Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you'd want to know before your flight or your first lesson.
Booking & cancellation
How do I book a flight?
Everything books online at our booking page. Pick a date, choose a tour, reserve seats — confirmation lands in your inbox in seconds. We don't take bookings by phone for tours; the website's calendar is the source of truth and prevents double-bookings.
What are your operating hours?
Tour season runs May through October. The bookable calendar is:
Friday – Monday: 10 AM – 8 PM (last slot of the evening is the Sunset Tour, departing 45 minutes before sunset)
Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday: 4 PM – 8 PM only
Off-season (November – April), scenic tours run by appointment only. Flight training runs year-round.
Friday – Monday: 10 AM – 8 PM (last slot of the evening is the Sunset Tour, departing 45 minutes before sunset)
Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday: 4 PM – 8 PM only
Off-season (November – April), scenic tours run by appointment only. Flight training runs year-round.
When can I book flight-training lessons?
Student lessons are scheduled through the gated student portal. The protected student window is Saturday, Sunday, and Monday — 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM, before the tour day starts. Tuesday–Thursday daytime hours are not available for student bookings. Friday mornings are by personal approval from your instructor only.
Why are there 30 minutes between flights on the calendar?
Each booked slot includes a 15-minute pre-flight buffer (safety walk-around, weight & balance, boarding) and a 15-minute post-flight buffer (deplaning, photos, refueling, turnaround). It's how we keep on-time performance high and never rush a safety brief.
How early should I book — especially for foliage or sunset?
Sunset flights are one slot per evening and book solid 1–4 weeks ahead in summer. Peak foliage weekends (Sept 21–Oct 17) typically sell out 4–6 weeks in advance — start watching availability in early August. Mid-week peak slots are easier to grab same-week.
What's the cancellation policy?
More than 48 hours before your flight: full refund. 24–48 hours: 50% credit toward a future flight. Less than 24 hours: forfeit, except for weather. The pilot has sole authority over weather cancellations — those always get a rebook or refund.
Can I reschedule? Is there a fee?
Yes. One free reschedule if you give us more than 48 hours' notice. Inside 48 hours, we'll move you when we can — same-day moves depend on the calendar.
Do you fly year-round?
Yes — weather permitting. Tour season is busiest May through October; flight training runs all twelve months. Winter flying offers some of our most spectacular scenery once the snow is on the High Peaks. Off-season tours are by appointment.
What happens if my flight is cancelled for weather?
You get a text 4 hours before your scheduled departure with two options: free rebook on the next available slot, or full refund — your call.
Canadian & international visitors — booking a flight
A note for our friends from Canada, the UK, Europe, and elsewhere: you are very welcome at NCHF. A scenic helicopter tour or a one-time discovery flight is a commercial passenger experience, not flight training — so the bar to fly with us is exactly the same as for any US guest. Below are the questions we hear most often.
I'm Canadian (or from elsewhere abroad) — can I book a tour or discovery flight?
Yes. Scenic tours and one-time discovery flights are commercial passenger flights, not certificate-track training. There are no TSA, FAA, or visa requirements specific to flying with us as a guest. Book online like anyone else, bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a passport is the simplest — and arrive 20 minutes early.
Do I need a US visa to come fly with you?
Canadians don't need a visa for short visits to the US under Canadian visitor status. Visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries (UK, most of the EU, Australia, NZ, Japan, etc.) come in on ESTA. Everyone else uses a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. None of this is unique to flying with NCHF — it's the same status that gets you into Lake George by car, train, or plane.
What ID do you want at the airport?
For international guests, your passport is best. We don't transmit your info anywhere — we just confirm names against the booking and weight-and-balance manifest. We do not collect copies, scans, or photos of any ID.
Can I take the controls during a discovery flight?
Yes — every discovery flight includes brief hands-on time once we're in stable cruise, under direct supervision by our CFI. Because a discovery flight is not logged as instructional training toward a certificate, no TSA approval is required even for international guests. It's the perfect way to see if helicopter flying is for you before committing to lessons.
