KIDS ONLY: Fly as Co-Pilot on a Helicopter Ride for their birthday! The most exciting children's birthday gift idea they'll ever receive.
Children love receiving gifts on their birthdays, but what do you get a child who already has everything? The perfect birthday gift for kids is an experience that is exciting, interactive and that helps them learn something new. This is exactly the philosophy we used to design our very special Helicopter Co-Pilot Experience for kids.
This birthday helicopter package is an exciting learning experience that is full of surprises and it includes taking the birthday boy or girl on a scenic helicopter flight over Melbourne.
We'll involve your child in every part of the helicopter flight from the moment you arrive at our hangar. Your kids will learn the physics behind how helicopters fly, receive a personal tour of our hangar, sit inside different aircraft on the ground and be invited to be Co-Pilot on your flight where they'll even help the Pilot start the helicopter!
The best part of this helicopter experience is you being there, for the very first moment your child experiences the magic of helicopter flight. This is an opportunity that comes only once in a lifetime and it will become a memory your child carries with them for life... "That time Mum and Dad took me in a helicopter!!"
We've delivered this experience to over 100 lucky birthday boys and girls and all the parents have told us that their kids simply cannot stop talking about their helicopter ride for weeks and months after their flight.
What's included in your birthday helicopter gift for children?
✈️ A short lesson on how helicopters fly from your Pilot.
📸 A mini-photoshoot with your helicopter.
🧑✈️ Your child will be invited to be Co-Pilot in the front seat for the flight.
🚁 20 minutes of flight time in a private helicopter over Melbourne.
🎥 An in-flight video recording of your experience captured in HD.
🎁 A personalised souvenir to take home with you (which will be kept a secret until the end).
💵 And $350 worth of gift vouchers to use on a scenic flight, winery tour and “You Fly The Helicopter!” experience in Melbourne.
** Please note: Children must be 2 years or older to fly, and flight is designed for a minimum of 1 Child and 1 Adult. If your child has not yet reached their 3rd birthday, we are unfortunately unable to take them flying for safety reasons.
How do we know this is the best birthday gift idea your child will ever receive? Because we guarantee it.
😊 Smile Guarantee - If your child doesn’t smile at all during their helicopter ride, you’ll only pay for the fuel we used on your helicopter ride.
🌧️ Weather Guarantee - If we can’t fly on your chosen day because of bad weather (i.e. Rain, fog, low cloud, high wind), we’ll reschedule your flight free of charge or give you a full refund. No questions asked.
What are some of Melbourne’s famous landmarks that your cholderen will see during their birthday helicopter ride?
Your 20 minute private helicopter ride over Melbourne will deliver stunning aerial views of more than 10 famous landmarks located in and around Melbourne CBD including:
- Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
- Marvel Stadium
- Eureka Skydeck
- F1 Circuit at Albert Park
- Shrine of Remembrance
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Government House
- Rod Laver Arena
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- Flinders St Station
- Yarra River
- Flemington Racecourse
If you’d like to spend even more time in the air with your kids, you can EXTEND YOUR FLIGHT to include 30 minutes of flight time to explore Melbourne's Beaches and Coastline.
Extend your child's birthday experience to a 30 minute helicopter flight over Melbourne. This additional flight time allows you to fly low and slow over Melbourne's beaches and see stunning coastal landmarks in Port Phillip Bay including:
- Station Pier
- Port Phillip Bay
- Luna Park
- St Kilda Pier
- St Kilda Beach
- St Kilda Marina
- Green Point Cenotaph
- Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes
- ... and even a Hidden Submarine from WW1 at Sandringham Marina!
What to expect in your helicopter gift experience for kids?
You'll arrive at our hangar with the birthday boy or girl and relax in our customer lounge as we prepare the helicopter for you. Your pilot will meet you at the customer lounge and invite your child to be his or her co-pilot for the day.
