Acceptable passenger loads change depending on how much fuel weight is carried and the weight of the pilot. Because this is different each flight, leave the complicated calculations to us. In general, you should know that discovery flights in the R22 helicopter are limited to 215 lbs. Discovery flights in the R44 and R66 helicopters are limited to 300 lbs. When you arrive for your flight, you may be weighed and the final loading calculations will be completed at that time. It is possible that passengers weighing less than but close to the restrictions above could result in an out of balance condition. In this case, a larger helicopter must be flown. Two options will be presented to you at this time. Because of the price difference, you would have the option to pay the difference and fly the same length of time, or shorten the flight and not pay any additional. We appreciate your understanding that we are responsible for your safety while on board.
All discovery flights depart from our Fort Worth Meacham Airport location, which is also the home to our Flight Training Center.
Ride alongs are not permitted on discovery flights. However, our observation room is a comfortable viewing area for anyone you bring along!
We encourage you to arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure. There will be some paperwork and a safety briefing conducted before your flight.
Payment in full is required at the time of booking. We accept all major credit cards. Payment cards are subject to a convenience charge.
Of course! Bring your camera so you can enjoy the memories. While still photography is allowed, video recording is not allowed.
Refunds will be processed less a $25 flight cancellation charge deducted from the refund amount. Refunds processed within 72 hours of the reservation time will incur a $125 flight cancellation charge deducted from the refund amount. Any flight may be rescheduled to a different date or time without penalty and subject to availability. Alternately, the account balance may be converted to a gift certificate for a discovery flight or helicopter tour without penalty. Unfortunately, we cannot issue a refund on certain upgrades requiring special arrangements. Please note that all gift certificate sales are final.
On rare occasions, a flight may be cancelled or postponed due to airspace restrictions, weather or other reasons out of our control. You will be notified by phone in a timely manner if this situation occurs. Sometimes, weather-related postponements will delay your departure a few hours. Your pilot will make this decision and ask whether you would like to delay departure or re-book the flight for another time at no charge. Flight routes may vary due to air traffic control, weather, flight restrictions or other reasons beyond our control.
Your pilot is a trained weather observer that will decide whether the flight will launch based on available weather information. Generally, flights will not launch when there is widespread thunderstorm activity, lightning in the vicinity, low visibility, low cloud ceilings or extreme turbulence. If a flight is cancelled or postponed, we try our hardest to notify you by phone 2 hours before the flight. In the event the flight is canceled for that day, Epic Helicopters will keep your balance on account and the flight will be rescheduled by a booking agent who will be in touch with you the following business day.
We recommend 10 years of age to fully enjoy the experience.
Weight Limit: 200-220 lbs*
Plus One Ride Along: Not Permitted
Price: Low
With two seats and a maximum take-off weight of 1,370 lbs, the R22 is the most popular training helicopter in the world. It is also used for many other applications such as aerial photography, aerial survey, pipeline patrol, livestock mustering and personal use. The helicopter is powered by a 4 cylinder 145 horse power Lycoming engine. The overwhelming majority of helicopter student pilots train in the R22 and training schools widely use the R22 more than any other type of helicopter because of it's dependability and lower operating costs. For students going through all training courses that will make them eligible for employment as a pilot, their first job will very likely involve flying Robinson helicopters. Because of this and the training requirements necessary to be qualified to fly the aircraft, which is unique to the R22, it is advisable to conduct most if not all of student training on the Robinson platforms to be as qualified as possible walking into your first helicopter flying job.
* Allowable passenger weight depends on the length of the discovery flight and the instructor's weight. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Weight Limit: 300 lbs per passenger
With four seats and a maximum take-off weight of between 2,200 - 2,500 lbs (depending on which model), the R44 is the most popular helicopter for training for instrument flight rules (IFR) and is also widely used for training under visual flight rules (VFR) too. The R44 is popular with private owners for its low acquisition cost and affordable operating costs compared to other manufacturers. The aircraft is piston-powered and has three model variants. The R44 Raven I has a max gross takeoff weight of 2,400 lbs and does not offer air condition. The R44 Raven II can carry 100 more lbs at 2,500 lbs max gross takeoff weight. The Raven II also offers air condition as an option. The newest addition to the R44 models is the R44 Cadet, which is designed as a next generation training aircraft. The R44 Cadet seats two passengers, can accommodate advanced avionics and has a lower max gross takeoff weight at 2,200 lbs. The Cadet was certified and made available in 2016. All models are piston powered with a six cylinder Lycoming engine.
Weight Limit: 300 lbs per passenger
With 5 seats and a maximum take-off weight of 2,700 lbs, this turbine-powered helicopter is the most economical turbine powered civil helicopter used for turbine transition training and, for some future R66 owners, a platform for all of their training, if desired. Seating configuration is one pilot and one passenger in the front with 3 forward-facing passenger seats in the back. The R66 is powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300 turbine engine with 300 shaft horse power. The aircraft is widely used in helicopter tour and charter operations as well as private ownership. Of all the Robinson helicopter models, the R66 is the largest and offers a spacious baggage compartment that can accommodate up to 300 lbs of cargo. The aircraft is very capable, reliable and has been in production since 2010.
Weight Limit: 300 lbs per passenger
With 4 seats and a maximum take-off weight of 2,450 lbs, this piston engine airplane is one of the most economical and safe training aircraft in the world. Seating configuration is one pilot and one passenger in the front with 2 forward-facing passenger seats in the back. The Cessna is powered by a O360 piston engine with 160 shaft horse power. The aircraft is widely used in flight training as well as private ownership.
