Take to the skies above Long Beach with a two‑hour dual demo that pairs a helicopter lesson with fixed‑wing time and a simulator primer. Perfect for first‑time fliers and prospective pilots, the experience logs real time toward certification while serving up iconic coastal views.
Take to the skies above Long Beach with a two‑hour dual demo that pairs a helicopter lesson with fixed‑wing time and a simulator primer. Perfect for first‑time fliers and prospective pilots, the experience logs real time toward certification while serving up iconic coastal views.
Book with Anthelion Helicopters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Anthelion Helicopters · Long Beach, California
Over Long Beach, California, at the city's small Long Beach Airport helipad (3213 Airflite Way), a compact aviation studio offers a concentrated taste of flight: a 15‑minute FAA‑approved simulator session followed by 30 minutes in an R22 helicopter and 30 minutes in a Cessna 172n. Anthelion Helicopters’ Rotocraft & Fixed Wing Dual Demo Flight compresses the essentials of rotary and fixed‑wing flying into a two‑hour lesson that’s part flying lesson, part orientation to a pilot’s world. You’ll learn SFAR 73 procedures, touch the controls under a CFI, and leave with a signed endorsement and certificate that can count toward future pilot hours.
From the low hum of the R22 rising over the shoreline to the steady cruise of the Cessna tracing Long Beach Harbor, the scene is sharply local: the rust‑colored hull of the RMS Queen Mary at the waterfront, Alamitos Bay’s shallow estuaries, the grid of Belmont Shore and Naples, and the distant sweep of Palos Verdes and Catalina Island on clear days. Look down to spot Los Cerritos Wetlands and the occasional fishing pier; offshore oil islands and breakwaters punctuate the blue, and migrating shorebirds and harbor seals are regular sightings. The flight is as much a nature tour as an intro lesson.
What sets this demo apart is its dual perspective. Helicopter flying teaches vertical control and immediate situational awareness; the Cessna demonstrates stability, navigation, and basic pilotage. The included simulator primes you for both aircraft so that when you climb in, the lesson feels purposeful rather than recreational. Instructors log time toward certification, and the SFAR 73 awareness endorsement allows controlled stick time in the R22.
Practical notes: arrive at least 15 minutes early with government ID; minimum age is 15; customers over 220 pounds are not permitted due to aircraft limits. Non‑U.S. citizens are allowed one demo flight without TSA verification but will need documentation for additional flights. The company maintains a strict drug‑and‑alcohol‑free policy and prioritizes safety; weather or TFRs may cancel or reschedule flights without penalty.
This offering is ideal for curious travelers, aspiring pilots, and anyone who wants a compact, expertly guided look at what training toward a pilot’s license feels like. It’s a hands‑on, skyline‑focused experience that connects you to Long Beach from above, and it’s a practical first step if you plan to pursue flight training.
Flights depart from the Anthelion Helicopters facility at 3213 Airflite Way, Long Beach. Expect one passenger per lesson and a focused, instructor‑led session that maximizes learning in each minute. Wear closed‑toe shoes and sunglasses; bring sun protection. The signed certificate and logged minutes provide progress for students pursuing a pilot certificate; the simulator and dual‑aircraft format make this an efficient primer for aviation today.
easy.
~2 hours.
Minimal fitness required — participants should be able to climb into light aircraft and follow safety instructions.
Meet at Anthelion Helicopters' helipad and office at 3213 Airflite Way, Long Beach, CA 90807; we are not at the main airport terminal.
Minimum age is 15 for this demo flight.
Non‑U.S. citizens may take one demo flight without TSA background verification; additional flights require U.S. citizenship verification or TSA procedures.
Yes — passengers weighing 220 lbs. or more may not be permitted due to aircraft limitations; weight verification may occur at check‑in.
Yes — instructors will log flight time and provide a signed SFAR 73 awareness endorsement and certificate that can count toward pilot training.
If weather, TFRs, or maintenance force a cancellation, flights are rescheduled at no extra charge or fully refunded.
The RMS Queen Mary is a dominant waterfront landmark in Long Beach; the area blends a working harbor with recreational shoreline neighborhoods.
Los Cerritos Wetlands and nearby estuaries are sensitive habitats—operators and visitors should minimize noise and avoid low passes over wildlife concentrations.
Anthelion Helicopters is a Long Beach–based helicopter operator specializing in doors‑off aerial photography flights and private sightseeing tours over Los Angeles and the Southern California coast. Operating R44 and R22 aircraft, Anthelion Helicopters offers a mix of photography‑focused adventures and private scenic tours with experienced, FAA‑certified pilots. Flights range from short downtown photo runs to extended 60‑minute coastal and Hollywood panoramas, all designed to deliver clear, glare‑free images and unforgettable perspectives of landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, Dodger Stadium, The Queen Mary and the LA skyline. Safety and professionalism are central to Anthelion Helicopters’ services. All aircraft are maintained to industry standards and flights are conducted by knowledgeable pilots who provide narrated routes and photography guidance. Doors‑off options are available on select flights to maximize image quality and immersion for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Bookings are arranged as private experiences or small‑group flights, with flexible durations to match photography goals and sightseeing preferences. Departures from Long Beach make the tours accessible for both local visitors and travelers flying into the region. Anthelion Helicopters focuses on delivering repeatable, high‑value aerial experiences through precise planning, clear communication, and a commitment to the safety and satisfaction of every guest.
Book with Anthelion Helicopters