I'm an experienced Canadian (or foreign) pilot — can I rent the helicopter or fly it solo?
Not directly on a foreign license. To act as Pilot-in-Command of a US-registered aircraft you need an FAA certificate. Holders of a Transport Canada or other ICAO licence can apply for an FAA piggyback certificate under 14 CFR §61.75, but that's a separate process through your nearest FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Until that's in hand, you fly with one of our CFIs — either as a discovery passenger or as a dual-instruction student under TSA AFSP (see the International Students section below).
How does payment and currency work?
All transactions are in US dollars. Your card carrier handles the FX automatically — there is no foreign-transaction surcharge from us. We accept all major Visa, Mastercard, and Amex including Canadian-issued cards. Gift cards purchased with non-US cards work the same way.
Do you do customs or border-crossing flights?
No. NCHF operates strictly within US airspace; we do not cross the Canadian border by air. You'll have already cleared US Customs by the time you reach Harris Airport (typically at the I-87 Champlain crossing for road travelers, or at your US arrival airport for fliers). Come to the field as a US-domestic traveler.
Are translators or non-English speakers welcome?
Yes. Aviation English is required for the safety briefing, but we'll go slowly and use diagrams; a companion translator in the group is fine. We have basic French for our Québécois guests — Lake George sees heavy French-Canadian visitation and we're set up for it.
What about luggage or carry-ons from a longer trip?
Same rules as for US guests: small day-bags and cameras in the cabin, larger luggage stays in your vehicle in the airport parking lot. We don't have secure overnight storage at the field.
Tipping?
Not expected. If you had a memorable flight and want to tip the pilot, gratuity is appreciated and goes 100% to the pilot. We do not add automatic gratuity to any booking.
Weather & rescheduling
What if it's a little cloudy or breezy?
VFR scenic flying needs ceilings and visibility well above the legal minimums for safety and a good experience — typically 2,500 ft ceilings or better and 5+ miles visibility. Light wind is fine; gusty wind above 25 kt usually grounds us. We never push weather; if conditions are marginal, you'll hear from us by text.
Do you fly in light rain?
No. Even light rain reduces visibility, and rotor-wing scenic flying isn't worth doing if you can't see the scenery. We reschedule.
What about haze, smoke, or fog in the valleys?
Lake George summer haze sometimes brings visibility into the 5–7 mile range. We can fly the lake basin in those conditions, but the High Peaks Grand and Green Mountain Scenic tours need clearer air. We'll suggest a substitute or rebook.
Where can I see the live weather you're checking?
Our KGFL Weather Briefing page pulls the same METAR/TAF feeds we use, with quick links to the FAA's Aviation Weather Center. It's the most useful single page for understanding why a flight might or might not go.
Day-of-flight
How early should I arrive?
Twenty minutes before your scheduled flight time. We'll do a safety briefing and weight & balance, then you're in the air.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes, layers (it's cooler at altitude), and closed-toe shoes. Leave loose hats at home — they can fly off near a running rotor. We provide noise-canceling headsets. Sunglasses recommended.
Where is Harris Airport (83K)?
10915 St. Rt. 149, Fort Ann, NY — twelve miles east of Lake George Village, about thirty minutes from Saratoga Springs and Glens Falls, and an hour from Albany International (KALB). Free parking on the field. Detailed directions ship with your booking confirmation.
Is there a bathroom at the airport?
Yes — clean restroom inside the FBO building. Use it before your flight; once we're airborne, there's no return-to-field-because-coffee policy that's going to make us happy.
Can I bring food or drink?
Water bottles only in the cabin (capped). No coffee, no soda, no snacks during flight. We have a few Adirondack cafés to recommend post-flight.
Will the pilot narrate the flight?
