Blue Sky Helicopters

Here are some of the questions most frequently asked by our scenic flight guests:

What time and on what days do you fly?
	Our passengers choose the time they wish to fly! Rather than schedule flights at set times we offer flights to suit our passengers itinerary. We normally start flight operations at 9.30am and finish at 8:00pm (in summer) and 5:00pm (in winter). We are open 7 days a week.

Is it safe?

We are as interested in safety as you are. Our duty is to minimise risk by making safety our primary focus and at the same time, to provide memorable experiences for our passengers.

At Blue Sky Helicopters, our passenger's safety is paramount, it will always come first. We have a 100% safety record and have never been issued with any form of reprimand or non-compliance. You'll also be flying (in Jet Turbine aircraft) with the most experienced tour pilots based at Sydney Airport! (Read Company Profile here).

We are a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Certified Air Carrier and embrace the regulations, however we believe these regulations are set down as the minimum required. Our operations are subject to a higher level of safety exceeding the regulatory requirements.

All passengers are given a thorough safety briefing prior to flight including use of lifejackets (if flying over or near water), operation of doors, seatbelts and general safety awareness around the helicopter.

Can I bring my video camera?

Absolutely! However, Blue Sky pioneered the concept of live (real-time edit) in-flight recordable DVD! We were the first Helicopter Company in the World to successfully record live to DVD as we fly (& still the only company in Sydney) to offer passengers this ultimate memento of their flight, complete with the narration of the pilot and a magnificent musical soundtrack.

Our 4 custom-built, state-of-the-art digital video cameras are strategically mounted on (and in) the helicopter to capture every breathtaking moment of your flight from take-off to your arrival.

All this... plus communication between pilot and air traffic controller recorded for you to remember your "Blue Sky" experience forever! All flights are recorded by default so you can decide after your flight if you wish to purchase the DVD. The cost of the DVD recording is A$60.00.

Can we take photographs?
	No problem, we encourage you! Any "point & shoot" camera or any 35mm SLR camera with a lens between 28mm and 70mm is recommended. Please send us your pics after your flight and we'll put them up on our noticeboard.

Do we share the helicopter with other passengers?

Because quality and choice is so important to us, we offer you two options..."Share with Others" or "Private Charter". Our helicopter has 4 passenger seats...

Share with Others means just that... sharing the helicopter with other passengers. i.e. You are purchasing 1, 2 or 3 seats on the helicopter and the empty seat or seats could be (but not always) occupied by other passengers. When booking for 3 passengers on any "Share with Others" scenic flight of 30-minutes or more we'll give you a 10% discount!

Private Charter means that you are securing all 4 passenger seats on the helicopter... You will not be sharing with other people that you do not know (it's up to you how many seats you want to use to a maximum of 4). Even If you are a single passenger or a group of 2 or 3, you can still Private Charter the helicopter & cancel out the possibility of the remaining seat/s being sold! When booking a Private Charter scenic flight or Fly & Dine / Blue Mountains / Hunter Valley package we'll also give you up to 30% discount!

Note: If your booking equals 4 passengers you will automatically qualify for "Private Charter" at the discounted rate as you'll have reached the maximum seating capacity for our Jetranger helicopter.

If booking for 3 passengers on a Fly & Dine / Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley package you'll also automatically qualify for "Private Charter".

What Sydney based flight would you recommend and at what time?
	Whether you choose to fly in the morning, afternoon or early evening (in Summer), it is always a good time to fly! We recommend the 30-minute City to Surf as the minimum as passengers get to see the full panorama of our great City. The Sunset Flight is also highly recommended..

How far ahead do I need to book?
	We request that passengers book as far in advance as possible as this will enable you to choose the exact time you wish to fly. If you are visiting Sydney, we suggest you book your flight early in your stay, this way if your pilot determines that weather conditions on the day of your flight are not suitable, you will have options for re-scheduling.

What time do I need to be at the airport and is there parking?
	We request that passengers check-in 15 minutes prior to departure. Parking is available free of charge outside our building at 462 Ross Smith Ave, Sydney Airport.

What happens if I cancel or fail to show after I have booked a flight?
	Cancellation within 48 hours of flight time will incur a 50% cancellation fee. Cancellation within 24 hours of flight time (or a no-show) will incur a 100% cancellation fee. There is naturally no cancellation fee when Blue Sky Helicopters cancels the flight due to bad weather or operational contingency.

What if the weather is bad on the day of my flight?
	If the weather is inclement on the day of your flight, the flight will be re-scheduled at a time that is mutually convenient. Please note it's the Pilot's call on the weather.

Can you pick us up from the City?

For Private Charter flights, we include a one way transfer in a Mercedes S Class or BMW 7 series chauffeured car... Passengers booking a Shared flight still have this option, however the cost is A$90... Catching a cab is another option (just 15-minutes & around A$30). approx... Print this map out & give it to your driver. If you decide to drive yourself to the heliport, our car park is free to use.

Another option is public transport... Take the (Airport & East Hills) train to the Domestic Terminal, after exiting the station, hop on the Long Term Car Park Courtesy bus (5-minute drive) which will drop you at the Long Term Car Park only. From here walk for 5 minutes (North) back up Ross Smith Ave. Our building is the first building on your left just past Hammond Place.

Will the pilot give us a commentary?
	Blue Sky pilots give an expert, up to date narration on the history and intriguing facts of the Sydney region whilst also highlighting the City sites.

What should we wear?
	If you plan to take photographs we recommend darker colors to reduce any window reflections. Passengers should wear similar clothing to what they would wear on a car trip, If your flight includes a landing in the Blue Mountains in the cooler months (April through to September), we also suggest a sweater or jacket.
	How do you reduce the impact of your operations on the people you fly over?
	Blue Sky Helicopters incorporates the Helicopter Association Internationals "Fly Neighbourly" program into our flight operations. This initiative promotes the operation of helicopters in such a way that minimises the noise impact to the community and the environment. This is accomplished, for example, by establishing and following routes that limit exposure to the public, employing pilot techniques that reduce the noise signature of the helicopter and by flying at higher than normal altitudes in noise sensitive areas.

"From your initial contact with Blue Sky Helicopters, you will find an innovative and dynamic company with a friendly welcome and impeccable service extended to clients from Sydney and from around the World."