Have you ever thought of proposing to someone or even getting married while zipping along on a helicopter flight? Or how about a helicopter flight to Sedona for a picnic in some remote area surrounded by red rocks, or to the Verde Valley wine country for an afternoon of wine tasting? Even for the average person, this is now possible, thanks to Guidance Aviation. Starting with just one helicopter 18 years ago, Guidance has become one of the most successful and reputable companies, not only in the country, but in the world. Service offerings include cattle herding, powerline and pipeline assessments and construction and utility work. In February of this year all that changed, for the better, when their air charter service was born.
“Visitors and community members kept calling and asking if we could give them a tour,” said Guidance Director of Communications Dave Roy. “We weren’t set up operationally to offer this, even though we were approved for air charter. Finally, we asked ourselves, ‘Why don’t we just do this?’”
The scenic tour service (also known as air charter) officially began on Feb. 26, with a local couple who did a one-hour sunset flight in and around Prescott. “They absolutely loved it. It was their anniversary,” said Roy.
Since then, they have provided a number of scenic flights over Sycamore Canyon northwest of Sedona, to Sedona and back, and they are eager to get a request to fly over Meteor Crater.
The air charter fleet consists of five Robinson R66 turbine powered helicopters. Each one can hold up to four passengers, plus the pilot. A group of up to 20 people could charter the entire fleet. The Robinson is one of the safest helicopters in the industry and is stylish, too. Plush, executive style seating and large windows provide comfort with unobstructed views ideal for film or photographs.
Pricing the air charter service isn’t an exact per-person formula because the service is intended to be very customized and creative. The website lists tour ideas and packages, but Roy is quick to point out that the company is not limited by the tours listed on the website. “We wanted to give people ideas about what we could do, but we absolutely want people to give us ideas and we will do everything we can to make their ideas and dreams come true,” explained Roy.
So, put on your thinking caps everyone and next time it’s your turn to plan date night, this could be it. Or, when friends or family members come for a visit, this new service would be a real treat. Reservations can be made online at www.guidanceairservices.com or by calling them directly at 844-359-4227. QCBN
By Margo Christensen
Margo Christensen is the vice president of marketing and public relations for Ponderosa Hotel Management Services, LLC.
Photo credit:
Photo by Bryan Matuskey, courtesy Guidance Aviation