First Hover Experience

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of lifting into a hover for the first time. The First Hover Experience is designed for first-time flyers, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of flying a helicopter.

With personalized instruction from an award-winning, retired military instructor, you’ll learn the fundamentals of helicopter flight before taking the controls of the legendary Bell 47.

No previous flight experience is required—just bring your sense of adventure.

Ground Instruction

Before taking to the skies, you’ll receive a personalized briefing covering:

• Introduction to the Bell 47
• Basic helicopter aerodynamics
• Flight controls and cockpit familiarization
• Safety procedures
• Hovering fundamentals
• Mission briefing
• What to expect during your flight

Flight Experience

Approximately 20–25 minutes of flight time with hands-on instruction.

You’ll have the opportunity to experience:

• Cockpit orientation
• Engine start and rotor engagement
• Instructor-assisted takeoff
• Straight-and-level flight
• Basic turns
• Introduction to hovering
• Hover control fundamentals
• Instructor-guided flight with time at the controls
• Scenic views of the Las Vegas Valley
• Instructor-assisted landing

Throughout the flight, your instructor will help you develop a feel for the unique coordination required to fly a helicopter while allowing you to safely experience the controls firsthand.

Included

• Approximately 30–40 minute total experience
• One-on-one instruction
• Hands-on flight time
• Professional photo opportunities
• Certificate of completion
• Chrisair Aviation souvenir decal
• Opportunity to continue into our advanced experience packages

Perfect For

• First-time helicopter flyers
• Bucket-list adventures
• Gift certificates
• Couples and families
• Aviation enthusiasts
• Anyone curious about helicopter flight

Continue Your Journey

The First Hover Experience is the perfect introduction to rotary-wing flight. If you catch the helicopter bug, you can continue with our Hands-On Helicopter Experience, Bell 47 Pilot for a Day, or our premier Through the Bubble – Historic Rotorcraft Mastery Series.

Ready for more than just an introduction? The Hands-On Helicopter Experience is designed for those who want meaningful time at the controls while learning how a helicopter truly flies.

With approximately one hour dedicated to your experience, you’ll receive personalized instruction from an award-winning, retired military instructor and enjoy significantly more hands-on flying than our introductory package.

Whether you’re considering helicopter flight training or simply want an unforgettable aviation adventure, this experience puts you in the pilot’s seat.

Ground Instruction

Before takeoff, you’ll receive a personalized briefing (20 minutes) covering:

• Bell 47 history and heritage
• Aircraft systems overview
• Helicopter flight controls
• Rotor system fundamentals
• Safety procedures
• Hovering techniques
• Weather considerations
• Mission briefing

Flight Experience

Approximately 45–50 minutes of flight time with extensive hands-on instruction.

You’ll practice:

• Cockpit familiarization
• Engine start procedures
• Helicopter control coordination
• Hovering fundamentals
• Hover taxi techniques
• Straight-and-level flight
• Climbs and descents
• Medium-bank turns
• Airspeed management
• Normal takeoffs
• Pattern operations (as conditions permit)
• Normal approaches
• Instructor-assisted landing

Throughout the flight, your instructor will progressively transfer more control to you as your comfort and confidence grow.

Optional Demonstrations

Depending on weather, proficiency, and time available:

• Advanced hover techniques
• Pedal turns
• Quick stop demonstration
• Emergency procedure discussion
• Autorotation demonstration by the instructor

Included

• Approximately 60-minute total experience
• Personalized one-on-one instruction
• Extensive hands-on flying
• Professional photo opportunities
• Certificate of completion
• Credit toward future helicopter training (where applicable)

 Perfect For

• Aviation enthusiasts
• Future helicopter pilots
• Airplane pilots interested in rotorcraft
• Adventure seekers
• Anyone wanting a true hands-on flying experience

Upgrade Your Adventure

Many guests begin with the Hands-On Helicopter Experience and later continue into our flagship Through the Bubble – Historic Rotorcraft Mastery Series, where they build advanced flying skills over multiple personalized training sessions.

Through the Bubble is Chrisair Aviation’s premier Bell 47 experience, designed for those who want to truly understand and master one of the most recognizable helicopters ever built.

Over multiple personalized training sessions, you’ll experience every phase of Bell 47 operations while developing real flying skills and gaining an appreciation for the aircraft that pioneered commercial helicopter flight.

This isn’t just a flight—it’s an aviation journey.

Ground School

Throughout the series you’ll receive in-depth instruction on:

• The history of the Bell 47 and its impact on aviation
• Rotor system design and operation
• Helicopter aerodynamics
• Aircraft systems and maintenance
• Weight & balance
• Performance planning
• Weather decision making
• FAA regulations
• Risk management
• Emergency procedures
• Mission planning

 Flight Training

Over 3–5 personalized lessons, you’ll progressively build your skills with extensive hands-on flying.

Topics include:

Lesson 1

Learning the Bell

• Aircraft familiarization
• Cockpit orientation
• Startup procedures
• Hover fundamentals
• Pedal coordination
• Basic helicopter control

Lesson 2

Flying the Aircraft

• Precision hovering
• Hover taxi
• Takeoffs
• Climbs and descents
• Straight-and-level flight
• Turns
• Airspeed management

Lesson 3

Confidence & Precision

• Traffic patterns
• Normal approaches
• Landing techniques
• Wind correction
• Energy management
• Instructor-guided precision maneuvers

Lessons 4–5 (Optional Advanced Training)

Depending on experience and proficiency:

• Low-level navigation
• Confined area operations
• Pinnacle and slope operation discussions
• Advanced hovering exercises
• Instructor demonstrations of emergency procedures
• Autorotation demonstrations
• Personalized proficiency training

Exclusive Experiences

Only participants in Through the Bubble receive:

• One-on-one personalized coaching
• Progressive Bell 47 training syllabus
• Loggable flight time
• Bell 47 Mastery Certificate
• Chrisair Aviation commemorative gift
• Graduation photo with the aircraft
• Lifetime alumni status in the Through the Bubble program

Who Is This For?

Perfect for:

• Aviation enthusiasts
• Helicopter pilots
• Airplane pilots wanting rotorcraft experience
• Vintage aircraft collectors
• Military aviation fans
• Aviation photographers
• Bucket-list adventurers
• Anyone who wants to truly master the Bell 47

Your Experience Includes

• 3–5 individual flight lessons
• Approximately 4–6 hours of total instruction
• Award-winning, retired military instructor
• Personalized one-on-one training
• Extensive hands-on flying
• Loggable flight time
• Certificate of completion
• Professional photos 
• Exclusive Video of Your Flight
• Priority scheduling
• Access to future Bell 47 alumni events (if offered)

Graduation

Upon completion, you’ll receive a communitive T-Shirt, Bell-47 baseball hat, and a Through the Bubble Historic Rotorcraft Mastery Certificate, recognizing your successful completion of Chrisair Aviation’s premier Bell 47 training experience.