Vol d'initiation en hélicoptère

Briefing time 30 minutes
Flight time: 15 minutes

Flights April to October, weekends
Other period : 02 47 24 81 44

Individual tickets

Cancellation options


Amount incl. VAT 450
helibox available
Accueil / Volez en hélicoptère / Vol d'initiation en hélicoptère

Fly a helicopter near Tours: your introductory lesson with an instructor

Take the controls and discover the unique sensations of flying in a turbine helicopter. After a 30-minute briefing, you will take a 15-minute introductory flight with dual controls alongside an instructor: accessible, impressive, unforgettable.

  • You actually fly (with the instructor at your side)
  • Turbine helicopter: Bell 206
  • Perfect as a gift: ticket valid for 18 months
  • Simple weather report via reservation

Conditions

  • Ages 16 and up (parental consent required for minors)
  • Unaccompanied minors are not permitted on board with this option.
  • Ticket validity: 18 months
  • Flights: April to October, mainly on weekends
  • Payment: possible in two installments at no extra cost (subject to conditions)

 

How does the helicopter pilot training program work?

  1. Welcome & briefing (30 min)

    Safety, introduction to the helicopter, instruments, principles of flight, instructions, and objectives: everything is explained in simple terms before takeoff.

  2. Introductory flight (15 min)

    During the flight, you gradually take control: attitude, trajectory, coordination... The instructor adapts the exercise to your level for an experience that is both accessible and intense.

  3. Debriefing & possible follow-up

    You leave with your head full of new experiences... and often a desire to continue with an internship or pilot training.


 

Who is this experiment for?

  • To discover helicopter piloting without prior experience
  • To give an exceptional gift (birthday, Christmas, bachelor/bachelorette party, personal challenge)
  • For enthusiasts who are considering attending flight school next

 

Where can you fly a helicopter around Tours?

The activity takes place fromthe Neuvy-le-Roi heliport, near Tours. Easy to access from Indre-et-Loire and western France.


 

Your helicopter: Bell 206 (turbine)

You will be flying a Bell 206, an iconic model known for its stability, precision, and ideal flying characteristics, making it perfect for your first experience with dual controls.


 

Book your introductory flying lesson

Book online, choose your date based on availability, and receive your ticket code. In case of bad weather, you can easily reschedule.


 

What next? Open the door to flight school (Air Touraine Academy)

This introduction is often the first step. If you want to progress, we offer packages to take you further and help you pass your private helicopter pilot training, turning your dream into a reality.

On-demand steering

To build a customized progression with an instructor (hourly rate upon request).

Pilot training

Theory + practice + support: request a full presentation of the Academy.


 

FAQ — Flying a helicopter

Do you have to have flown before to be a pilot?

No. The introduction is supervised, gradual, and tailored to your level.

Am I really taking control?

Yes. You fly with dual controls alongside the instructor.

From what age?

Ages 16 and up (parental consent required for minors).

Can we bring someone with us on board?

No, accompanying persons are not permitted on board with this package.

When do the flights take place?

Mainly from April to October, on weekends (according to schedule).

What happens in case of bad weather?

You can postpone and reschedule your appointment via your booking area.


 

Helicopter flying lessons in Tours: a rare experience

Looking for somewhere to fly a helicopter in Tours or Indre-et-Loire? This introductory flying course is designed to give you an unforgettable experience.

Air Touraine operates five Bell 206 helicopters - JetRanger (4-passenger) and LongRanger (6-passenger) - renowned worldwide for their robustness and versatility. This fleet homogeneity enables us to guarantee the same flight signature: stability, safety and operational flexibility, whether for a first flight or a customized transfer.

Fly further, faster, with complete peace of mind

  • Cruising speed: ~ 200-230 km/h - ideal for a quick trip to the Châteaux de la Loire, a business meeting or an airport. 
  • Range: up to 600 km - enough to cover almost the whole of Western France non-stop. 
  • Proven Rolls Royce engine : a reliable turbine whose simplicity reduces maintenance costs and increases aircraft availability.

Panoramic cabin and premium comfort
Large picture windows offer 180° views of the landscape; VIP Club seating ensures legroom and easy conversation thanks to the on-board intercom system. Luggage compartments accommodate your personal belongings or photo equipment without compromising on comfort.

Safety first
Our maintenance cell rigorously applies manufacturer and EASA guidelines: systematic pre-flight inspections, regular overhaul programs and preventive replacement of key parts. Add to this the high stability of the Bell 206, and you have one of the highest levels of safety in light aviation.

Versatility to meet your every need
From romantic flights to urgent transfers and aerial photography, the Bell 206 can be reconfigured in a matter of minutes:

  • removal of doors for photo/video shoots,
  • installation of floats or gyrostabilized cameras,
  • VIP layout for business flights.

When you climb aboard your Bell 206, you're choosing more than just a means of transport: you're experiencing a privileged moment where technical performance, safety and the pleasure of flight are one and the same.


Ready for take-off? Reserve your seat and let yourself be carried away!

With 40 years' experience behind it, Air Touraine has its own flight school, Air Touraine Academy.


