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Try the rare dual demo that lets you handle both a helicopter and a Cessna in a single visit to Long Beach Airport. Fifteen minutes in a simulator plus real logged flight time make this an ideal intro for aspiring pilots and adventurous first-timers.
Try the rare dual demo that lets you handle both a helicopter and a Cessna in a single visit to Long Beach Airport. Fifteen minutes in a simulator plus real logged flight time make this an ideal intro for aspiring pilots and adventurous first-timers.
Book with Anthelion Helicopters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Anthelion Helicopters · Long Beach, California
Rotocraft & Fixed Wing Dual Demo Flight • 60 Minute Flight Lesson (R44/CESSNA) is a hands-on, two‑hour aviation experience based at Long Beach Airport in Long Beach, California. You start inside an FAA-approved simulator for a 15-minute briefing, then take 30 minutes at the controls of an R44 helicopter, and finish with 30 minutes in a Cessna 172n over the city’s coastline and harbor. The whole session includes SFAR 73 awareness training, signed dual endorsements by a certified flight instructor, and a signed certificate that can count toward pilot flight time.
This outing stands out because it combines rotocraft and fixed‑wing perspectives in a single booking: you feel the vertical lift and hovering responsiveness of the R44, then the stable, trimmed cruise and navigation practice of the Cessna. The Long Beach setting matters—the flight pattern keeps you low enough to read the shoreline, trace harbour geometry, and see the grid of hangars and runways below—so the lesson doubles as an orientation to coastal flying conditions, airport operations, and local air traffic patterns.
Expect an emphasis on safety and instruction. Your pilot will walk you through preflight checks, basic radio calls, and tactile stick-and-yoke control under instructor supervision. Flight time logged during the demo is real logged time for a pilot certificate, which makes the experience a practical step for an aspiring aviator as well as a thrilling introduction for a curious first-timer. Anthelion Helicopters operates the flights from 3213 Airflite Way Long Beach, CA 90807; check in there at least 15 minutes early with government ID.
Practical limits are clear: this product requires U.S. citizenship verification for repeated demo flights, carries a 300-pound weight limit, and is subject to cancellations for weather, temporary flight restrictions, or maintenance. Dress in closed-toed shoes, bring sun protection for time on the ramp, and be prepared to sign standard waivers.
Why book it? It’s the rare short-format program that gives real dual flight controls in both a helicopter and a fixed-wing trainer, backed by FAA awareness training and logged time. That blend of tactile learning, coastal scenery, and immediate feedback from an instructor makes it an excellent trial for anyone considering flight training, a memorable gift, or a focused skill session for returning students. The lesson is compact, instructional, and firmly grounded in local aviation practice—an aerial primer that puts Long Beach’s skies within reach.
Bring a charged phone for photos through the window but respect cockpit procedures; instructors will advise when it’s safe to shoot. Minors under 18 require guardian consent and participants should be comfortable entering small aircraft. Bookings are made through the operator’s reservation system; plan for brief ground briefings and the possibility of rescheduling for safety or airspace restrictions. changes.
moderate.
~2 hours.
Minimal cardiovascular fitness required; must be able to climb into small aircraft and sit for up to an hour of combined flight time.
Meet at the helicopter pad office: 3213 Airflite Way, Long Beach, CA 90807—this is separate from the main terminal.
Minimum age is 15; minors should have guardian consent and documentation if required.
Yes—after completing SFAR 73 awareness training you may be permitted to manipulate controls under instructor supervision.
Yes—adverse weather, TFRs, or maintenance can cause rescheduling or refunds with no extra charge.
Non-U.S. citizens may fly one demo without full TSA verification; additional flights require enrollment and background checks—contact [email protected].
Yes—passengers weighing 300 pounds or more cannot fly due to aircraft limitations; verification may occur at check-in.
Long Beach has long served general aviation and coastal flight operations; the local airport supports training and demo flights that connect the city to wider Southern California airspace.
Operators follow noise abatement and flight-path procedures to minimize disturbance to shoreline wildlife; plan flights with awareness of seasonal bird nesting and marine activity.
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