Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children pay the same price as adults for helicopter flights?
Until their second birthday, children may fly on an adult’s lap and therefore travel for free. According to the law, children 2 years of age and older must have their own seat and pay the same fare as adults.
Do you fly all year round, even in winter?
Yes, we operate year-round. Every season has its own special charm. You can choose your favorite season for your flight.
How can I pay for my helicopter flight?
You can pay for our helicopter flights, gift certificates, and store items online by invoice or credit card. Cash payments are also accepted on-site.
We accept the following payment methods:
- Postcard
- Visa
- Mastercard
- EC debit card
- Twint
Please note that flights must be paid for before departure in all cases.
How do I book a helicopter flight?
Website: On the respective page for our sightseeing flights, you can choose whether you’d like to order a gift certificate or book an appointment directly.
If you already have a gift certificate for a single seat, click on“Available Seats”via the helicopter icon in the upper left corner. There you’ll find the available seats on our sightseeing flights on Sundays (departing from Bern-Belp).
Phone: Feel free to call us at 031 819 60 30. Our office is open seven days a week. We’d be happy to assist you.
Email: Feel free to send us an email with your reservation request to info@mountainflyers.ch.
How does a helicopter actually work?
A helicopter is a complex aircraft. The lift that allows the helicopter to rise into the air is generated by the horizontally rotating rotor blades, which are driven by an engine. The rotor creates a force that causes the helicopter to float upward.
How does check-in work?
After you have paid or turned in your voucher at our office, your pilot will greet you. He will accompany you to the helicopter. You are welcome to take photos. You may also bring guests who can take photos or videos of you in front of the helicopter and during takeoff. Please follow the staff’s instructions, as you will be within the airport security zone during this time. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the hangar and the outdoor area with the terrace.
Your pilot will brief you on the most important safety rules regarding the helicopter and explain the functions of the doors, seat belts, and headsets. You will then take your seat in the helicopter so that the flight can begin.
How far in advance do I need to book a helicopter flight?
We recommend booking one to two weeks in advance. Of course, you can also make a reservation on short notice. If you book with less notice, there’s a chance our helicopters may already be booked. We’re especially busy on weekends.
How long does it take to receive a gift certificate?
You can print our gift certificates immediately after placing your order (payment by invoice or online with a credit card). This means there is no delivery time. Can’t or don’t want to print the gift certificate? Contact us—we’ll send it to you via A-Mail so it arrives the next day.
I only want to fly when the weather is nice—what are the weather requirements?
We create unforgettable experiences—and good weather is essential for that. We’ll call you on the day of the flight (a few hours before takeoff) to let you know about the weather conditions. Together with you, we’ll decide whether or not to go ahead with the flight.
Is there a weight limit for helicopter flights?
Yes, every type of helicopter has a maximum takeoff weight that must not be exceeded. Factors such as the number of passengers, fuel load, air temperature, engine power, and flight time, among others, must be taken into account. The pilot is legally required to prepare a “load manifest” before the flight. This document includes, among other things, the individual weights of all passengers. When booking a helicopter flight, we therefore ask for the passengers’ weights and reserve the right to recommend a larger, more powerful helicopter if the maximum takeoff weight is exceeded. Please feel free to contact us directly for calculations regarding specific configurations.
For the Robinson R22 (used only for introductory flights and training), the limit is 95 kg per person.
For the Robinson R44, the average passenger weight is 95 kg per person, and for the Bell 505, it is 85 kg per person.
Under what conditions do single-seat flights take place?
For the single-seat flights (departing from Bern-Belp every Sunday) to take place, the following conditions must be met:
- All seats on the helicopter are occupied or paid for
- weather conditions are favorable
If not all seats on the helicopter are filled, the flight will be rescheduled to a subsequent weekend (Saturday or Sunday) of your choice.
What should I keep in mind regarding clothing?
As a general rule, you can use the outside temperature as a guide. Of course, our helicopters are heated. In addition, each helicopter has enough storage space to bring a jacket if needed. We recommend closed-toe shoes.
For flights that include glacier landings, hiking boots or mountaineering boots, as well as warm, windproof clothing, are required.
What should you keep in mind after landing?
After landing, the pilot shuts down the helicopter's piston engine or turbine and allows the rotor to come to a stop. Please remain in the helicopter with your seatbelt fastened until the pilot exits and opens the doors for you or instructs you to open the doors yourself. Your pilot will then accompany you back to our office.
What should you keep in mind during the flight?
During the sightseeing flight, you can talk to the pilot through your headset. Be sure to keep your microphone close to your mouth. On exclusive sightseeing flights, the route can be customized to your preferences, provided it fits within the time frame. Of course, you’re welcome to take photos during the flight.
Unlike an airplane, a helicopter can land almost anywhere. Many sightseeing flights include a stopover in the mountains or at a restaurant. For exclusive sightseeing flights lasting 45 minutes or longer, a stopover is generally possible.
You can find more information in our passenger briefing.