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Spend two hours in the cockpit and simulator: split your time between an R44 helicopter and a Cessna 172n over Long Beach. This dual demo logs flight time toward a pilot certificate and gives beginners real hands-on instruction.
Spend two hours in the cockpit and simulator: split your time between an R44 helicopter and a Cessna 172n over Long Beach. This dual demo logs flight time toward a pilot certificate and gives beginners real hands-on instruction.
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 • 120 Minute Flight Lesson (R44/CESSNA) is a hands-on aviation experience based at 3213 Airflite Way in Long Beach, California. In roughly three hours you'll move from a 15‑minute FAA‑approved simulator introduction to a 60‑minute R44 helicopter lesson and finish with a 60‑minute Cessna 172n fixed‑wing flight over the Long Beach coastline and harbor. This dual-format demo is aimed at beginners and aspiring pilots who want to log instructive flight time and earn an SFAR 73 Awareness Training endorsement signed by a Certified Flight Instructor.
The trip begins in a compact classroom and simulator bay where an instructor walks you through basic instrument and control responses; the simulator is designed to build confidence so you can safely handle the controls in the following airborne lessons. After a safety briefing at the helicopter pad, you’ll fly in the R44—an agile, light‑piston helicopter—hovering along the shoreline and above airport approach corridors that reveal sweeping views of Long Beach's harbor, runways, and coastal shelf. The second hour switches to the Cessna 172n, a stable trainer aircraft where you’ll practice climbs, turns, and navigation while the Pacific and downtown Long Beach slide beneath you.
What makes this experience stand out is the side‑by‑side look at two very different flight disciplines: rotary‑wing handling and fixed‑wing patterns, linked by simulator prep and FAA‑recognized endorsement. Flight time from this demo can be logged toward a private pilot certificate, making it more than a thrill—it's practical training. Anthelion Helicopters’ Long Beach location operates under FAA guidelines and emphasizes safety: pilots sign your SFAR 73 certification and instructors keep lessons within the aircraft’s weight and performance limits.
Practical details: arrive 15 minutes early to 3213 Airflite Way, bring a government ID and any required citizenship documents, and wear closed‑toe shoes. The operator maintains a strict drug‑and alcohol‑free policy and may reschedule flights for adverse weather or Temporary Flight Restrictions. Because of aircraft weight limits, passengers above 300 lbs. may be restricted.
On clear days the altitude and slow‑flight maneuvers offer bright views of the Pacific surface, shipping lanes, and runways at Long Beach Airport; instructors will point out navigation fixes and explain how airspace around the coast is managed. Flights are recorded in your logbook and the certificate you receive provides tangible evidence of dual instruction. Bookings require U.S. citizenship verification for repeat demos; contact [email protected] for longer training programs and TSA enrollment details.
All tours meet at 3213 Airflite Way, Long Beach, CA 90807 on the operator’s helicopter pad—this is not the main airport terminal.
Minimum age is 15; passengers under 18 must follow the operator’s check-in requirements and have appropriate ID.
Yes. Time logged during your dual demo can be recorded as instructional flight time and the SFAR 73 endorsement is provided by a Certified Flight Instructor.
Non-U.S. citizens may take one demo flight without full verification; additional training requires TSA enrollment—contact [email protected] for details.
Closed-toe shoes are required; comfortable, layered clothing is recommended for cockpit comfort and temperature changes.
Flights may be rescheduled or refunded for safety reasons, including adverse weather and Temporary Flight Restrictions; the operator will notify you as soon as possible.
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