From here you'll receive a tour of our aircraft hangar including allowing your child to sit inside his or her favourite helicopter and ask the Pilot any questions. The pilot will then teach your child about the physics behind how helicopters fly and how the main controls work in the helicopter's cockpit.
After the tour, you'll walk out onto the tarmac for a mini-photoshoot. Take photos with your child inside and outside the helicopter with the Melbourne City skyline in the background. You might even be photobombed by another helicopter or a private jet that's landing at Essendon Airport.
You will then board the helicopter for your scenic flight around the city. As Co-Pilot, your child will get to ride up front and help the pilot walk through the starting checklist and start the helicopter. Both of you will receive Bose aviation headsets through which you can hear the chatter of air traffic control and communicate with the pilot.
Your helicopter will then pick up into a hover over the helipad and then set off towards Melbourne CBD climbing to 1500ft (approx. 500m) in the air. As you orbit the city, your Co-Pilot (the birthday girl or boy) will be asked to help spot popular landmarks including Melbourne Star, Eureka Tower, Albert Park, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
If you've upgraded to the 30-minute scenic flight option, your pilot will continue your flight along the beaches of Port Phillip Bay. You'll see the famous boardwalk at St Kilda, spot people on the rides at Luna Park and see the iconic Brighton Beach Boxes. Your pilot will then make an exciting 180-degree turn at a 45-degree angle over Sandringham Marina, giving your child the opportunity to spot a hidden Submarine from WW1 before flying back up the coast all over again.
Your entire flight will be captured in full HD video and will include the audio recorded via everyone's headset, so your kids will be able to relive the experience over and over again. Once you're back on the ground, your child will receive a personalised souvenir as a thank you for being an amazing Co-Pilot.
You'll also receive $350 worth of gift vouchers that can be used by you or given to friends and family for a scenic flight, a winery tour AND a “You Fly The Helicopter!” experience as a special thank you for allowing Rotor One to celebrate this special occasion with your children.
This special birthday gift experience for kids is guaranteed to be something they won't be able to stop talking about for days or even weeks after the helicopter ride. They'll be telling all their friends about how they flew Co-Pilot in a helicopter, how helicopters are able to fly and all the amazing landmarks they saw from the air.
🚁 Looking for different gift ideas for your children in Melbourne?
See our exciting Melbourne scenic flights collection showing off the very best parts of Melbourne by helicopter including:
- a 20 minute helicopter ride over Melbourne CBD
- a 30 minute sunrise helicopter ride (Hot Air Balloon style) over Melbourne
- a 45 minute scenic flight around the Mornington Peninsula
- a 1 hour and 30 minute helicopter ride around Phillip Island
- a half-day adventure to the 12 Apostles & Great Ocean Road
You can purchase any of our helicopter experiences as a gift voucher for your kids and gift them the experience of flying in a helicopter for the very first time.
Visit our helicopter gift vouchers for children page to learn more about our unique and exciting birthday gift ideas for kids.
Helicopter Experience Gifts for Kids
Whether you're looking to buy a present for your child or teenager, this birthday helicopter experience is the perfect gift idea for kids of all ages (and 2 years+).
Birthday Experience Gift Ideas for Kids Under 13
Avoid buying your kids under 13 more toys or video games for their birthday or as an upcoming Christmas present. The perfect gift is something that's both exciting and educational. This special birthday helicopter experience is personalised for kids and ensures they'll be engaged and entertained throughout the experience. They'll get the chance to learn about how helicopters fly, ride as a Co-Pilot in the front seat of a helicopter and spot their favourite places from the air.
Birthday Experience Gift Ideas for Teenagers
It can be difficult to find the perfect gifts for kids as their preferences are constantly changing as they grow older. Whether for their 16th birthday or their 18th birthday, this helicopter experience is the perfect gift idea for teenage girls and boys of all ages. Our pilots personalise the experience for every child and teenager to make sure they're involved in every part of their birthday experience.
