Terms & Conditions

1. Sightseeing Flights are operated on set dates, generally at weekends throughout the year. All flight times quoted are approximate and may vary slightly either way on the day subject to Air Traffic and/or Operational requirements.

2. All flights are carried out subject to suitable weather conditions, aircraft serviceability and operational requirements being met, as such all flights can be subject to cancellation at short notice. In the event of your flight being cancelled for any reason whatsoever, including helicopter un-serviceability and/or inclement weather the operator (Solent Helicopters Ltd) will not be responsible for the costs of travel, accommodation or any other associated costs incurred.

3. Flight routes may be changed/varied on the day at the pilot or operator’s discretion due to any air traffic restrictions imposed and/or any operational or safety circumstances beyond our control.

4. Flight vouchers are sold with a validity period of 12 months from date of purchase on a Non-Refundable basis. The voucher(s) may be transferred to another person(s) provided we are notified in writing at least 48 hours prior to the date of the flight.

5. Children must be 2 years of age or above to be carried on any of our Sightseeing or Pleasure Flights and must occupy their own seat. All Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

6. Children must be 14 years or over to undertake a Trial Lesson Flight.

7. In certain circumstances a passenger may be carried on Robinson R44 Trial Lesson Flights. Any passenger will be classed as an ‘Observer’ and should be a family member or friend of the voucher recipient who has a shared interest in them learning to fly. These observers will only be permitted to fly at the discretion of the flight instructor on the day of the flight.

8. There is an individual passenger weight restriction of 17 Stone/108 kg on all of our Helicopter Pleasure Flights and Sightseeing Flights. If you are above this weight limit please contact us and we will try to accommodate you, however you may be required to purchase additional seating space. 

If you are booking a Trial Lesson Flight the weight restriction is 16 Stone/102 kg. If you are above this weight limit, please contact us discuss the options available to you.

9. The Pilot/Instructor as Captain of the aircraft has at his/her discretion the right to refuse to carry any person on board the aircraft whom they consider to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or who is acting inappropriately in any manner or way. The Captain’s word is final in this instance.

10. If any participant has any concerns about any health issues they have, please call us to discuss or seek medical advice from a GP.

11. For safety reasons we ask passengers not to attempt to stop and take photographs during the embarkation and disembarkation phase of the Helicopter experience with either camera or mobile devices. We may have a photographic team working alongside the passenger handlers, if we do then they will take a series of photographs which will be available for purchase after the flight. There is no obligation to purchase any of the photos, it is a voluntary purchase.

Passengers wishing to take/use cameras and/or other photographic equipment on the flight do so entirely at their own risk. We ask that you limit the size of camera and/or camera bag and we may request that this be left at the check-in/briefing point if considered too large. We also ask you to be considerate to other passengers on board when taking photos as space is limited within the cabin and it can be uncomfortable for others if someone is leaning across them trying to take pictures.

12. The Company (Solent Helicopters Ltd t/as Elite Helicopters) reserves the right to alter operating venues at its sole discretion due to any operational concerns or circumstances.

13. Whilst every reasonable precaution will be taken to ensure the safety of all passengers and guests it shall be noted that neither the aircraft owner nor the aircraft operator (Solent Helicopters Ltd) can be held liable for any loss, damage or injury to any persons or their property/belongings, which does not result from their direct negligence.

14. Any participant/person failing to take their confirmed flight shall render the flight voucher invalid, unless 7 days prior notice of cancellation has been given.

15. In the event that any flight is cancelled by the operator, the flight voucher shall remain valid until the original expiry date shown and the flight will be re-booked for a mutually convenient date.

16. Vouchers purchased direct from Elite Helicopters and some other providers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Vouchers should be redeemed and the flights taken within the original 12 month validity period. Any voucher(s) not redeemed and/or any flight(s) not taken within the validity period shall be considered as ‘Expired’. 

Expired Vouchers may have the validity period extended upon request. An administration fee will apply for each voucher extended (per person), the cost for any extension(s) will be dependent on the extension period required.

17. Please bring your Flight Voucher and Booking Confirmation with you when you come to take your flight.

Dangerous Goods Regulations:

To ensure the safety of the aircraft, and all those on board, passengers’ checked-in or hand baggage must not contain articles or substances that could pose a danger (Dangerous Goods) these include:

Batteries can short circuit and catch fire if they are carried loose in your bag. They must be protected against contact with other metal items (e.g. by being in their original packaging or own protective case) and carried in your hand baggage.

Equipment containing correctly installed batteries can be carried/packed in your checked baggage.

Some exemptions may apply: For more information visit the CAA website.