FAQ
Frequently Asked Queestions
  • What type of helicopters do you have?
    • We have a fleet of five Bell 407 helicopters.
  • How many helicopters do you have?
    • We have a fleet of five Bell 407 helicopters that seat 6 passengers each.
  • How many helicopters can you have running at one time?
    • We can have all five helicopters running at one time. The number of passengers waiting in line determines how many aircraft we have running.
  • What is the approximate wait time between flights?
    • Depending on how many passengers are in line and how many helicopters are flying, the wait can be anywhere from 1 minute to 30 minutes. However, we strive to keep the wait to 15 minutes or less.
  • How often do the helicopters take off?
    • Every 2 – 10 minutes depending on the how many passengers are waiting.
  • What are the hours of operation?
    • We are open 365 days a year from 9:00 am until sunset, 7 days a week (weather permitting).
  • How many passengers per helicopter?
    • Each of our helicopters seats six passengers plus the pilot for a total of seven people.
  • What is the minimum number of passengers per flight?
    • Presently, we will fly with a minimum of two passengers; however, we will fill the helicopters to capacity as long as we have the people waiting. If you would like to guarantee a private flight, you will be required to pay for all six seats.
  • How long are the flights?
    • Our 9 minute flight covers 27 kilometers (17 miles). Including boarding and photos, your cycle will last approximately 12 minutes.
  • Are there longer flight available?
    • The airspace over Niagara Falls is among the most restricted airspace in the world. As such, our flight plan is regulated by Transport Canada, permitting us to fly over the falls, but following a specified route.

      We do offer chartered flights within Canadian airspace to wineries, golf courses, etc. For more information on chartered flights, please contact us.
  • Are reservations necessary?
    • We do not require reservations as we operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, we do recommend that bus groups book in advance so that we may space them out and not create a long wait time.

      For families or individuals, we recommend that you call before you come to make sure that we are flying.

      You can reach us locally at (905) 357-5672, toll free at 1-800-281-8034 or via email.
  • Are there different language commentaries?
    • Our helicopters are equipped with headsets playing taped commentary describing what you’re seeing, the helicopter you’re riding in and other interesting facts. This commentary is available in the following 12 languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Thai, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean and Russian.

      Please specify which language you prefer when you arrive. Every effort is made to ensure that language needs can be accommodated, however, we do not guarantee commentary as part of your flight.
  • Where are you located?
    • We are located at 3171 Victoria Avenue in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. If you are visiting us from the United States of America, you must cross the border as we cannot do pickups in the USA.
  • How many years/ hours experience do the pilots have?
    • Each of our pilots attended flight school where they received their Canadian Commercial Pilots License and a minimum of 100 flying hours. In addition to this, Niagara Helicopters requires all pilots to have a minimum of 1500 hours of flying experience, 500 with a turbine engine. All told, our pilots have a total of 90 years flying experience. If you’re flying with Niagara Helicopters, you’re in good hands!
  • Are the helicopters safe?
    • Our helicopters are among the safest and most well maintained helicopters in the world. Along with our accomplished pilots, the helicopter ride is one of the safest things you can do in Niagara Falls.
  • How often are the helicopters maintained?
    • Daily. Our team of four full time engineers and maintenance technicians is continuously working on and testing each helicopter in order to provide you with the safest ride. They were awarded the prestigious Roland Groome Award for exceedingly high standards of aircraft maintenance.
  • When are you able to fly or not able to fly?
    • In order to take off, we need a minimum cloud base of 2400 ft and visibility of 3 miles.

      The weather does change throughout the day and it is quite uncommon if we cannot fly at least for a portion of the day. So just because we aren’t flying in the morning, doesn’t mean we won’t fly in the afternoon or evening.

      We recommend that you call us at (905)357-5672 or 1-800-281-8034 before you come to check the weather conditions.
  • I already took the ride, but now that I’m home, I want to order a picture or souvenir…who can I contact?
    • You can send any inquiries regarding souvenirs and photos to our Guest Services Manager, Shea Gordon.