LOS ANGELES AIR TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Choppers Over Celluloid and Surf: A 35‑Minute Aerial Route Through Hollywood’s Studio Corridor to the Pacific
A compact helicopter tour from Van Nuys that pairs overhead views of major movie studios and the Hollywood Sign with a coastal run past Santa Monica Pier—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Choppers Over Celluloid and Surf: A 35‑Minute Aerial Route Through Hollywood’s Studio Corridor to the Pacific.
Lift off from Van Nuys for a condensed, scenic circuit that threads the Valley’s studio backlots and the Hollywood hills before continuing west to the coastline. From the air you’ll pass Universal Studios, Warner Bros., Disney and Paramount, cross the Cahuenga Pass and Lake Hollywood to the Hollywood Sign, then fly out to Santa Monica Pier and along the Pacific before returning past Getty Center and the Sepulveda Pass.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Hollywood Sign — An Aerial Icon
One of the tour’s signature sights is a close aerial view of the Hollywood Sign, seen as the flight climbs through the Cahuenga Pass and Lake Hollywood corridor.
Santa Monica Pier and the Pacific Run
The route continues west for a coastal leg along Santa Monica Pier, offering a stark contrast to the city and studio views earlier in the flight.
Studio Backlots from Above
Expect aerial perspectives of major studios and backlots—highlights called out on the tour include Universal Studios and other well‑known production sites visible from the route.
What the day feels like
How the Flight Feels
The experience is a tightly paced sightseeing flight: arrive at the Van Nuys base, check in and sign waivers, meet your pilot, get a short safety briefing and photo opportunity at the helicopter, then strap in with headsets on for a 35‑minute circuit where the pilot points out studios, the Hollywood Sign and coastal landmarks before returning to the airport.
THE LANDMARKS
The Hollywood Sign — An Aerial Icon
One of the tour’s signature sights is a close aerial view of the Hollywood Sign, seen as the flight climbs through the Cahuenga Pass and Lake Hollywood corridor.
THE COAST
Santa Monica Pier and the Pacific Run
The route continues west for a coastal leg along Santa Monica Pier, offering a stark contrast to the city and studio views earlier in the flight.
CITY & FILM
Studio Backlots from Above
Expect aerial perspectives of major studios and backlots—highlights called out on the tour include Universal Studios and other well‑known production sites visible from the route.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this flight suits — and who should check limits first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The advertised flight time is 35 minutes. Many guests prefer sunset slots for lighting, though weather and visibility influence timing and the operator will advise if conditions affect a scheduled flight.
Meet at Group 3 Aviation’s Van Nuys address; check in at 16425 Hart Street, Van Nuys, CA 91406 where staff will verify ID and process waivers.
Dress in layers for current weather, wear closed‑toe shoes with rubber soles, bring sunglasses and a fully charged camera or mobile device—dark apparel is recommended to reduce reflections in photos.
Provide passenger names and heights & weights when booking; individual seats are limited to 285 lbs and total group weight to 575 lbs—these limits apply to all flights.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need to book the tour in advance?
Yes, advance reservations are suggested—however same day reservations are available on a space available basis.
How do I book a tour?
To book a helicopter tour simply visit www.group3aviation.com and book online OR call 818-994-9376, 7 days a week 9am-7pm; and one of our friendly office staff will be happy to take your booking.
What information will I need when I call in to book a tour?
We require the following details: Choice of tour; Date/Time to book your tour; Number of passengers; Passenger Names; Heights & Weights for each passenger; Credit Card Number + billing info.
What days of the week are tours available?
Our schedule is based on customer demand; therefore we are available 7 days a week.
Where do tours depart from?
Our home base is at the largest General Aviation Airport in the world the Van Nuys Airport; however for an additional surcharge we can arrange to have the helicopter pick up from any airport in the L.A. Basin or neighboring cities, please call for a quote.
Can I bring a camera?
Absolutely, we encourage our passengers to take photos. However we recommend wearing dark apparel in order to reduce reflections in your photos.
Do you guarantee that we will see everything as described in your tours?
The points of interest mentioned in our tour descriptions are highlights of each tour, which we will endeavor to show you depending on weather such as rain, fog or poor visibility. Also since 9/11 there have been airspace closures and temporary flight restrictions beyond our control. Each tour can be unique and we will strive to show you the best of L.A. within the allotted time.
Will our flight be private?
Yes, with our varied fleet of aircraft it affords us the ability to offer private tours with no additional passengers and at no additional cost to you.