Helicopter Flight Lesson in Los Angeles: Fly Your Own

Simulator training, then hands-on flight over Long Beach

A helicopter flight lesson in Los Angeles pairs simulator instruction with actual flight time in a dual-control aircraft. You learn the fundamentals of helicopter control (straight and level flight, climbs, descents and turns) in the Elite TH100 Advanced Aircraft Training Device, the only simulator of its kind in the area. Then you move to the helicopter and apply what you learned while piloting over the Port of Long Beach and Downtown Los Angeles with an instructor pilot at your side.

The experience

The lesson starts in the simulator, where you spend time learning the basics of helicopter control and safety before ever leaving the ground. Your instructor walks you through the individual controls, the fundamentals of straight and level flight, climbs and descents, and turns. This ground-based training means you arrive at the aircraft already familiar with what the controls do and what your instructor expects from you.

Once you move to the dual-control helicopter, you put that simulator training into practice. You take the controls while your instructor guides you through every stage of the flight. The aircraft climbs to 700–1,000 feet above the Port of Long Beach and Downtown Los Angeles, and you're the one flying it. The instructor remains attentive and ready, but the helicopter responds to your inputs. You hear live commentary on the headset throughout the flight, and the fuel surcharge is included in your booking.

The experience comes in five options: the R22 helicopter with 30 or 60 minutes of flight time (one passenger maximum due to the two-seat design), the Cabri G2 with 30 minutes, or the R44 with 30 or 60 minutes (which can accommodate up to two passengers alongside you, weight permitting). Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in, and plan to sign a liability waiver on arrival. Weight limits apply: 220 pounds for the R22, 300 pounds per seat for the R44.

What’s included

• Simulator training in the Elite TH100 Advanced Aircraft Training Device.
• actual flight time in a dual-control helicopter.
• live commentary on the headset.
• all fees and taxes.
• fuel surcharge.

Options for this experience

5 options

30-minute R22 flight lessonUp to 1 per booking · Guide in English · 16 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:30You begin with instruction in our realistic, fully immersive flight simulator, lasting 30 minutes. R22: The R22 is the most popular and widely used training helicopter worldwide.

30-minute Cabri G2 flight lessonUp to 1 per booking · Guide in English · 16 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:30Flight simulator included: you start with instruction in our realistic, fully immersive flight simulator, lasting 30 minutes. Guimbal Cabri G2: The Cabri is a next-generation pilot trainer featuring a hybrid, fully articulated main rotor system and a Fenestron tail rotor.

30-minute R44 flight lessonUp to 3 per booking · Guide in English · 32 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:45You begin with instruction in our realistic, fully immersive flight simulator, lasting 30 minutes. R44 Helicopter: The R44 is larger than the R22, easier to fly, and can carry up to two passengers to share in your time.

See 2 more options

60-minute R22 flight lessonUp to 1 per booking · Guide in English · 30 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:15You begin in our realistic, fully immersive flight simulator for 1 hour. Doubling your flight time gives you a far more immersive experience, with time to learn more maneuvers. R22

60-minute R44 flight lessonUp to 3 per booking · Guide in English · 30 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:15Flight simulator included: you start with instruction in our realistic, fully immersive flight simulator, lasting 1 hour. Doubling your flight time gives you a far more immersive experience, with time to learn more maneuvers. R44: The R44 is larger than the R22, easier to fly, and can carry up to two passengers to share in your time.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day32 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:45

Book up to2h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Anthelion Helicopters

Is this one for you?Choose the R22 if you want a solo experience with just you and the instructor in a nimble two-seat aircraft. Pick the R44 if you're bringing passengers along, since it seats up to three people total and gives you more room in the cockpit. The 30-minute flight option gives you the core experience of taking the controls. The 60-minute option lets you practice longer maneuvers and build confidence at the controls.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I learn in the simulator before the actual flight?

The Elite TH100 simulator teaches you helicopter control fundamentals: how to operate the individual controls, maintain straight and level flight, execute climbs and descents, and perform turns. Your instructor uses this time to familiarize you with the aircraft's systems and safety procedures so you're ready to apply what you've learned once you're in the actual helicopter.

How high does the helicopter fly over Long Beach?

The aircraft climbs to between 700 and 1,000 feet above the Port of Long Beach and Downtown Los Angeles, giving you a clear view of the landscape while you're flying.

Can I bring passengers with me on the flight?

The R22 helicopter has only two seats, so no passengers are allowed. It's you and the instructor pilot only. The R44 can carry up to two passengers in addition to you, as long as the combined weight stays under 580 pounds and no individual exceeds 300 pounds.

What happens if I arrive late for my flight lesson?

If you arrive after your check-in window, your flight time may be cut short to stay on schedule. You can reschedule for another date instead if you prefer.

Is there a weight limit for this experience?

Yes. The R22 has a 220-pound limit per person. The R44 allows up to 300 pounds per seat, with a group weight limit of 580 pounds. Weight is verified on arrival. Customers over the limit will not be able to fly.