Helicopters
are the most versatile flying machines in existence today.
This versatility gives the pilot complete access to
three-dimensional space in a way that no airplane can. If
you have ever flown in a helicopter you know that its
abilities are exhilarating. The flexibility of helicopters
means that they can fly almost anywhere.
.
Helicopters
have a number of unique abilities - The signature of a helicopter
is its ability to hover over one point on the ground. While
hovering, it can also spin on its axis so that the pilot can look
in any direction. Another unique feature are their ability to fly
backwards and sideways.
.
For a truly
amazing, thrilling and exhilarating panoramic birds eye view
of the mountains choose a sightseeing scenic helicopter
tourist flight.
Helicopters are
not allowed to fly in bad weather by law. These conditions
include Snow, Sleet, Rain or heavy cloud - all the
conditions that are are not suited to a tourist, sightseeing
flight.
The Heli-pad
in Meribel is situated next to the car park of the Altiport
Hotel and the Altiport runway at an altitude of
approximately 1800m - 1900m. Meribel's helipad is also very
close to the Altiport Green ski run for those wanting a
quick get away on skis.
.
how to get
there
.
SKI
With its
location so close to Altiport green Ski run it is possible
to ski very close to Meribel's helipad just having to walk a
short distance across the Altiport Hotel car park once the
snow has run out and you can't ski any more. This location
also provides the ideal opportunity to continue with your
days skiing or snowboarding once your helicopter flight has
finished. - If you ski to the Helicopter activity for your
comfort please
bring normal shoes with you to take part -
ski boots can be worn in the helicopter but are not he most
comfortable footwear in which to enjoy this amazing
experience .
.
FREE BUS
The
last bus stop of the free meribus route is Meribel
Altiport. The stop itself is located near the
entrance of the Altiport car park. This bus travels
to all areas of Meribel picking up and dropping off
at every stop - you do not need a lift pass to travel free
on the Meribus, it is free to everyone.
.
WHITETRACKS
HOST
Collected from
your chalet you and the other participants will be
transported straight to Meribel's Helipad. The Whitetracks host will
park right next to the helipad and then walk with you to the
Helicopter where they will then introduce you the Pilot.
.
Dependant on
the duration of the flight chosen the Whitetracks host will
either wait patiently at the Helipad until your Helicopter
tourist flight has finished or will leave and then return
within good time ready to escort you back to your chalet or
hotel. Whitetracks Host
You should
arrive to meet the helicopter 10 minutes before the
requested time. This ensures that you are waiting for the
helicopter and NOT the helicopter waiting for you. Once the
helicopter has landed the pilot will either keep the engine
running or will switch it off all together.
.
If the engine
is kept running someone will jump out and call you over
safely to the helicopter. PLEASE duck down when approaching
the helicopter, Ladies if you have long hair PLEASE hold it
down and OBEY the instructions that you are being given.
.
If the pilot
does switch the engines off PLEASE wait until the rotors
have fully stopped rotating before making your way to the
helicopter. As the the rotors slow down they bow at the ends
closest to you.
.
When in the
helicopter you will need to put your seatbelts on and if
available may be asked to wear headsets. someone will close
the doors for you.
.
Fly
over the Olympic sites, snow covered mountains or over to the Mont
Blanc Massif.
.
Maiden
Flight - Meribel Valley - 6 minutes
Three
Vallees Flight - 15 minutes
Haute
Tarentaise - 30 minutes
Mont Blanc - 60
minutes
.
After the
flight when the helicopter has landed if the engine is being
left on, there will be someone waiting to open the doors to
let you out and then close the doors behind you. If the
engines are switched off PLEASE don't open the doors until
the pilot tells you to do so when the rotors have finally
stopped rotating.
.
Why
not fly by helicopter to a different resort to take part in
another activity and get the best of both worlds, or fly to
and be dropped off at a mountain restaurant ....
There are no
restrictions to taking part in a scenic sightseeing
helicopter tourist flight. A Helicopter flight is one of the
activities that can be enjoyed by all the family no matter
the age.
There are NO
dress codes for flying in a helicopter - just for you own
comfort Whitetracks would suggest that you wear your ski
clothing with a pair of shoes or walking boots. Ski Boots
are allowed to be worn in the helicopters.
Minimum
- 5
- unless
you wish to pay for the EMPTY SPACES
.
Maximum
-5/6
- dependant on the helicopter
.
Helicopters
are the same price if you have 1 or 5 passengers in the
helicopter. To be more cost effective on a tourist
sightseeing helicopter flight it is better to fill all the
passenger seats. If there are only 2/3 or 4 that wish to
take part then you will have to pay for all 5 spaces. Six
seater helicopters available on request.
Flying a
helicopter is complicated. The pilot has to think in
three-dimensions and must use both arms and legs constantly to
keep the helicopter in the air. Piloting a helicopter requires a
great deal of training and skill, as well as continuous attention
to the machine.
.
To
control a helicopter, one hand grasps a control called the cyclic,
which controls the lateral direction of the helicopter (including
forward, backward, left and right). The other hand grasps a
control called the collective, which controls the up and down
motion of the helicopter (and also controls engine speed). The
pilot's feet rest on pedals that control the tail rotor, which
allows the helicopter to rotate in either direction on its axis.
It takes both hands and both feet to fly a helicopter.
