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.
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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.
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For a
truly amazing, thrilling and exhilarating panoramic birds eye view of the
mountains choose a sightseeing scenic helicopter tourist flight.
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Helicopter - OPERATION TIMES
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daily tours are available - weather
permitting.
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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.
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how to get there
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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 .
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FREE BUS
The last
bus stop of the free meribus route is MeribelAltiport. 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.
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Helicopter - operation / flights
/ duration
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Fly over the Olympic sites, snow covered mountains or over to
the Mont Blanc Massif.
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Three Vallees Flight - 15 minutes
Haute Tarentaise - 30 minutes
Mont Blanc - 60 minutes
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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.
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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 ....
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Helicopter - RESTRICTIONS
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NO Restrictions
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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.
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Helicopter - SUGGESTED ITEMS
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Ski Clothing - NORMAL
SHOES
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For the helicopters
that are mainly used for sightseeing flights the Eurocopter AS350 and
Eurocopter EC130 there is NO dress
code for flying. Whitetracks Helicopters would suggest for your own
comfort wear your ski clothing with a pair of shoes or
walking boots. Ski Boots are allowed to be worn in the AS350 and EC130 but
normal shoes will be better, obvioulsy if you are skiing to the helicopter
this may not be practical for you.
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Helicopter - NUMBERS
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Minimum - 5 -
unless you wish to pay for the EMPTY SPACES
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Maximum -5/6 - dependant on the
helicopter
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From Meribel, helicopters are the
same price if you have 1 or 5 passengers in the helicopter unfortunately
seats are not sold on an individual basis. 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.
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Helicopter - EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS
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HELICOPTER
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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.
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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.
