An invitation was extended to the Travel Smart Crew, amongst others, by Cape Town Helicopters to experience a helicopter flight in their new fleet one day in July. Only 5 spots were available and Neil, unable to attend gave the opportunity to ME, YAY!
July 4th, turned out to be the perfect day for helicopter flights! The sun was out, perfect breeze, it felt like a summer’s day. The group met at the Cape Town Helicopter Office at East Pier just behind the V&A Waterfront. Some snacks and refreshments were served while we waited in anticipation for our turn. After a safety briefing on the dos and don’ts, we watched as the first group went up. Everyone watched in awe as the helicopter took off, the blades causing quite a gust of wind as it began.
Eventually it was our turn, Lucy in front next to the pilot; myself, Oliver and Zieta at the back. Headset on, it felt like a scene from Top Gun –luckily no “Goose”!
The flight took us out into Table Bay, along the Atlantic Seaboard with Robben Island on our right; allowing us that perfect shot of the city bowl and Table Mountain as far as the Twelve Apostles Hotel and back. (This is the Atlantico Route, priced at approx. R1500pp). Looking down to the water below, you can really see the beauty of the ocean and the coastline with all its buildings yet still surrounded by nature.
The pilot spoke about each area as we passed by, very professional as he would check in on us throughout the flight. Which was soon followed by a dip, or a sharp turn; needless to say this caused a lot of “ooohs” before continuing on.
The landing is quite interesting too. Approaching the harbor, we took a sharp turn which from where I was sitting could’ve looked like a slight nose dive; in order to get the helicopter low enough to land. The ground staff help you out and show you the safest way to get back to the office – to avoid the blades…
Time for selfies and farewell hugs & kisses. Thanks to Cape Town Helicopters for the amazing experience!
Is It Safe?
- Well, you get a safety briefing prior to the flight
- The ground staff assist you with getting into and out of the helicopter, as well as ensuring the seatbelts are secured around you.
- You get a headset to listen and speak to the pilot as well as the other passengers
- Your pilot speaks calmly and always asks if everyone is ok
Is It Fun?
- Yes! Definitely a bucket list item!
- Do take motion sickness pills if you suffer from it, as the turns/dips may cause you to feel a little light headed or queasy
How Much Is It?
- There are several routes to choose from, priced from R1100 per person sharing for a Robben Island Flight – R4000 per person sharing for the full Peninsula Flight.
- You may also opt to make it an exclusive flight i.e. no other guests will be permitted to join you, at an additional charge depending on the route you’re booking.
- They also fly to the Winelands ( Constantia, Stellenbosch & Franschhoek), as well as combining it with other adventure activities such as the Elgin Zip line or shark cage diving in Gaansbaai to name a few.
- Remember that all flights are weather dependent.
