When you tour the Grand Canyon by helicopter, you will take part in a very unique and thrilling adventure. You will begin your journey in a private holding area where you can dine on complimentary snacks and drinks. You'll be weighed before you board your aircraft.

This is done because seats are assigned by weight, and all this will be explained in a video presentation. Knowing your weight helps the tour operator evenly distribute weight in the helicopter, which is necessary for safety reasons. You will learn other important details about your flight too, such as information about the chopper itself. The helicopter pilots usually double as tour guides during the flights and they are a great source of information as well.

You'll then ride to your boarding point in a small van. There will be ample opportunities to take as many photographs as you like. The typical seating arrangement is for two passengers to ride in the front by the pilot and the others sit in the rear. Where you sit doesn't make any difference because each one provides amazing views of the scenery below. These sightseeing choppers are made with huge windows that are ideal for taking in the view.

Headphones will be passed out during these helicopter flights so that tour passengers can wear them. These enable passengers to listen to pleasing music that drowns out engine noise and they can also listen to a recorded narration throughout the tour.

The helicopter must obtain clearance from the control tower before it will be allowed to take off. Initially, pilots maintain a low altitude, but then they soar into the sky. The altitude and speed is under the control of the pilots who know exactly the best way to fly to provide passengers with the optimum viewing experience.

Only professional pilots are used and they are so good at their jobs, they make it look easy. Some people may be a little afraid at first, but once underway, most everyone relaxes and enjoys the amazing experience.

It is fun to search for different types of trees and animals from the air. People of all ages, including kids and people with disabilities, can take part in Grand Canyon flights. The children on these tours always learn more about the wonders of the Grand Canyon than they ever would in school.

Helicopter flights begin in Grand Canyon National Park and Las Vegas. From Las Vegas, you can fly to the West Rim, which is only about 120 miles away. Tours of the South Rim fly over the southern portion of the park. You can fly only or land at the rim. When you land, you can take part in other activities such as venturing out on the glass Skywalk or floating down the Colorado River.

Other than inside the Grand Canyon, passengers can land wherever they prefer. Tour operators are very careful about disturbing the natural surroundings of the canyon. Choppers kick up a lot of dust when they land. Because of that, choppers can only land in certain designated areas inside the canyon. Adding on extra activities at the canyon adds to the cost, but there are a variety of tour options and prices, so it is easy to find a match for your budget.