Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Barossa Helicopters an accredited operator?
YES. We are AAA Tourism accredited, Civil Aviation Safety Authority approved and have all the necessary public liability insurances.

What should we wear?
The helicopters can get quite hot during the Aussie summer months and cooler during the winter months, so dress comfortably.
If you plan to take photographs we recommend darker colour’s to reduce any window reflections.
Ladies please wear flatter shoes.
Hats or bags are not allowed to be worn in or around the helicopters as they can fly up into the rotors and damage the aircraft. We will be happy to hold any hats or bags for you until you return from your tour.

Can I take a camera?
Yes, we encourage you to bring your camera or movie camera to help you remember your fabulous time at Barossa Helicopters.

Do you recommend taking an anti-motion sickness medication?
This is a scenic tour, not a thrill ride. Most people do not experience motion sickness and do not need an anti-motion sickness medication.
Our flights are very smooth and turns are slow and gentle.
If you are particularly prone to motion sickness an anti-motion sickness medication is a good idea.

When is the best time to fly?
It is wise to book a tour early in your stay, that way if your pilot determines that weather conditions on a particular day are not the best for your tour, you will have some options for re-scheduling.
As far as the best time of day for a helicopter tour you should consider your personal schedule.
Most of the time we have nice weather; during summer it can get quite hot, so it is best to schedule your flight for early morning. If we happen to have rainy weather, the pilot will consult the Bureau of Meteorology and determine if it will be safe to fly.
We do not take our guests on a tour unless we are certain we can give you an excellent experience. Apart from not being enjoyable rain does damage the helicopters blades.
The pilots decision is final, whatever the occasion.

How much experience do your pilots/ground crew have?
All pilots at Barossa Helicopters have a high level of flying experience and local knowledge.
Our ground crew have also been involved with Barossa Helicopters for a very long time; they are very experienced in all aspects of loading and unloading passengers and or cargo.

Are the helicopters air-conditioned or heated?
Yes.

How long has Barossa Helicopters been in business?
The company began in the late 80′s. We ARE South Australia’s oldest helicopter company, flying many thousands of hour’s/ clients accident and incident free.

Are we guaranteed to see all of the sights mentioned in your tour descriptions?
You will see every point of interest mentioned in the tours, if weather permits.

Does Barossa Helicopters offer flights that are not primarily for scenic viewing?
Yes, we are a helicopter charter company. Besides scenic tour flights, we also offer transport to the corporate sector – or anyone who has a limited amount of time to complete their work. We are highly experienced in still photography, movie filming as well as aerial surveys. In addition to tours over the Barossa Valley by air, we will fly you where you want to go, at whatever time you prefer, provided our equipment and personnel are available.

What are Barossa Helicopters hours of operation?
We open for business at 9 am and close at 4:30 pm, Australian Central Standard Time.
However, if your needs do not fit into our standard hours we are happy to fly anytime, by arrangement and aircraft availability. Bookings are essential on weekends. We don’t want you to miss out!!!

Will we be the only ones in the helicopter?
Yes, you will be the only passengers in the helicopter. We do not join groups.

Is there an age limit?
No, there are no age restrictions. However, each person is required to have their own individual seat regardless of age. We do recommend no children under the age of 3.

Can I fly while pregnant?
Yes – the decision to fly at any stage of your pregnancy is entirely up to the individual.

Are there weight limits?
Yes, each helicopter has an individual seat limit and an all up weight limits. If you or a person flying with you is near the 120 kg please call to discuss your flight.

How is the seating arranged?
The Robinson R44 is a 3 passenger helicopter. Seating is assigned according to our weight and balance calculations.
We cannot guarantee specific seating as it depends on the weight and balance of all the guests booked on a particular flight. Visibility for all passengers is excellent as there is no separating bulkhead to obscure the sweeping view for each seat.

How your tour will go - Scenic Tours

How your tour with go – Scenic Tours

Check in:

When you come to the main office, not only will you be greeted by our friendly staff but occasionally the 2 and 4 legged babies as well. Once you have decided which flight you would like to experience, we will need the following details: Full Name, contact number, postcode, email and individual weight. Payment can be made by either cash or EFTPOS.

Pre-flight:

Before you take to the sky, we ask that you please be seated to watch the flight briefing video. All aspects of YOUR safety will be covered in the flight briefing video or verbally by one of our staff. Please listen carefully!
We will also ask you to please leave all hats, bags, scarves, anything lose (including selfie sticks) MUST remain behind. Be sure to take your cameras or any picture taking devices with you as the views are awesome.

Boarding Helicopter:

Our ground crew will escort you to the helicopter and determine your best seating arrangements – this is according to yours and your travelling partners individual size/weight. Small children will always have their own seat and generally will be in the back seats. Before you board, our ground crew will show you where to stand to have your photo taken next to the helicopter. We will use your camera or phone.

Once inside the Chopper:

Once seated, the ground crew will ensure your seat belt is fastened correctly and is secure. You will also be assisted with putting on your headset, allowing you to communicate with the other passengers and pilot.

Everything in the Green & Good to Go:

As you take off, your pilot will explain to you, which direction they will head off in. Remember your pilot has done this many times and if you feel a little un-easy please tell your pilot and they will be able to talk you through the process as it’s all happening. Your pilot will point out some of the famous landmarks and icons of the Barossa Valley. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

Arriving back at Base:

Once you’re back on the ground, the ground crew will open and close the doors for you. Please make sure you do not touch the doors or exit the helicopter without their assistance.

***When getting in and out of the helicopter, please be careful NOT to lean on the doors – they are fragile and easily damaged***

On your way out:

Please make sure you write in our visitor’s book, we love to hear your thoughts on your experience. If you’re staying in the Barossa we can assist you with directions or places to see and visit.
We also have a variety of souvenirs from clothing to glasses and mugs etc.
Check-in and (Facebook, Instagram, TripAdvisor) upload your photos and share with your friends that missed out.

