Coastal Helicopters, Inc.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Biplane:
• How many people can travel per trip and is there a weight limit?
The front cockpit accommodates two average size passengers (approx. 410 lbs. total) - there are weight restrictions so please be honest when we ask over the phone! Larger folks may be surprised to find plenty of room and a comfortable ride when flying alone in the front seat. It does require some dexterity to climb into the cockpit, so if you think that might be an issue, please discuss with our staff before showing up for the flight. We reserve the right to charge full trip price if the actual weights are too much over the stated weights and for this reason we are not able to take the flight.
• Is there an age limit?
We've taken as young as 3 years old. We do ask that those under age 12 are accompanied by an adult.
• What should I wear for the flight?
In general, we suggest that you wear what you normally would for the time of year, it's the same temperature up on the flight as it is on the ground. We do recommend sunglasses - scarves are optional!
• What is your cancellation policy?
We're pretty flexible, but please call us as soon as possible if you need to cancel your flight. We do reserve the right to charge the full trip charge as a 'No Show' fee if you don't call to cancel your reservation.
•Where do you take us?
We have great tour route choices that we offer to show you the largest number of local attractions in the area for your flight time. However, if you'd like to see a specific spot (for example your cottage or property, etc.) just let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate that in your time frame.
• Where are you located?
We fly out of Dare County Regional Airport in Manteo, NC, which is located just past the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. For directions, please click HERE.
•Can I get a last minute gift certificate?
Sure.... just give us a call at 252-216-7777 or email us at obxbiplanes@gmail.com and we'd be happy to email you a custom gift certificate. They make great gifts for graduations, birthdays, anniversaries or any special occasion. An OBX Biplanes flight over the beach is one of the best things to do on the Outer Banks, and if you're lucky, they'll ask YOU to go along!
Helicopter:
• Is there an age limit?
No! We've taken everyone from age 8 months to age 98. Please call to discuss if there is a passenger under two years old.
• Is there a weight limit?
Yes. We can take three passengers, totaling approx. 585 lbs. We can occasionally go over this limit depending upon quantity of fuel on board. We also have a per seat weight limit of 300 lbs. We do a weight and balance in the office before each trip - we weigh every passenger when they arrive for the trip so please don’t be shy on the phone, it is extremely important to get accurate weights!
• Is it bumpy, scary, or will I get motion sickness?
No. We often tell people when they ask, “it's like riding on a magic carpet, or sitting on a porch swing and gently lifting off”. Helicopters are much smoother than airplanes; since we don't have wings, we cut right through the air for an ultra-smooth ride.
• Do we need reservations?
Reservations are not required, but we do encourage them so that you won't have a wait once you get to the airport. We do welcome walk ins, but on busy days you run the risk of having to wait a while for a flight.
• Where are you located?
We are based at Dare County Airport, 410 Airport Rd. in Manteo (if you are using GPS, please use 374 Airport Rd.) on Roanoke Island: our office is in the main terminal building. We are approx. 25 minutes from Nags Head. Manteo is a great place to visit, offering the NC Aquarium, a downtown harbor front area with lots of shops and restaurants, the Elizabethan Gardens, and much more.
• Is it a good view, and can I bring my camera?
Yes and yes! Every seat is a window seat, and the visibility is unparalleled. Cameras are encouraged, and we also offer custom flight videos of your trip using a high definition GoPro camera.
• Can people with disabilities fly?
You bet they can. We take pride in trying to accommodate all passengers. Depending upon the specifics, we can usually make it happen. Please call to discuss, as it is a case by case basis.
• Can we customize our tour?
Sure. We'd be happy to take you anywhere you'd like to go - for any tours over 30 minutes, we switch to our cheaper hourly rate of $549/hr. and pro-rate the trip by the tenth of an hour.
• What is your cancellation policy?
We're pretty flexible, but please call us as soon as possible if you need to cancel your flight. We do reserve the right to charge the full trip charge as a 'No Show' fee if you don't call to cancel your reservation.
OBX Warbirds:
• What is a 'warbird'?
A warbird is a vintage military aircraft, in this case, a beautifully maintained T6 Texan AT6 named 'Sweet Sophia'. This aircraft was one of the most important aircraft in aviation history and it is a pleasure and an honor to be able to offer flights in this airplane.
• Is there a weight limit?
We restrict the passenger weight to 275 lbs.
• Is it hard to get in and out of the rear cockpit?
We have a very safe, heavy duty step ladder that we use when assisting passengers in and out of the cockpit, and of course we are there to assist any way we can. It does require some dexterity to get in and back out, so please call to discuss if you think that might be an issue.
• Can I bring a camera?
Yes, we do allow passengers to bring their own phone or camera but have found that can be very distracting from the flight for passengers. We take pictures for you before and after the flight, and also offer custom Hi-Def flight videos, so we recommend you leave the equipment behind and concentrate on the joy of flying in an authentic WWII T-6 Texan vintage aircraft!
• What is your cancellation policy?
We're pretty flexible, but please call us as soon as possible if you need to cancel your flight. We do reserve the right to charge the full trip charge as a 'No Show' fee if you don't call to cancel your reservation.