Q- Concretely, how does it work when the day comes?
A- If you asked the heliport transfers, a car will take you at time at your hotel or any other place of your choice. The drive duration to the heliport is 30-45 minutes depending on the traffic.
When arriving at the heliport, we introduce you the heliport and the aircrafts, and we begin to talk about the safety instructions. If you are on the first flight of the day, the pilot will spend half an hour to carry out the daily inspection of the aircraft. You can wait in the lounge, or watch the pre-flight inspection if you are curious, so you can watch closely how serious the aviation business is. Then, you will be called to boarding. Expect 10 minutes more to listen to the passengers safety briefing (same as in airliners) and to get familiarized with the aircraft, the doors, the seat belts, and the headsets. Then, we start the engine and we take off three minutes later. The show begins immediately as we become quickly aloof. Heading toward Montreal, and a bare ten minutes later we fly right above the Olympic Stadium. The pattern continues overflying of the Université de Montréal, the Oratoire St-Joseph, the Mont-Royal, and the stunning skyscrapers in Downtown. Thanks to the helicopter maneuverability and great visibility on board, you can be assured to take wonderful pictures! The city overflight lasts around 15 minutes, then we head back to Beloeil Heliport. The total flight duration of the Downtown Overflight will last 35 minutes packed with images and wonder.
As skids touch down, patient three minutes more to shut down the engine and stop the rotors before to be allowed to disembark. Don't forget to ask the pilot to take pictures with you in/near the aircraft! Nothing forgotten on board? We are now ready to drive you back to your hotel. Including transfers, your event will last 3:00 hours door to door.
Q- Is it noisy? Is it cold aboard?
A- Yes, it's as noisy as in a small airplane. That's why all persons aboard wear a headset with a microphone allowing everybody to speak easily each other. No, it's not cold and there are no draft. The aircraft is equipped with a heater like in a car. If it's hot, door vents are very efficient. And the more we climb, the cooler... Air conditioning is not so much needed!
Q- That sounds fabulous! I want to do it, what should I do?
A- You just have to call us in advance to have us organize your flight. If you are four passengers (or you are three passengers and willing to pay the extra 3-only fare), you can choose your preferred day and hour and book your flight the day before or even the same day with good chances to have an available aircraft. If not, we'll do our best to find a day and an hour which suit you. It is advisable to schedule another date in case of bad weather. We will ask you how many passengers you are, which kind of tour you are interested in, whether you wish the transfer service, and other details. Any setback? Call us as soon as possible to cancel or postpone your flight.Q- And for the payment ?
R- We accept cash, and Visa/Mastercard credit cards. Payment at the heliport before the flight.Q- Is it dangerous?
A- As for any human activity, there are some risks which must be known and mastered. In fact, the highest number of accidents occur on the ground, when people come too close from the rotors in motion. The crew will tell you the safety measures to follow and will explain to you that a helicopter is a far safer means of transporation than one might think (see below Engine Failure). Indeed, it may be even safer than an airplane, due to the fact that it can land almost anywhere, anytime.
Q- What happens if the engine quits?
A- Unlike a common belief, a helicopter is not compelled to fall off the sky like a rock in case of engine failure. It can even land smoothly from any altitude! In fact, a helicopter with a stopped engine will glide and remain fully controllable -- like an airplane -- as its rotor keeps rotating thanks to the air speed during the descent. The only difference is that it descends faster than a gliding airplane, but in turn, it does not need a long runway to land without damage. This manœuvre, called autorotation, is taught to all pilots and repeatedly practiced before -- and after -- a pilot licence is granted.
Q- I heared of an other helicopter crash on the news!
A- Most of helicopters are working machines doing high risk jobs on construction sites, as an example. More often than not, these are that kind of aircrafts which go down, but as there are no passenger aboard, it rarely reaches the frontpage. Often too, an accident occurs near the ground at a very low speed, so the aircraft may be totally destroyed, but the crew escapes almost unharmed. By comparison, a scenic flight under a nice weather presents a low risk pattern. The aircrafts are extremely reliable, and follow mandatory inspection programmes with systematic replacement of critical parts well before they become at risk. In addition, pilots are experienced and regularly trained to respond to any emergency.
Q- What happens in case of bad weather?
A- Only fog and strong winds (thunderstorms) can prevent a helicopter to take off safely. However, being a sightseeing flight, it is desirable to have a sunny weather to take nice pictures, and light winds to fly comfortably. Expect your flight to be postponed is the weather forcecast is less than favorable. When in doubt, the pilot makes the decision the evening before or on the morning. For your comfort, we won't take off if the wind speed exceeds 30 km/h (18 mph). Should your flight be cancelled, we will call you and do our best to find another suitable date for you. Consider your event as an outdoor activity, always depending on Mother Nature's mood swings.Q- I rest in Montreal for a few days, but I am alone. May I book a flight?
A- Call us in advance, it is often possible to book a seat with three other passengers. If you are minded to be alone aboard (i.e. no other passengers), call us, we can book you a flight in a two-seat training aircraft, but expect a higher rate.Q- What about kids?
A- Of course, children over 4 are welcome aboard, especially if it comes about joy flights! We advise against this experience for children too young to fully enjoy it and keep durable memories. Children must be able to remain reasonably calm near the aircrafts. In addition, headsets may not fit smallest heads. The car seat is not needed. The presence of at least one parent or guardian (person in authority over 18) is mandatory aboard.