How your tour will go - Food & Wine Tours

How your tour will go – Food & Wine Tours

Check in:

When you come to the main office, not only will you be greeted by our friendly staff but occasionally the 2 and 4 legged babies as well. Once you have decided which flight you would like to experience, we will need the following details: Full Name, contact number, postcode, email and individual weight. Payment can be made by either cash or EFTPOS.

Pre-flight:

Before you take to the sky, we ask that you please be seated to watch the flight briefing video. All aspects of YOUR safety will be covered in the flight briefing or verbally by one of our staff. Please listen carefully!
We will also ask you to please leave all hats, bags, scarves, anything lose (including selfie sticks) MUST remain behind. Be sure to take your cameras or any picture taking devices with you as the views are awesome.

Boarding Helicopter:

Our ground crew will escort you to the helicopter and determine your best seating arrangements – this is according to yours and your travelling partners individual size/weight. Small children will always have their own seat and generally will be in the back seats. Before you board, our ground crew will show you where to stand to have your photo taken next to the helicopter. We will use your camera or phone.

Once inside the Chopper:

Once seated, the ground crew will ensure your seat belt is fastened correctly and is secure. You will also be assisted with putting on your headset, allowing you to communicate with the other passengers and pilot.

Everything in the Green & Good to Go:

As you take off, your pilot will explain to you, which direction they will head off in. Remember your pilot has done this many times and if you feel a little un-easy please tell your pilot and they will be able to talk you through the process as it’s all happening. Your pilot will point out some of the famous landmarks and icons of the Barossa Valley. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

Arriving at your chosen winery:

We will land you as close to the winery as physically possible to ensure the “Rockstar” arrival!
We ask you to remain inside the aircraft until your pilot has shut the aircraft down and open’s up the doors. At this time, your pilot will let you know the departure time from the winery.
Your pilot will then walk with you inside the winery and introduce you to the staff member who will guide you through your structured wine tasting (or walking winery tour on selected packages).
After your time at the winery your pilot will help you back into the aircraft and shut the doors for you.

Arriving back at Base:

Once you’re back on the ground at our base, your pilot will once again shut the aircraft down and take you back through to our reception where we say our goodbye’s!

On your way out:

Please make sure you write in our visitor’s book, we love to hear your thoughts on your experience.
Check-in-on Facebook, Instagram, TripAdvisor upload your photos and share with your friends!

Terms & Conditions

Terms and Conditions

By confirming a booking you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the following conditions of carriage:

  • ALL passengers will be briefed and weighed before boarding the helicopter.
  • ALL flights leave and return Barossa Helicopters, 261 Hoffnungsthal Road Lyndoch, unless prior arrangement has been made – there will be additional fees applied to relocate.

Booking your flight:

Phone us on 08 8524 4209 or book online through our website.

Have your gift voucher number ready or credit card number to secure your booking.

We do not take anything from your card unless instructed to do so or you do not turn up to your flight – you will forfeit the cost of the flight.

Please give us your contact mobile phone number for the day of your flight.

Gift Vouchers:

All vouchers are NOT redeemable after the expiry date.

4, 10, 20, 30 minute flights are valid for 12 months from date of purchase.

All wine tour packages and tailored tours are valid for 6 months from date of purchase – due to packages changing with the seasons.

Minimum of 2 person charge on all vouchers.

Non-refundable or redeemable for cash.

Try to book your flight soon after receiving it.

Surprises and Proposals:

If the flight is a surprise or a wedding proposal, please advise us of the special occasion so that we can best coordinate with you to make it a special time.

In addition, when booking, please advise the weights of each person so that we can arrange the seating (e.g. so the special couple can be seated together in the back).

LAY-BY options:

Each tour is to be paid in full prior to departure.

Payment plans are available for any of our tours.

Do not hesitate to give us a call or email to discuss your options.

Weight restrictions:

All aircraft have weight restrictions.

If you or someone flying with you is over 100 kgs please call us.

Please inform us at the time of booking ALL passenger weights.

Flights are based on a standard passenger weight of 80 kg.

Weights in excess of this will affect quoted prices.

Each flight has a maximum total weight limit including fuel, passengers etc.

Please feel free to call us to discuss the total seat weight.

Payment:

Full payment is required before we depart for each flight.

We accept cash, debit cards, credit cards (we DO NOT accept Diners Club or AMEX).

Weather:

Barossa Helicopters reserves the right to change flights due to weather conditions or other operational considerations. The pilot’s decision is final – regardless of the occasion.

Your safety and that of our pilot’s and aircraft are the No. 1 Priority!

Cancellation Fees:

Apply to all bookings.

Credit Card charges incurred by Barossa Helicopters will be charged to you for ALL cancellations. NO REFUNDS are available.

If your flight is cancelled outside 24 hours but within 48 Hours of your booked time, there will be a $50 fee charged.

Inside 24 hours of booked flight time, you will forfeit the cost of the flight.

* A full refund will be made available to customers in the event of a cancellation of the flight by Barossa Helicopters Pty Ltd due to adverse weather or any other unforeseen event.

** In the event you are a “NO SHOW” you will forfeit the cost of your entire booking.

Quotes:

Are valid for 30 days from quotation date.

If we are outside your price bracket please let us know. We may be able to provide an alternative option.

Wheelchair Accessible:

The Barossa Helicopter base is wheelchair friendly and accessible. We have available a “golf buggy” to travel between our reception and helicopters.

No Pets Allowed:

We love our pets but we appreciate that you don’t bring yours with you.

No Smoking:

The Barossa Helicopter base is non-smoking for all clients and customers.

Any other questions - send us an email