SAFETY & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
iNSURANCE
While Barossa Helicopters holds comprehensive public liability insurance, we strongly recommend that all clients obtain their own personal travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances or disruptions.
aIR OPERATORS CERTIFICATE
​Barossa Helicopters operates in full compliance with Australian civil aviation laws and holds an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This certification authorises the company to conduct commercial helicopter operations and ensures adherence to stringent safety and operational standards set forth by CASA.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
What happens if the weather is bad?
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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.
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Your safety and that of our pilot’s and aircraft are the Number 1 Priority!
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If you are travelling long distances to fly, please let us know at time of booking. This way we will discuss a time to make the call if the weather does not look promising.
WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
Each flight has a minimum of total weight limit including fuel, passengers etc.
Maximum individual weight is 130kg.
All up combined maximum passenger weight is 270 kg per flight.
Accurate weights at time of booking must be supplied.
AGE / HEIGHT LIMITS
What are the age limits?
Children under 100cm tall are not able to fly.
Each person is required to have their own individual seat regardless of age.
A child must be able to sit independently on their own seat.
We do not allow children to sit on laps.
SEATING ARRANGEMENTS
How is the seating arranged?
The Robinson R44 is a 3-passenger helicopter.
Seating is assigned according to weight and balance calculations.
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Please do not promise anyone in your group a specific seat (especially children), we cannot guarantee specific seating as it depends on the weight 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 from each seat.
risk
Barossa Helicopters is committed to identifying, assessing, and managing risks that may affect the safety of our passengers, crew, assets, and business operations.
Objectives
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Ensure all flights operate in accordance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations.
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Minimise risks through proactive identification and mitigation strategies.
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Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement across all levels of the organisation.
Key Principles
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Risk Assessment: Regularly review and assess operational, environmental, and business risks.
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Safety First: All decisions will prioritise the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft above commercial or scheduling considerations.
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Training and Awareness: All staff receive training to identify and respond to risks relevant to their role.
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Incident Reporting: A non-punitive, transparent system encourages prompt reporting and review of all incidents, near misses, and hazards.
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Continuous Improvement: Lessons learned from risk evaluations and incident reports are used to improve procedures and reduce future risk.
Responsibility
All team members are responsible for maintaining a safe working environment by following policies, reporting hazards, and participating in training and reviews. Final accountability rests with company directors and the Chief Pilot.
experience
Barossa Helicopters is South Australia’s longest-running helicopter company, proudly family-owned and operated since 1986. With over 13,000 flight hours logged in Robinson R44 helicopters over the past 15 years alone, we’ve safely flown more than 7,000 guests each year – showcasing the beauty of our region from above. Our extensive experience and passion for aviation make us a trusted name in the industry, delivering unforgettable aerial adventures with a commitment to safety, professionalism, and genuine country hospitality.
CANCELLING OR RESCHEDULING
What happens if I have to Cancel or Reschedule?
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If you need to reschedule your flight, contact us with as much notice as possible.
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Clients that are a “NO SHOW” or CANCEL within 24 hours of booked time, will forfeit the cost of the entire booking.
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No charge outside 24 hours.
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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.
HOW TO BOOK
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Bookings with Barossa Helicopters can be made through:
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Email
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Phone
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Our website
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Agent portals connected to Rezdy
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All bookings must include:
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Lead traveller’s full name
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Contact phone number within Australia
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Individual weights for each passenger
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For food and wine experiences or pub crawls, details of any dietary allergies or restrictions
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For bookings made via email or phone:
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An invoice will be sent via email.
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Payment is required within 7 days.
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For agent bookings:
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Some agents use payment systems that automatically pay at the end of the month.
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Remittance is sent via email to our nominated bank account.
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items that can and can't fly
Items that CAN fly:
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Camera or phone
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Water bottle (for longer flights)
Items that CANT fly:
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Selfie sticks
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Hats
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Bags
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Headscarves (unless securely pinned; otherwise, they cannot fly)
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Any loose items
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APPROPRIATE CLOTHING
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 colours to reduce any window reflections.
Ladies, please wear flatter shoes.
Hats, bags, or any loose clothing are not allowed to be worn in or around the helicopters as they can fly up into the rotors.
We will be happy to hold any hats or bags for you until you return from your tour.
motion sickness or pregnant
Flying While Pregnant
Flying during pregnancy is entirely a personal decision. Helicopter scenic flights involve no pressure changes or maneuvers that typically cause discomfort, making them suitable for expectant mothers.
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Dealing with Motion Sickness
For those who occasionally experience motion sickness but are eager to fly, scenic helicopter tours are designed to be smooth and gentle, with slow turns rather than rapid movements. While most passengers do not experience motion sickness, it is recommended to avoid using cameras or phones during the flight, as focusing on screens can lead to distorted vision, which may trigger discomfort. For individuals particularly prone to motion sickness, taking an anti-motion sickness medication before the flight can help ensure a comfortable experience.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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Check-in at our main office and meet the friendly crew
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Complete your passenger form & attend a quick safety briefing
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Leave loose items behind – phones & sunglasses are welcome
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Pose for a photo by the chopper before boarding!
