What documents are “must have” to fly by Helicopter?
What documents are “must have” to fly by Helicopter?
The commercial airline flight procedure is a different from a private helicopter flight, where everything is designed for the efficiency and your comfort. Administrative process before and during the flight, and the movements through the airport are included.
Below are some answers for frequently asked questions by our new customers.
Once these few things are known and taken into account – just relax and enjoy your Private Helicopter flight!
Do I need to arrive at the airport/heliport/helipad in advance?
You do not need to come to the departure point hours in advance if you are travelling by helicopter, as all the formalities are passed and done by the Airline/Helicopter company. In majority it takes from 15 to 30 minutes from arrival, for you to board the aircraft.
At most FBOs and Heliports there are a parking area outside the doors where you can park your car. At some smaller airports/helipads it’s even allowed to drive up to the aircraft.
Our professional team will brief you fully on the formalities for your particular flight, and advise you a recommended arrival time to the airport/heliport.
Is it necessary to have passport when I fly on a Helicopter?
Yes it is. Same immigration rules exist for helicopter flights, same as for commercial airline flights, it’s just that check-in process feels much faster and is more simple.
For example, when flying internationally from Mykonos to Bodrum, a passport will be required. If it’s a domestic flight, or a route between Schengen Countries in Europe, an authorized ID card or a driving license will be required.
Do I need a VISA when I fly by Helicopter?
It is always necessary that you meet the immigration requirements for your destination country and your nationality and status. This includes obtaining a visa when needed.
Our Professional Team can always advise you on the visa requirements for your flight. You will need to check with the authorities of your country of origin for the procedures required.
Will the authorities check my documents at the airport/heliport?
When you confirm the booking of your private helicopter flight, the Airline company will ask for a photo – copy (photo – shot) of your passport (or ID) and visa (if required) for each passenger travelling. This is needed to create a passenger’s manifest. This is an official document, requested by the immigration services.
The information on the manifest depends from the route and can be used to check all requested information on the passengers before the flight, rather than after arrival to the departure point. This procedures make the process much faster and easier for the passengers.
There is still a possibility that all passengers have their passport or ID cards with them, which will be checked by the authorities and no matter the manifest – the passenger would not be able to board the aircraft for some reason. At some cases immigration services are performed as a spot checks.
Some changes can be performed to any passenger travelling at any point up to the aircraft departure (for example: subject to the max payload of the aircraft), but the same documentation is still be required for any last minute passengers.
Is there a luggage scanning before my helicopter flight?
Same as with a commercial flight, if you fly from Official Airport or FBO, your luggage will be scanned before you can board your private aircraft. However this procedure goes much faster as there is no waiting time or lots of people. There is no luggage scanning when departure point is outside of Airport. Depends from the aircraft, there are limits on a luggage size or number of luggage allowed for the person and. Our professional team will advise you on the maximum allowed luggage weight and size for booked helicopter.
Do I need to have a ticket/boarding pass with me when I fly with Helicopter?
There are no tickets for a Helicopter flights. At the time when you book you helicopter flight with us, we’ll send you an itinerary detailing information for your flight, booking/reservation form reference (if you planning to fly next month for exp.) or boarding passes if your flight is in the next days . The Preflight Notice also includes all contact details of the airline company, handling agent, flight crew and the tail number of your helicopter. Driving directions to the departure point (Airport, Heliport or Helipad), parking information or ground transportation details will be also included.
Do my pets, when travelling with me, need a passport or other documents?
Pets are allowed to travel with their owners on a private helicopter flights, but all necessary documents are required – such as pet’s passport with unique microchip number and veterinarian immunization records.
It is always better to check if the destination country have some special requirements for the pets arriving. For example in UK your pet should be vaccinated against rabies and must be wormed at least 24 hours before departure.