Yes. The intercom is open the whole flight and the pilot points out every landmark — Tongue Mountain, Black Mountain, the Sagamore, Fort William Henry, Fort Ticonderoga, Whiteface, Marcy. You can ask questions any time.
Is the helicopter heated and air-conditioned?
Heated, yes. Air-conditioned, no — the R-44 has excellent ventilation through the doors and large vents, which keeps the cabin comfortable even in summer. We typically fly early morning or sunset on hot days.
Can I sit up front next to the pilot?
For shared bookings, the pilot decides seating based on weight and balance. For private buyouts, the heavier passenger usually sits up front; we'll confirm at booking.
Safety & the helicopter
Is the helicopter safe? What's your safety record?
We operate to a higher standard than the regulations require. Our pilots are Robinson SFAR 73-compliant with recurrent training every 24 months. The R-44 is maintained to its 100-hour and annual schedules with full AD compliance. Between founder Bruce Mowery's 17 years over these mountains and our continuing operation, that's thousands of safe hours.
Are there weight or size limits?
FAA-mandated 250 pounds per passenger in the R-44, and we calculate total weight and balance for every flight. Please give us accurate weights at booking — they're a safety requirement, not a suggestion. If your group is close to the cabin limit, we may split it across two flights or recommend a different tour.
Can a couple share a 250 lb seat allowance if one is heavier?
Generally no — the per-seat limit is structural for the seat itself, not the cabin. If a passenger exceeds 250 lb, we'd book a private buyout where seating arranges around the heavier passenger up front. Reach out and we'll work it out.
What happens in an emergency?
The R-44 can autorotate to a safe landing without engine power — that's part of every commercial helicopter pilot's training. Our pilots practice autorotations every recurrent. The R-44's emergency landing options are excellent in the lakes-and-foothills terrain we fly.
How many passengers does the R-44 hold?
Pilot plus three passengers. Every seat is a window seat — no middle row, no obstructed view.
What altitude do you fly at?
Most scenic flying is between 800 and 2,500 feet AGL — high enough to see the terrain laid out, low enough to feel like you're in it. Over the High Peaks we go higher; over the lake basin, lower.
What's your insurance coverage?
$1 million aviation liability with passenger limits in line with industry standard. Renters insurance is accepted for student pilots and required before solo flight.
Children & accessibility
Can children fly with us?
Children aged 2 and up are welcome with a parent or guardian. Children must be able to wear the headset and stay seated and belted for the full flight. Lap children are not permitted under any circumstances.
What if I'm scared of flying?
A lot of first-timers tell us afterward they were nervous beforehand. The R-44 cabin is quieter and smoother than most expect, the pilot talks the whole flight, and we keep things gentle. If you'd rather start small, catch a 5-minute Quick Lift at one of our fly-in events (quick lifts are offered at events only) before committing to a longer tour.
Will I get motion sick?
Helicopter scenic flight is unusually smooth — we don't bank steeply or pitch hard. If you've handled a turning car ride or a small boat, you'll be fine. Take a Dramamine an hour before if you're worried; ginger candies help on the day.
Are pets allowed?
Service animals: yes, with prior coordination. Pets generally: no — the cabin is small and shared bookings include other passengers. For a private buyout we'll consider a small, well-mannered dog with a deposit.
Can you accommodate wheelchairs or limited mobility?
The R-44 cabin requires a step up and a forward duck-and-twist to seat. Folding wheelchairs can be stowed; motorized chairs cannot. If you're unsure whether you can board comfortably, please call us before booking — we'll walk through it together. See our contact page.
What if I'm hearing-impaired?
Our headsets are noise-canceling and pilot communication is clear — most hearing aid wearers fly comfortably. Tell us at booking and we'll adjust the comm setup. We can also brief in writing at the FBO before takeoff.
Do you fly non-English-speaking guests?
English is our working language for safety briefings and ATC, but we'll happily fly guests with a companion translator. The Lake George area sees heavy French-Canadian visitation — we have basic French phrases for the safety walk-around.