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Seats assigned by weight – safety first!
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Inside: seatbelts on, headsets fitted, doors closed – ready to fly!
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Your pilot will talk you through the flight & point out Barossa highlights
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Landing at your venue? Wait for the pilot to open the doors
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After your experience, we’ll fly you back & help you disembark
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Ask us for local tips on where to eat, drink & explore
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Share your flight memories on Google, Insta & TripAdvisor
welcome
Barossa Helicopters is a family-owned business built on innovation, accountability, and strong community connections.
We aim to create unforgettable experiences by offering unique tours that cater to a wide range of interests, all delivered with professionalism and care.
Our commitment to continuous improvement drives us to stay updated through regular training and industry engagement. We welcome everyone, with policies in place to support guests with physical or mental challenges and ensure a comfortable, accessible experience.
As an inclusive operator, we provide a respectful, inclusive space for all travelers and their families.
Safety underpins everything we do—from defined responsibilities to open reporting and proactive risk management—ensuring our operations meet and exceed industry standards.
BUSINESS PHILOSPHY
Exceeding customer expectations in everything we do and holding ourselves accountable at every step.
Embracing change and innovation, we strive to look for new ways to grow our family business.
In our busy culture, we focus on building long-term relationships, within our team, with customers and with local businesses.
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Focusing on results to delight our customers by continually exceeding their expectations, creating tours and packages that appeal to everyone.
OBJECTIVE
To continue to provide safe and effective services, to achieve this we attend training sessions, courses, and industry seminars/conferences to keep up to date with the latest industry innovations and changes.
VISION
Barossa Helicopters is a family owned and operated company providing services to all industries at the best reasonable price in an informative helpful and environmentally responsible manner.
MISSION
Customer-centric is a term used that defines all that we do and how we do it at Barossa Helicopters.
We are a family-owned company who are all passionate about flying helicopters and satisfying clients with the highest level of safety and quality tailored services are competitive prices.
INCLUSIVE POLICY
At Barossa Helicopters, we believe every individual deserves the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Barossa Valley from above. We are committed to providing an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all guests—regardless of ability, background, identity, or orientation.
Accessibility – Physical & Mental
We are proud to offer a tourism experience that accommodates guests with physical or mental challenges. Our commitment includes:
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Physical Access:
Our base is accessible to individuals with mobility challenges. While helicopter access is limited by the aircraft type, our team is trained to assist passengers during boarding and disembarkation with care and respect. We provide a portable step and clear communication to ensure the boarding process is as smooth and safe as possible.
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Passenger Requirements & Assistance:
All passengers must be able to wear a seatbelt and safely board the aircraft with or without minor assistance. For guests who require a carer or support person, we encourage you to contact us in advance so we can tailor the experience to your needs.
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Mental Health & Neurodiversity:
We are mindful of sensory needs and anxiety-related conditions. Our team is patient and understanding, and we welcome open communication about any support we can offer to enhance your comfort and enjoyment during the experience.
LGBTQ+
INCLUSION
Barossa Helicopters is proud to be a "Welcome with Pride" tourism operator.
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We provide a safe, respectful, and judgement-free space for LGBTQ+ guests and their families.
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Our team is trained in inclusive customer service practices, with a focus on understanding and affirming diverse identities.
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We celebrate love in all its forms—whether you're planning a romantic getaway, celebrating a milestone, or popping the question mid-flight, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our Promise
We are always learning and evolving to ensure our business is a space where everyone feels seen, respected, and valued. If you have specific access needs or questions about how we can make your experience more inclusive, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
Let us take you on a journey where the sky is for everyone.
SAFETY POLICY
Our Commitment is to:
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Develop and embed a safety culture in all our business and aviation activities that recognises the importance and value of effective aviation safety management and always acknowledges that safety is paramount.
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Clearly define for all employees their accountabilities and responsibilities for the development and delivery of aviation safety strategy and performance.
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Minimise the risks associated with all business and aircraft operations to a point that is as low as reasonably practicable/achievable.
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Ensure that externally supplied systems and services that impact upon the safety of our operations meet appropriate safety standards.
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Actively develop and improve our safety processes.
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Comply with and, wherever possible, exceed legislative and regulatory requirements and standards.
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Ensure that all employees are provided with adequate and appropriate aviation safety information and training, are competent in safety matters and are only allocated tasks commensurate with their skills.
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Ensure that sufficient skilled and trained resources are available to implement safety strategy and policy.
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Establish and measure our safety performance against realistic objectives and/or targets.
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Achieve the highest levels of safety performance in all our business and aviation activities.
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Conduct safety and management reviews and ensure that relevant action is taken; and
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Ensure that the application of effective aviation safety management systems is integral to all our aviation activities, with the objective of achieving the highest levels of safety standards and performance.