Where are you located?
Rotor One is located at Essendon Airport which is 20 minutes from Melbourne CBD. Our address is Hangar 7 Wirraway Rd, Essendon Fields and we have off-street parking next to our building.
When should I arrive?
Please arrive 10 minutes before your booking begins for a relaxed experience.
Do you depart from other locations, like the City Helipad?
We depart from Essendon Airport as you have an amazing view of the Melbourne City skyline from the moment you step onto the tarmac. We do not offer flights from the City Helipad on the Yarra River.
What is the minimum age requirement for children?
Children aged 3 years and older can fly. Our pilots will give them special attention to ensure they have an amazing time. All children will have their own window seat and pay the same seat price (we don't offer discounts for children as we make sure they have even more fun than the adults 😁)
I'm just one person. Can I fly by myself?
All our scenic and winery flights are private and require a minimum of two people, except for our Learn To Fly A Helicopter experience. You can book two seats on a scenic or winery flight if you'd like the helicopter to yourself, or you can book a single seat on our shared fight over Melbourne City, Beaches & Coast.
Can bad weather prevent us from flying?
Yes, adverse weather conditions such as low cloud, fog, heavy rain or high winds may require your flight to be delayed or rescheduled. If this is the case, your pilot will contact you at least 2 hours prior to your booking time to reschedule your flight to another day/time or provide a full refund.
Google says there's will be bad weather on the day. Should I reschedule?
There's no need to contact us to reschedule based on a weather forecast as they're often inaccurate, especially in Melbourne! We use live weather data on the day of your flight to determine if flights can be conducted safely. We'll contact you at least 2 hours prior to your flight if bad weather could delay your flight.
Why do I need to provide my weight?
We use this to calculate the weight and balance of the helicopter prior to flight. If any guests are over 130kg or a group of 2 or 3 weighs more than 240kg, please contact us prior to booking.
Can I use my camera or phone during flight?
Yes, we encourage you to take as many photos and videos on the ground, and in the air, as possible.
What should I wear?
Please bring a pair of sunglasses and you're welcome to wear clothing appropriate to the weather. We do recommend a wind-breaker jacket for any sunrise / doors-off flights and also when flying on our 12 Apostles tour as both experiences can be windy.
Can I bring any luggage?
Handbags, small backpacks or duffel bags weighing less than 10kg and less than 60cm in length can be carried. Its essential all baggage is soft and compact as it must fit in a small baggage compartment under your seat. We're not able to carry any rigid suitcases or airplane carry-on size rolling luggage.
Can I fly if I'm pregnant?
Yes, however we recommend flying prior to your third trimester.
Can I fly if I'm in a wheelchair?
Yes, our hangar is wheelchair-accessible and we warmly welcome passengers with special needs. Our team will gladly assist in lifting any passengers into the aircraft for their flight. We can also arrange to transport foldable wheelchairs when flying 4 or more passengers, as we use larger helicopters with cargo holds for these flights.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please see our cancellation policy below for more information.
What safety standards do you have in place?
Please see our flight safety guidelines below for more information.
Contact us anytime on (03) 7065 1888 or concierge@rotor.one if you'd like to make changes to your booking or have any questions.
Can I reschedule my flight?
Yes, up to 72 hours before your departure time and on one occasion. We unfortunately cannot accomodate any reschedule requests with less than 72 hours notice as we make commitments to ensure your Pilot and Helicopter are reserved exclusively for you on the day.
Can I get a refund on my flight if my plans change?
Yes, up to 72 hours before your departure time. Please note there is a 10% cancellation fee for any bookings cancelled at your request.
What happens if the helicopter cannot fly due to bad weather?
Our team will call you up to 2 hours before your departure to reschedule your flight or provide a full refund.
Can I get a refund on a Gift Voucher I bought for someone?
Gift Vouchers are unfortunately non-refundable and cannot be redeemed for cash. However, vouchers are transferable and their value can be used towards any helicopter experience on Rotor One.
