THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Kids get a hands-on introduction to flying with Sky High Helicopters’ Co-Pilot Experience in Santa Barbara. From preflight checks to a captivating beach tour, this flight offers education and adventure high above the coast.
Kids get a hands-on introduction to flying with Sky High Helicopters’ Co-Pilot Experience in Santa Barbara. From preflight checks to a captivating beach tour, this flight offers education and adventure high above the coast.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Sky High Helicopters · Santa Barbara, California
In the scenic coastal city of Santa Barbara, California, Sky High Helicopters offers a uniquely engaging aerial adventure designed specifically for young adventurers. The Co-Pilot Experience is a specialized helicopter discovery flight that invites children to step into the pilot’s shoes. This isn’t just a ride—it’s an introduction to aviation hands-on. Before takeoff, kids participate in a mini preflight inspection, touring the helicopter’s exterior to learn critical safety checks. Once inside the cockpit, the young co-pilots get an up-close lesson on the controls, gauges, and mechanics that guide these powerful aircraft.
The flight itself includes a thrilling six-minute tour over Santa Barbara’s iconic coastline, highlighting the area's distinctive mix of golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and the sweeping Pacific Ocean. Views from the air showcase the city’s red-tiled roofs clustered beneath the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains, a range born from ancient fault lines and rich in chaparral and oak woodlands. This immersive experience wraps in both an educational and scenic dimension, making it far more than a simple thrill.
What makes Sky High Helicopters especially notable in the local adventure landscape is its dedication to introducing children safely and interactively to the world of aviation. Each participant receives a personalized photo in the pilot seat and a signed first flight certificate, turning memories into keepsakes. The company's focus on family-friendly, approachable helicopter tours supports Santa Barbara’s outdoor culture by adding an aerial perspective to the region’s varied natural splendors.
The Co-Pilot Experience stands out as a distinctive entry point for young outdoor explorers and aviation enthusiasts alike, blending education, excitement, and stunning views in a single concise flight. Located at 629 Firestone Rd Unit H, Sky High Helicopters is a gateway to the skies, encouraging the next generation to connect with nature and technology in equal measure.
easy.
30 minutes total, 6 minutes flight time.
Suitable for children in good health with no special fitness requirements.
Typically, children need to be at least 4 years old, but check directly with Sky High Helicopters for precise requirements.
The flight itself is approximately 6 minutes, including a scenic tour along the nearby beaches.
Yes, up to three people can participate, allowing a parent or guardian to accompany the child.
Children should be in good general health without conditions aggravated by flight or height exposure.
Preflight inspections, safety briefings, and close pilot supervision ensure a secure experience.
Yes, each child receives a signed first flight certificate and a professional photo in the pilot seat.
Santa Barbara’s aviation history dates back to early 20th century seaplane tests, making it a fitting location for family flight adventures.
Sky High Helicopters follows strict noise and environmental guidelines to minimize wildlife disturbance along the coast.
Sky High Helicopters offers scenic helicopter tours over Big Bear, Holcomb Valley, the San Bernardino Mountains and select coastal routes and specialty ghost tours in Hilo. With a focus on dramatic aerial perspectives, the company presents a range of curated flights—from express loops over Big Bear Lake to extended canyon descents and coastal panoramas. Flights highlight local landmarks including Big Bear Lake and its dam, Butler Peak, Bear Creek Canyon, Pine Knot Village, Jenks Lake, Holcomb Valley, Van Dusen Canyon, Bluff Lake, Castle Rock, Cedar Lake, Baldwin Lake, and views of San Gorgonio Peak and the Mojave Desert. Coastal departures reveal UCSB, Campus Lagoon, Goleta Beach and the Santa Ynez Mountains, while the Hilo After Dark experience explores historic hotels and haunted sites with guided storytelling and paranormal equipment. Tours are designed for photo opportunities, sightseeing and memorable celebrations, accommodating first-time flyers and experienced adventurers alike. Safety and clarity are emphasized through preflight briefings and experienced pilot guidance to ensure comfortable, informed flights. Clear itineraries and distinct tour descriptions help guests select the right route for their interests, whether seeking waterfalls, mountain ridgelines, ski area views or shoreline vistas. Sky High Helicopters appeals to visitors and locals who want a fast, elevated way to see regional highlights. Advance booking is recommended for popular flights, especially during peak seasons. The variety of tour lengths and scenic focuses ensures options for casual sightseeing, photography sessions, and special-occasion flights. Gift certificates and group packages are available for special events and celebrations year-round online.
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