Photography & video
Can I take photos and video during the flight?
Absolutely — bring your camera or phone. Every seat has a large window. We do not allow drone-controllers, selfie sticks beyond cabin reach, or anything that could leave the aircraft.
Do you offer doors-off photography flights?
Yes — for serious photographers. Doors-off requires a $200 setup fee, a pre-flight harness check, and a per-flight gear inventory (no GoPro mounts that can fly off). Best booked golden-hour. Reach out via the à la carte page.
Can you provide photos or video of my flight?
For special occasions (proposals, anniversaries, weddings) we offer a "Photo of Your Flight" add-on — a curated 8×10 print mailed to you, $45. Doors-off photo flights include a digital album of pilot-captured frames.
Will you give me a copy of the flight track?
On request, yes — we can email a Garmin/ForeFlight track of your flight after we land. Useful for photographers or anyone curious about the route.
Flight training
How is dual flight instruction priced?
$750 per Hobbs hour all-in (you pay only for time the engine is running, not the time you're on the ground). Ground instruction is $75 per hour. The discovery flight is a $249 flat package.
How long does it take to get my Private Pilot Helicopter?
The FAA minimum is 40 hours; realistic completion is 60–80 flight hours plus ~25 ground hours. Typical timeline at a steady 2x/week pace: 4–6 months from discovery to checkride.
Do you teach the rotorcraft add-on for fixed-wing pilots?
Yes — and it's one of our most rewarding programs. Most fixed-wing private pilots add-on in 30–40 helicopter hours. We'll honor your existing knowledge and focus the syllabus on rotor-specific aerodynamics, autorotations, and the Robinson SFAR 73 awareness training.
Do I need a medical certificate?
For solo flight in the R-44 you need at least a current Third-Class FAA medical. We can recommend AMEs in the Albany / Glens Falls area. A first lesson and the discovery flight do not require a medical.
What happens after my Private Pilot? Do I have to keep training with you?
Not at all. We're equally happy to support add-on instrument, commercial, or CFI ratings on the same airframe — or to send you off well-prepared to a school more aligned with your career goals. See our (forthcoming) Career Pathways page for typical post-PPL routes.
International students — Part 61 training as a non-US citizen
Anyone who is not a US citizen — Canadian, British, French, Japanese, Brazilian, anyone — must be cleared by the Transportation Security Administration's Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) before they can take a flight lesson that counts toward an FAA certificate or rating. This is a federal requirement that applies to every flight school in the US. It does not apply to discovery flights or scenic tours. The process below is the same at NCHF as at any other Part 61 school.
I'm not a US citizen. Can I train with NCHF toward an FAA certificate?
Yes — once you complete the TSA Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP). The federal rule, 49 CFR Part 1552, requires every non-US-citizen flight-training candidate to be vetted by TSA before instruction can begin. You start the process online, fingerprint at a TSA enrollment center, and bring your printed AFSP approval to NCHF before your first instructional flight.
What is TSA AFSP — the step-by-step?
1. Register at flightschoolcandidates.gov — TSA's official portal.
2. Choose your training category. Most R-44 students fall under Category 3 (initial training in aircraft under 12,500 lbs MTOW).
3. Submit biographical info, passport scan, photo, and prior training records (if any).
4. Pay the TSA processing fee (~$130, credit card, online).
5. Book a fingerprinting appointment at a TSA-approved enrollment center (typically IdentoGo). Fingerprinting is a one-time enrollment good for the life of your training.
6. Wait for TSA approval — typically 1–4 weeks depending on queue.
7. Bring the printed AFSP approval letter (or PDF on your phone) to NCHF before your first instructional flight.
Total elapsed time from registration to first lesson is usually 2–6 weeks. Start the process early.
2. Choose your training category. Most R-44 students fall under Category 3 (initial training in aircraft under 12,500 lbs MTOW).
