Mar 29, 2023 BY Luke Rees
Scenic flights are an excellent way to experience a location from a bird’s eye view. From small aircraft to hot air balloons, and paragliding to skydiving, the best flying experience styles are as varied as they are exciting. In this article, we’ll explore seven different types of scenic flight.
The goal of the article is to provide enough information for you to decide what kind of flight experience is the best for you. We look at the risks of each type, the advantages and some of the best places to experience them.
Here are a few questions that people who want to take a scenic flight often ask:
A scenic flight is a type of aviation experience where passengers fly over a particular area to enjoy the scenery and take in the view from above. There are different styles of scenic flight which are conducted in small aircraft, helicopters, hot air balloons etc. all of which provide a different type of flying experience.
Like any aviation activity, there are risks involved with scenic flights. However, reputable operators take safety very seriously and adhere to strict regulations and guidelines. The following flying experience safety considerations apply across all styles of scenic flight.
Passengers should always choose a reputable operator with a good safety record and follow all instructions provided – before and during the flight. To minimize risk ensure you use safety equipment provided. Bad weather affects small aircraft, so you’ll only fly if conditions are right, so be prepared for a cancelation if the weather is poor.
It is difficult to determine the most scenic flight in the world as there are so many stunning places to fly over. However, some of the most popular flying experiences include the Grand Canyon in the USA, Milford Sound in New Zealand, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and the Northern Lights in Norway.
Below you’ll find the best styles of flight experience to get a bird’s eye view. They are roughly in order of extremeness. So the least extreme is first with the most adrenaline pumping options further down the list.
A small aircraft scenic flight is the most popular option for those seeking sightseeing flight. This type of scenic flight is typically conducted in a small plane, such as a Cessna, and allows passengers to fly low over a location to take in the views. Useful points about small aircraft scenic flights:
A scenic helicopter flight is a luxurious way to see a location from above. Passengers can enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride, while the helicopter offers the ability to hover and fly closer to certain locations. Some useful information about helicopter scenic flights:
A microlight scenic flight is an exhilarating experience that allows passengers to fly in a small, open-cockpit aircraft. This type of scenic flight offers an unobstructed view of the landscape and allows passengers to feel the wind in their hair. More about microlight scenic flights:
A hot air balloon scenic flight is a peaceful and serene way to experience a location from above. Passengers are lifted into the sky by a large balloon and can enjoy stunning panoramic views. Here are some bullet points about hot air balloon scenic flights:
A tandem paragliding experience is one of best types of scenic flight to get a bird’s eye view coupled with a thrill. Passengers are attached to a canopy, a little like a parachute and are lifted by the air passing through the canopy. This allow them to serenely soar over the landscape. Useful information about tandem scenic paragliding flights:
Tandem hang gliding adventures are similar to paragliding. The main difference is the use of a rigid wing to fly and that you are in a laying position as opposed to seated. Again you can majestically soar over the landscape. Below are some useful points about tandem scenic hang gliding flights:
For many a skydive or parachute jump is the ultimate extreme sport. It is not a scenic flight in the traditional sense, but you’ll enjoy stunning views on the way up and down! Passengers freefall from the plane or helicopter before parachuting to the ground. Almost anyone can enjoy tandem skydiving experiences. More info:
In conclusion, there are many different types of scenic flights available for those seeking a unique way to see the world from above. Whether you prefer a peaceful hot air balloon ride or an adrenaline-fueled skydive, there is a scenic flight experience to suit everyone.
When choosing an operator, it’s important to research their safety record and follow all instructions provided to minimize risks. At the end of the day the best flying experience styles provide an unforgettable way to get a bird’s eye view of a beautiful destination. Plus they can offer some added adrenaline too!
We hope you found this guide to the different kinds of flying experience inspirational. Check out our flying experiences worldwide to get yourself booked up.
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