Wedding Helicopter Charter

Wedding Helicopter Charter

The Helicopter Arrangements
Here are some things that need to be considered if you want to charter a helicopter for your wedding.
Flight times
Most helicopter wedding flights are short hops between two venues, either the reception and the honeymoon hotel or the airport for those jetting off to other parts of the world. When considering your flight you should take in to consideration your budget, locations and timings. Although the flight may be short you must consider that a minimum of 1 hour will be charged for the helicopter flight. It is also important to plan your arrival and departure times so that the helicopter does not disturb other guests and residents during early morning hours and night time.
It is important to note that the one hour minimum charter will also include the flight positioning leg from the helicopters operating base and it’s return, so it is important to find an helicopter operator nearest to you. This means you will get maximum benefits of the helicopter flight.
Location
Before your helicopter can land, the helipad has to be checked for suitability. There are many approved helicopter landing pads in the UK with most of these located at hotels. You should check with the venue if they are approved to have helicopters land there. If your reception does not have a helipad it is important that the any alternative and proposed helipad is checked for suitability and that the land owners permission has been granted. It is also important to establish whether the location is in a built up area or countryside as this will determine the type of helicopter that can be used.
Planning
Although every step has been taken to ensure the best day of your life, nobody can control the weather. The helicopter operator will have a much better picture of the weather for your wedding day and in the unfortunate event that the flight has to be cancelled or delayed due to weather an alternative mode of transport must be planned. If this did happen you will normally receive a full refund of the flight costs.
Guests and Photos
The helicopter will arrive in time to close down the engines and rotors so that there will be plenty of opportunity for wedding photos with the helicopter.
If you budget allows there may also be an opportunity for guests to take a trip in the helicopter, this will take additional planning.
Costs
The cost of the helicopter will vary from £600 – £950 per hour plus VAT. Other costs could also include landing fees.
The helicopters
The helicopters generally used are the Jetranger, Longranger and AS350/355. These are best suited to accommodate the brides wedding dress and provide a high level of comfort.
What next
It is advisable to take a 30 minute helicopter trip prior to your wedding day. The purpose of the trip is so that you can determine whether you love or hate flying in a helicopter.