Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours: A Checklist of What to Bring With You
You've booked your Grand Canyon helicopter and you're excited as heck to get up in the air.
Before you buckle up, I suggest you first make a list of things to bring.
Here's what I recommend you take to make your flight picture-perfect: ALL SEASONS Extra Batteries.
It's a picture-taking bonanza up there.
Load up on batteries.
Digital cameras and camcorders burn through them.
Make sure your memory stick is empty or has lots of space left, and bring a spare.
Extra Film.
Depending when you go, you'll be facing different lighting conditions, bring film with different ISO speeds.
Expect to shoot at least a roll before and after the flight.
Dedicate no less than three rolls for aerial shots.
Hat & Sunglasses.
The Arizona sun is bright and powerful.
Pack strong UV sunglasses, preferably ones that wrap along the contour of your face.
Include a brimmed hat to protect against sunburn - many of today's helicopters use 180-degree windshields.
Sun block and ChapStick.
Bring SPF 50 sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
Use liberally.
Weather conditions can be dry and windy - a perfect combination for chapped lips.
SUMMER Comfortable walking shoes.
You might be able to get by with sandals on air-only flights.
I'd play it safe and wear a good pair of walking shoes or cross-trainers, especially if you take a tour that includes, for example, the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a rafting trip, or a bottom-descent.
Light, loose clothing.
The Grand Canyon is hot, especially in July.
I suggest wearing a shirt made of wicking material.
Avoid tank tops.
Pants will also protect you from sun and wind.
Windbreakers are always a good idea.
Water.
I can't over-emphasize bringing water.
Temperatures are consistently over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bring a quart or more.
Not staying hydrated can lead to lethargy and possible heat stroke.
WINTER Gloves and Scarf.
The Grand Canyon can get very cold.
You want to keep as much of your body heat as you can.
Hat.
The head is responsible for the most heat loss.
Cover it.
I suggest bringing a "beanie" that you can roll down over your ears.
Try to get one made of wool or fleece.
Coat.
I've seen people show up in t-shirts.
Not a great idea.
The canyon's average elevation is 5,000 feet.
Snow is common.
Bring at least a medium-weight jacket.
Layers.
An example of this is wearing a t-shirt, shirt, sweatshirt, and jacket.
If the weather warms, you take off a layer.
It's a very effective way of staying comfortable during cold conditions.
FINAL WORDS ABOUT WEATHER Helicopters used for Grand Canyon tours feature climate-controlled cabins.
These systems are very effective against heat and cold.
Regardless, you must still come prepared because: 1.
You will be outdoors making the transfer to the aircraft 2.
If you trip includes a ground segment, you will be exposed to either heat or cold.
SUMMARY Flying in a Grand Canyon helicopter over the West Rim or South Rim is definitely the trip of a lifetime - if you are prepared.
Triple check your camera equipment and make sure you have extra batteries, film, and memory sticks.
During the summer, it's all about protecting you from the sun and staying hydrated.
During winter, dress in layers to stay warm.
Take time to make a checklist of things to bring.
Doing so nearly guarantees you'll be comfortable before, during, and after your flight.
Before you buckle up, I suggest you first make a list of things to bring.
Here's what I recommend you take to make your flight picture-perfect: ALL SEASONS Extra Batteries.
It's a picture-taking bonanza up there.
Load up on batteries.
Digital cameras and camcorders burn through them.
Make sure your memory stick is empty or has lots of space left, and bring a spare.
Extra Film.
Depending when you go, you'll be facing different lighting conditions, bring film with different ISO speeds.
Expect to shoot at least a roll before and after the flight.
Dedicate no less than three rolls for aerial shots.
Hat & Sunglasses.
The Arizona sun is bright and powerful.
Pack strong UV sunglasses, preferably ones that wrap along the contour of your face.
Include a brimmed hat to protect against sunburn - many of today's helicopters use 180-degree windshields.
Sun block and ChapStick.
Bring SPF 50 sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
Use liberally.
Weather conditions can be dry and windy - a perfect combination for chapped lips.
SUMMER Comfortable walking shoes.
You might be able to get by with sandals on air-only flights.
I'd play it safe and wear a good pair of walking shoes or cross-trainers, especially if you take a tour that includes, for example, the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a rafting trip, or a bottom-descent.
Light, loose clothing.
The Grand Canyon is hot, especially in July.
I suggest wearing a shirt made of wicking material.
Avoid tank tops.
Pants will also protect you from sun and wind.
Windbreakers are always a good idea.
Water.
I can't over-emphasize bringing water.
Temperatures are consistently over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bring a quart or more.
Not staying hydrated can lead to lethargy and possible heat stroke.
WINTER Gloves and Scarf.
The Grand Canyon can get very cold.
You want to keep as much of your body heat as you can.
Hat.
The head is responsible for the most heat loss.
Cover it.
I suggest bringing a "beanie" that you can roll down over your ears.
Try to get one made of wool or fleece.
Coat.
I've seen people show up in t-shirts.
Not a great idea.
The canyon's average elevation is 5,000 feet.
Snow is common.
Bring at least a medium-weight jacket.
Layers.
An example of this is wearing a t-shirt, shirt, sweatshirt, and jacket.
If the weather warms, you take off a layer.
It's a very effective way of staying comfortable during cold conditions.
FINAL WORDS ABOUT WEATHER Helicopters used for Grand Canyon tours feature climate-controlled cabins.
These systems are very effective against heat and cold.
Regardless, you must still come prepared because: 1.
You will be outdoors making the transfer to the aircraft 2.
If you trip includes a ground segment, you will be exposed to either heat or cold.
SUMMARY Flying in a Grand Canyon helicopter over the West Rim or South Rim is definitely the trip of a lifetime - if you are prepared.
Triple check your camera equipment and make sure you have extra batteries, film, and memory sticks.
During the summer, it's all about protecting you from the sun and staying hydrated.
During winter, dress in layers to stay warm.
Take time to make a checklist of things to bring.
Doing so nearly guarantees you'll be comfortable before, during, and after your flight.