If you would like to extend the experience beyond the initiation, or fly on your own, there are several options available:

  • Piloting course 1h (2 sessions of 30 minutes), prerequisite: to have followed the initiation to piloting course.
  • On-demand piloting : price per flight hour (please contact us)
  • Private pilot's license :
    • 100 hours of e-learning theoretical training
    • 10 hours training with an instructor at the school
    • 45 hours of flight training on a turbine-powered helicopter (Bell 206) with a professional instructor


For further information, please contact us

The flight departs from Neuvy le Roi heliport, 25 minutes north of Tours
-Accompanying person not allowed on board
-Children aged 16 and over (initiation, with parental authorisation)

  • Terms of payment :

Full payment is required at the time of order (via credit card, cheque or vacation vouchers, cash, bank transfer).
For your convenience, we offer the possibility of paying in 2 instalments free of charge by credit card via our secure online payment platform.

  • Extend the validity of your ticket:

If you wish to extend the validity of your ticket, opt for our extension option and getan extra year to enjoy your experience.

  • Cancellation option :

You can take out a cancellation option when you order or book a date, allowing you to postpone your flight or be reimbursed in the event of a definitive cancellation on your part.

(voir terms and conditions of sale)

Booking your flight: two options

  1. Ticket valid for 18 months: receive your gift box by post (postage 9€90) or collect it from Air Touraine Store, or opt for the ticket sent by e-mail. Plan your date at your convenience using our online schedule. As soon as your order is confirmed, we'll e-mail you a gift voucher, so you can choose the date that suits you best later.

  2. Choose your flight date (ticket valid for 18 months) directly when you order online, by consulting the proposed schedule. If you don't find the date you're looking for, don't hesitate to contact us by e-mail info@airtouraine.fr

New flight date [IF POSTPONED] :

If your flight is postponed due to weather conditions, you have the option of rescheduling your appointment using our "I have my tickets, I'm booking" section.. Simply enter the voucher code you received by e-mail with your initial booking to select a new date via our online calendar. If necessary, we can send you this code again. Simply send a request to the following address: info@airtouraine.fr

Our CSR commitments: GREEN FLAG project

Winds of change meet commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Our sector cannot turn its back on its responsibility for the aviation of tomorrow, and that's why, as a pioneer in green aviation, we're committed to pushing back the boundaries of the airline industry by integrating CSR into every aspect of our business, whether in our helicopters, hot-air balloons or airships.

 

Our approach to CSR is based on three fundamental pillars:


The Environmental Component :

We are aware of the environmental impact of our flight operations. That's why we invest in cutting-edge technologies to reduce our carbon emissions, minimize our ecological footprint and preserve the fragile ecosystems we fly over. From reducing fuel consumption to adopting sustainable biofuels and protecting the biodiversity of our heliport, every flight is a step towards a cleaner, more environmentally-friendly aviation future.


 

The Societal Component :

We firmly believe that our success as an airline goes hand in hand with the well-being of the communities we serve. That's why we're committed to supporting local initiatives, promoting diversity and inclusion among our staff, and ensuring some of the highest standards of safety and well-being in the industry. From creating local jobs to promoting sustainable tourism, we work to be a driver of prosperity and social development wherever we operate.


 

The Economic Component :

Economic sustainability is at the heart of our business model. We are constantly looking for ways to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs and invest in fair and ethical business practices. By working with local partners and fostering inclusive economic growth, we help strengthen regional economies and promote a sustainable financial future for all.

 

 

Our Aeronautical Approvals

At Air Touraine, we're proud to hold the aeronautical industry's most prestigious certifications, testifying to our expertise, safety and professionalism. These certifications, obtained through strict controls and rigorous audits, attest to our compliance with the industry's most demanding standards.

Here is a list of our approvals:

Helicopter air carrier: FR.AOC.0079

Hot-air balloon carrier: FR-O063

Operator specialized in high-risk aerial work: FR.DEC.0110

Flying school (helicopter / hot-air balloon) : FR.DTO.0284

Airworthiness Manager: FR.CAMO.0116


Each code represents a specific recognition of our commitment to safety, the quality of our services and our ability to meet the requirements of the aeronautical sector. Thanks to these approvals, Air Touraine can guarantee its customers certified expertise and an optimum level of service.

By choosing Air Touraine, you're choosing trust and excellence, backed by high-level certifications that place safety and quality at the heart of our concerns. 


 

Our Tourism Approvals

 

Travel Agency Certifications: A Guarantee of Trust and Excellence

At Air Touraine, our commitment to quality, safety and transparency is reflected in the certifications we have earned in the travel industry. These labels attest to our seriousness and expertise, while guaranteeing our customers services that comply with the strictest standards.

Certifications that make all the difference

Our certifications are the fruit of rigorous work and a constant commitment to excellence. They illustrate our ability to offer tailor-made trips, with customer satisfaction and safety at the heart of our concerns. Thanks to these labels, we can assure you of transparent management, impeccable service quality and total compliance with the regulations in force in the tourism industry.

 

We are registered with the Registre des Operateurs de Voyage et de Séjours: IM03700003, enabling us to offer you holidays.

Financial Guarantee: ATRADIUS, 159 rue Anatole France-CS50118-92596 LEVALLOIS PERRET

Professional liability insurance: ALLIANZ IARD, 1 Cours Michelet-92076 PARIS LA DEFENSE.

Contract no. 086846 956

 

When you choose Air Touraine, you're opting for a certified travel agency that puts quality, safety and innovation at the heart of its services. Let us convince you of our proven expertise, and enjoy exceptional travel experiences with complete peace of mind.