Pre-Flight Safety Briefings
- Each of our guests receive a pre-flight safety briefing from your Pilot on the planned flight path, what to expect during the flight and how to operate emergency exits.
Qualified & Experienced Flight Crews
- All our crew are qualified Commercially Licensed Pilots and Flights Instructors with detailed knowledge of Melbourne airspace and several hundred to several thousand hours of flight experience each.
Detailed Monitoring of Weather Data
- All flights are subject to favourable weather conditions on the day and your Pilot may delay or cancel your flight if they believe the weather may impact the safety margins or comfort of your flight.
Use of Position Broadcasting Technology (ADS-B)
- Our helicopters are equipped with the newest position broadcasting technology (ADS-B) which tracks our position in real-time and gives automated warnings of other aircraft flying nearby.
Routine Mandatory Maintenance Inspections
- Our helicopters are inspected every day prior to the first flight and receive a detailed inspection every 50 hours by licensed aircraft engineers (LAME) with critical components being replaced every 100 and 400 hours of flight time.
Flight Planning & Monitoring with Air & Rescue Services
- All flights to destinations outside Melbourne have detailed flight plans that are submitted to Airservices Australia and include deadlines for time that search action may be required (SARTIME) as a strict precautionary measure.
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Customer Reviews
Based on 9 reviews
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S
Amazing experience from start to finish. Booking was a breeze, communication was excellent, Ed made every minute special for my son (who was flying as "co-pilot" for his 6th birthday), explaining how helicopters fly, what we were seeing on the ground and letting him turn the helicopter off. The helicopter is very comfortable, visibility was great from the back seat too (where I was). And the video of our flight was the cherry at the top: a memory to share with family overseas and to cherish forever. Highly recommend and I'll definitely come back for the birthday experience with my youngest son. Thank you, Rotor One!
S
It was the best helicopter experience for our family. We could see stunning Melbourne city, beaches and our very own zoo. Our daughter enjoyed being the co pilot with Ed who was our pilot. It was our first time and we had such a great experience for my family. Ed made it happen and made it so memorable
I highly recommend him as your pilot for the helicopter ride!
T
I got my son & partner this flight for Christmas and they both loved it! Seeing the city from so high up my son was amazed and he loved spotting a bunnings! Edward showed them so much and they both enjoyed the experience. Highly recommended
S
A Father’s Day surprise that I organised for my little boy couldn’t have been made any more special with an amazing helicopter flight experience given my the pilot Ed. Great communication. Very friendly and highly professional! Highly recommend
M
This special day was my son’s 5th birthday.He was super excited. We had fantastic flight experience with lovely captain Edward!
G
We got the city scenic flight for our daughter & grandson’s birthdays & they took the trip at 3pm on ANZAC day. As they are both Bombers fans, the pilot went above & beyond & requested clearance to fly over the MCG which was granted, how amazing!
We just watched the complimentary video taken during the flight, what a great memory to keep.
Very friendly & knowledgeable pilot, highly recommend Rotor One helicopter rides!
Explore more helicopter rides in Melbourne
About Us
Rotor One is a helicopter tour company specialising in helicopter rides, scenic flights, winery tours and helicopter charter in Melbourne.
See Melbourne's famous landmarks on a 30 minute helicopter ride, enjoy a magical scenic flight to Phillip Island or explore the natural wonders of the 12 Apostles by helicopter from Melbourne.
Fly to the Yarra Valley by helicopter for a wine tour at Hubert Estate or Levantine Hill, or take a helicopter to Mornington Peninsula for an afternoon at St Andrews Beach Brewery.
Celebrate your anniversary with our Couples Experience complete with champagne, or treat the family to our Kid's Co-Pilot Experience for the best birthday gift they'll ever receive!
Have a question? Call us on (03) 7065 1888 or via WhatsApp
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