S | Jun 18, 2018

Ron Spiker is an excellent helicopter pilot, who is very knowledgeable, and answered all of my questions. The flight was extremely awesome and I will be taking more flights with Ron.

— Timothy T | Aug 08, 2017

The helicopter was a great ride. As a Nam vet, it was a great experience. The pilot was skillful, and provided a great customer experience. While the Enstrom 280C is not a Huey, 65mph at 2100ft was a sweet ride. Worth every penny. First class operation, very self-paced. Highly recommend.

— David G | Jul 31, 2017

My experience was incredible. I have wanted to fly a helicopter all of my life. My spouse bought this for my 65th birthday. It was an amazing day! I could have flown for hours.

— Rick A | Jul 31, 2017

Going into this appointment, I had a lot of apprehension about my experience and abilities. But Ron, the pilot, was very professional and cordial with my learning. Once in the air, it was most awesome. It was a wonderful experience, and I would not hesitate to do it again.

— Raymond T | Jul 17, 2017

Ron was very calm and friendly, which allowed me to really relax and enjoy the experience. He let me control the aircraft only as much as I was ready to handle. I would highly recommend him to anyone else!!

— Stephen H | Jun 12, 2017

The helicopter flight experience was amazing. If you ever had even a passing interest in piloting a helicopter, don't hesitate and sign up as soon as possible.

— Adam S | Jun 05, 2017

This was a birthday present from my wife and the experience was fantastic. Ron made my day!

— Jerry G | May 22, 2017

I couldn't have been happier. It was beyond my expectations.

— Edwin T | Nov 28, 2016

My husband loved it.

— Thomas S | Nov 07, 2016

Ron was fantastic! Patient, knowledgeable and fun. I didn't expect to be so calm, but he just made me feel so confident in my ability and his, that it took my fear away. The only bad thing is I was so excited to share my experience with my husband who was waiting below that I forgot to tip Ron. I will be recommending this experience to others and can't wait to check off a few other experiences with Cloud 9 Living! Thanks again!!

— Cynthia A | Oct 24, 2016

Amazing experience! Instructor was great and knowledgeable. Would definitely do this again!

— Jesse V | Oct 10, 2016

My experience flying a helicopter was AMAZING! An absolute joy. Definitely the best gift I've ever received!!! Mr. Spiker was a great host and instructor, and I'd recommend him to anyone!

— Andrew H | Aug 24, 2016

I had a lot of fun!

— Kristin N | Aug 09, 2016

Bought for my wife for a birthday gift. First time in a helicopter, she loved it. Highly recommended. Definitely will do again in the future.

— Lou M | Jul 02, 2016

This was my first experience with Cloud 9 Living, and I had an absolute blast! The whole experience was amazing, and my instructor (Ron) did a fantastic job. This was a Christmas gift that I will never forget. 10 out of 10, would fly again.

— Cullen M | Jul 05, 2016

Ron from Spiker Helicopters was awesome. I was a little nervous, but he made the experience great. My first booking was cancelled due to rain, but I didn't mind because he had good communication and kept me posted about the weather. I highly recommend him! I had a great time!

— Erica G | May 31, 2016

I bought this as a Valentine's present for my husband, as it is something he has always wanted to do. The experience far exceeded our expectations! The pilot spent the first 20 minutes explaining the controls, then told my husband to fly on his own. Of course, the pilot had a set of controls as well to take over if he needed to, but my husband not only got a lesson, but he was able to fly. It was an unforgettable experience for both of us. Thank you for making me the hero of gift-giving. I couldn't have asked for more!

— Robert P | Apr 29, 2016

Our experience was canceled due to bad weather, and Spiker Helicopters went out of their way to reschedule another time that weekend so our experience wasn't ruined. My husband had an amazing 40th birthday!

— Peter K | Apr 13, 2016

Learning to fly a helicopter was the greatest 60th birthday present my husband said he ever got. He LOVED it.

— Rick E | Mar 27, 2016

Learn to Fly a Helicopter