3. Submit biographical info, passport scan, photo, and prior training records (if any).
4. Pay the TSA processing fee (~$130, credit card, online).
5. Book a fingerprinting appointment at a TSA-approved enrollment center (typically IdentoGo). Fingerprinting is a one-time enrollment good for the life of your training.
6. Wait for TSA approval — typically 1–4 weeks depending on queue.
7. Bring the printed AFSP approval letter (or PDF on your phone) to NCHF before your first instructional flight.
Total elapsed time from registration to first lesson is usually 2–6 weeks. Start the process early.
Which TSA AFSP category applies to me?
Category 3 — Initial Training in Aircraft Under 12,500 lbs MTOW covers nearly all helicopter training in the R-44, including PPL-H, Instrument, Commercial, Add-on Rotorcraft, and CFI/CFII. The vetting is full-scope under Category 3 (background check + fingerprints). Category 1 covers large-aircraft type ratings; Category 2 covers recurrent training. Neither typically applies to NCHF students.
Do I need a US visa for flight training?
It depends on the length and intensity of your training.
Short-term lessons during a vacation — for example, a Canadian who drives down on weekends, or a UK pilot taking a few lessons on a two-week US trip — can typically train under B-1/B-2 visitor status (ESTA for VWP countries; Canadian visitor status for Canadians).
Relocating to the US to complete a full program requires an M-1 student visa, which is issued only after a SEVP-certified school sends you an I-20 form. NCHF is not currently SEVP-certified, so we cannot issue I-20s. Students wishing to move to the US for full PPL-H training should select an SEVP-certified school. We can support: (a) short-term training during legal visitor stays; (b) students already legally residing in the US on other valid status (H-1B, L-1, F-1 attached to another school, etc.).
Short-term lessons during a vacation — for example, a Canadian who drives down on weekends, or a UK pilot taking a few lessons on a two-week US trip — can typically train under B-1/B-2 visitor status (ESTA for VWP countries; Canadian visitor status for Canadians).
Relocating to the US to complete a full program requires an M-1 student visa, which is issued only after a SEVP-certified school sends you an I-20 form. NCHF is not currently SEVP-certified, so we cannot issue I-20s. Students wishing to move to the US for full PPL-H training should select an SEVP-certified school. We can support: (a) short-term training during legal visitor stays; (b) students already legally residing in the US on other valid status (H-1B, L-1, F-1 attached to another school, etc.).
I'm a Canadian who lives in upstate New York — am I exempt from AFSP?
No. AFSP applies to citizenship, not residency. A Canadian citizen living in Glens Falls still needs to complete TSA AFSP before instructional flights count toward an FAA certificate. Once AFSP is complete, you're treated identically to a US student for medical, syllabus, and checkride purposes. Most of our Canadian students are weekenders from Montreal, Ottawa, or the Eastern Townships — and that's all fine under Canadian visitor status, paired with AFSP.
I already hold a Transport Canada helicopter licence — can I get an FAA certificate based on it?
Yes — through the foreign-license piggyback under 14 CFR §61.75. You apply through your nearest FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) with your Transport Canada licence, your Transport Canada medical, and a logbook review. There's a written-exam waiver for piggyback. The FAA piggyback certificate is restricted to the privileges of your underlying foreign licence, but it lets you log time toward FAA currency at our school and rent NCHF aircraft after our standard checkout. Worth doing before you start training.
Do I need an FAA medical certificate?
For solo flight in the R-44 you need at least a Third-Class FAA medical certificate. AME (Aviation Medical Examiner) appointments are widely available in the Albany / Glens Falls area; we'll recommend one. The exam is straightforward for most candidates — bring photo ID and a list of any current medications. A first lesson or discovery flight does not require an FAA medical.
Where do I get fingerprinted? Closest TSA enrollment center?
