Hands on Above the Harbor: A Dual Helicopter & Fixed‑Wing Demo Over Long Beach

LONG BEACH AIR ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE

Hands on Above the Harbor: A Dual Helicopter & Fixed‑Wing Demo Over Long Beach

A three‑hour experience that starts with a 15‑minute simulator introduction and delivers two 60‑minute instructional flights—one in a Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter and one in a Cessna—this guide lays out what to expect and how to plan.

Hands on Above the Harbor: A Dual Helicopter & Fixed‑Wing Demo Over Long Beach.

Duration
Total Experience duration ~ 3 hours (15 Minute Flight Simulator Session, 60 Minute Cabri Flight, 60 Minute Cessna Flight)
Location
Long Beach
Operator
Anthelion Helicopters
Category
Air Activities
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set at Long Beach Airport, this dual demo lesson with Anthelion Helicopters pairs a short simulator session with hour‑long flights in both a modern Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter and a Cessna, giving newcomers a controlled, instructor‑led immersion into rotorcraft and fixed‑wing handling over the Los Angeles harbor and coastline.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE AIRCRAFT

Guimbal Cabri G2 — next‑generation trainer

The Guimbal Cabri G2 is a French‑made, next‑generation pilot trainer noted for its hybrid fully‑articulated main rotor and Fenestron tail rotor. It’s presented here as the primary helicopter training platform for the demo flight.

THE LESSON

Dual demo: simulator, Cabri, then Cessna

The program combines a brief FAA‑approved simulator introduction with two separate 60‑minute instructional flights—one in the Cabri helicopter and one in a Cessna—so you can feel the differences between rotorcraft and fixed‑wing handling under instructor supervision.

THE PAYOFF

Logged time that counts toward a license

Flight time logged during the demo can be applied toward helicopter pilot time should you pursue a license—making this more than a scenic hop and a genuine step into training.

What the day feels like

What the three hours feel like

Expect a paced, instructor‑led flow: arrive early for check‑in and ID/waiver processing, move through a short FAA SFAR awareness briefing and a 15‑minute simulator session, then transition to a safety briefing before an hour‑long Cabri helicopter lesson. After returning to Long Beach you’ll board for a further 60‑minute Cessna lesson and finish with a signed certificate and logged flight time.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this experience suits — and who it excludes.

1
Aspiring pilotsIdeal as an introductory hour of logged flight time and hands‑on control under instructor supervision for those considering pilot training.
2
Novice adventurersGood for novices who want a structured, instructor‑guided taste of both rotorcraft and fixed‑wing flight, beginning with a simulator orientation and progressing to real cockpit time.
3
Weight‑restricted travelersNot suitable for anyone weighing 250 lbs. or more—aircraft limitations prevent flight and verification may occur at check‑in.
4
Anyone under influenceThis is not appropriate for guests showing signs of drug or alcohol impairment; service may be refused and no refund provided.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & duration

Total experience is approximately 3 hours: a 15‑minute simulator session followed by a 60‑minute Cabri lesson and a 60‑minute Cessna lesson.

Meeting point

Meet at Anthelion Helicopters’ facility at 3213 Airflite Way, Long Beach, CA 90807; the operator is located at the helicopter pad at Long Beach Airport, not at the main terminal.

What to bring

Wear closed‑toed shoes for your flight lesson; sun protection such as a hat and sunglasses is recommended.

Arrival window

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your reservation start time to complete check‑in procedures and any necessary weight verification.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Where do we meet?

All lessons depart from Anthelion Helicopters’ helicopter pad at Long Beach Airport; the office address is 3213 Airflite Way, Long Beach, CA 90807. The operator is not located at the main airport terminal.

Is there a dress code?

Wear closed‑toed shoes for the flight lesson; sun protection like a hat and sunglasses is recommended.

Can I tip my pilot?

Tipping is not included in your reservation total and is at your discretion; tips can be given to the pilot but are not expected.

Is the experience safe?

Safety is the operator’s top priority; they report a 100% safety record and will reschedule flights at no extra charge if adverse weather would impact safety.

What is the drug and alcohol policy?

Anthelion Helicopters maintains a drug‑ and alcohol‑free policy; guests showing signs of impairment will be refused service and are not entitled to a refund.

Are there passenger weight limits?

Yes—customers weighing 250 lbs. or more will not be permitted to fly due to aircraft limitations and may be asked to verify weight at arrival; no refunds are issued for exceeding the limit.