Grand Canyon helicopter tours are the most thrilling way to experience the National Park. But did you know that it gets even better if you fly in a particular helicopter? There are several kinds of helicopters and the one you get depends on the tour you take so take this into consideration as you book your flight.

In most cases, tours utilize such helicopters like the Bell Ranger, the AStar and the EcoStar 130. The helicopter you want to fly is the EcoStar 130 and that\’s because of it\’s features. For example, the EcoStar boasts a cabin that\’s 25 percent larger than the others and allows it to be configured with stadium-style seats.

This helicopter also boasts a 180-degree windshield that allows you to enjoy endless panoramic views of the Canyon. It also comes with the latest aerodynamic design that results in the smoothest flight possible. Lastly, it\’s especially quiet because it uses a \”silent-flight\” rotor so your ears won\’t ring after you deplane.

Las Vegas

In nearly all cases, deluxe tours use the EcoStar 130. These types of tours are available from Las Vegas and the South Rim. Vegas deluxe flights also come with limousine hotel transfer service and an extended flight over The Strip. Please note that there are no heli flights from Vegas to the South Rim (to do this you\’ll need to book the airplane-helicopter tour).

In my opinion, deluxe flights are the best option and the best value, especially because they use the EcoStar. However, cheaper flights are available but be aware that most if not all will use either the Bell Ranger or the A-Star. And in the case of the Bell Ranger, you might end up in a model that includes a rear-facing jump seat. I personally have experienced this and didn\’t mind it but frankly it\’s best if you\’re facing forward.

Vegas aerial and landing flights use the EcoStar. My favorite air-only is the one that departs from the Vegas Strip and includes limousine transfer. My #1 choice for landing is the trip that goes to the bottom of the Canyon for a Champagne picnic. This flight can also be extended to include a boat ride down the Colorado River and VIP tickets to the internationally famous Grand Canyon Skywalk.

South Rim

South Rim helicopters do not fly below the rim and land at the bottom. It\’s prohibited by the National Park Service. You\’re options here include the 30-minute and 50-minute flight. Of course, the shorter one is cheaper. However, the better value is the longer one because once you complete it you\’ll have seen up to 75 percent of the National Park in under one hour. That\’s quite amazing when you consider it.

As we head into spring and summer, I urge you to consider the weather. Of course, the EcoStar 130 comes with the best climate control of all the helicopters so I can assure you that you\’ll be comfortable inside the cabin. However, if you take a Vegas landing tour, you\’ll be exiting the aircraft and it\’s at this time that you\’ll want to dress for the season.

I hope this article about which Grand Canyon helicopter to fly proved useful. I know from experience that flying a deluxe tour makes all the difference in the world and this is due in large part to the EcoStar 130. So buckle up, dear reader. You are in for one heck of an aerial experience.

The author is a Grand Canyon expert and recommends going here for the best South Rim helicopter tours and here for ones that depart from Las Vegas: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/las-vegas/

The author is a Grand Canyon expert and recommends going here for the best South Rim helicopter tours and here for ones that depart from Las Vegas: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/las-vegas/

Author Bio: The author is a Grand Canyon expert and recommends going here for the best South Rim helicopter tours and here for ones that depart from Las Vegas: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/las-vegas/

Category: Travel
Keywords: grand canyon, las vegas, grand canyon helicopters, las vegas helicopters, grand canyon flights