Book your fingerprinting at identogo.com. The closest TSA-approved enrollment centers to Harris Airport (83K):
• Saratoga Springs, NY — typically the closest to Fort Ann, NY (about 25 minutes south).
• Albany, NY — multiple locations, larger appointment pool.
• Queensbury / Glens Falls, NY — limited availability, check appointments.
Bring two forms of photo ID (passport is best). Fingerprints transmit electronically to TSA; you do not bring anything physical back to us.
• Saratoga Springs, NY — typically the closest to Fort Ann, NY (about 25 minutes south).
• Albany, NY — multiple locations, larger appointment pool.
• Queensbury / Glens Falls, NY — limited availability, check appointments.
Bring two forms of photo ID (passport is best). Fingerprints transmit electronically to TSA; you do not bring anything physical back to us.
How much should I budget end-to-end?
Flight rates are the same for US and international students — $750/hour Hobbs for in-aircraft instruction and $75/hour for ground instruction. Add these one-time international fees:
• TSA AFSP processing fee: ~$130
• Fingerprinting at IdentoGo: ~$80–$120
• FAA medical (AME visit): ~$90–$200
• Visa-related costs if M-1 applies: variable
Most international students plan for $25,000–$32,000 total for PPL-H assuming a typical 60–80 hour course. Insurance, ground books, ForeFlight, and a basic headset are extra.
• TSA AFSP processing fee: ~$130
• Fingerprinting at IdentoGo: ~$80–$120
• FAA medical (AME visit): ~$90–$200
• Visa-related costs if M-1 applies: variable
Most international students plan for $25,000–$32,000 total for PPL-H assuming a typical 60–80 hour course. Insurance, ground books, ForeFlight, and a basic headset are extra.
Can I start AFSP before I've booked with NCHF?
You can register on flightschoolcandidates.gov, but TSA requires you to name the flight school in your application. Once you select "North Country Heli Flight LLC" we get notified and can confirm your enrollment on our side. So the cleanest sequence is: email us first, lock in our schedule, then register on flightschoolcandidates.gov naming NCHF as your school.
What's the first step?
Email training@flyheliadk.com with three things: (1) your country of citizenship, (2) your current US visa or residency status, and (3) your stated training goal (PPL-H, add-on, CPL-H, etc.). We'll send you our international-student onboarding kit: AFSP candidate checklist, M-1 visa explanation if applicable, FAA medical primer, and a tentative training-schedule outline. Once your AFSP approval is in hand, we book your first lesson.
Will my training count toward a license in my home country?
It depends on your country's aviation authority. Many ICAO authorities (Transport Canada, EASA/CAA, CASA, etc.) allow credit for FAA-logged hours when converting back to their own license, but the rules vary. Transport Canada and EASA have specific conversion routes. Bring your logbook home to your local authority for review; we maintain US-standard logbook entries that are recognized internationally.
Gift cards & special occasions
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes — gift cards are valid 24 months and good for any tour, the discovery flight, or a Sunset Tour. Buy them on the gift-cards page; delivery is instant by email with a printable certificate the recipient can wrap.
Do you do proposals?
All the time. The Sunset Tour buyout ($750) with a champagne staging on landing is the most-requested package. We'll coordinate ring storage during flight, photo capture, and the post-flight reveal. Tell us in the booking notes — we plan around your script.
Do you fly weddings?
Yes — bride/groom arrival flights into venues with a clear LZ (Sagamore, Erlowest, several lake-side estates), surprise sendoff flights, photographer charters. Lead time for peak weekends is 90+ days.
Can I do a photo flight for real-estate or aerial photography?
Yes — see our à la carte page. $750/hr with a 30-minute minimum, doors-off available.
Do you do corporate or group bookings?
Yes — we can fly up to 21 passengers across 7 flights in a single day from a single LZ. Discount structure available for 4+ flights. Hotel partners often coordinate retreat packages with us.
Didn't see your question?
Call us at (518) 634-6375, or send a note on the contact page.