LOS ANGELES AIR TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Above the City of Angels: 65 Minutes Between Malibu Mansions and the Hollywood Sign
A definitive guide to Group 3 Aviation’s The Grand Helicopter Tour — what to expect on a 65‑minute sweep from Van Nuys over beaches, coastal mountains, Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles.
Above the City of Angels: 65 Minutes Between Malibu Mansions and the Hollywood Sign.
The Grand Helicopter Tour threads a panoramic arc across Los Angeles, lifting you from the flight line at Van Nuys and carrying you over coastal mountains, iconic beaches, celebrity enclaves and the city’s skyline — a compact, airborne primer on the scale and variety of the region.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hollywood, Downtown and the Urban Core
From high above you’ll see the Hollywood Sign and sprawl of Downtown LA — signature vantage points called out on the Grand Tour that illustrate the city’s varied topography and built landscape.
Malibu and the Beach Lifestyles
The route showcases the Pacific shoreline and beach communities, offering sweeping coastal views and the mansions that line Malibu’s coast — a highlight of the Best of LA itinerary.
A Concise, Immersive Flight
The tour compresses a wide range of Los Angeles sights into a single flight, delivering epic aerial perspectives across mountains, beaches and urban nodes.
What the day feels like
What the Flight Feels Like
After checking in at Group 3’s Van Nuys base you move quickly from lobby to helicopter: a safety brief, headset fitting and preflight photo opportunity precede a 65‑minute flight that carries you from the airport out over coastal mountains, beaches and the landmarks of LA while the pilot points out sights and fields questions.
THE VIEWS
Hollywood, Downtown and the Urban Core
From high above you’ll see the Hollywood Sign and sprawl of Downtown LA — signature vantage points called out on the Grand Tour that illustrate the city’s varied topography and built landscape.
THE COAST
Malibu and the Beach Lifestyles
The route showcases the Pacific shoreline and beach communities, offering sweeping coastal views and the mansions that line Malibu’s coast — a highlight of the Best of LA itinerary.
THE EXPERIENCE
A Concise, Immersive Flight
The tour compresses a wide range of Los Angeles sights into a single flight, delivering epic aerial perspectives across mountains, beaches and urban nodes.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and where limits apply.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Grand Helicopter Tour is scheduled as a 65‑minute flight; popular times include sunset but availability varies with demand and weather.
Dress in layers appropriate to current conditions, wear closed‑toe shoes with rubber soles, bring sunglasses and a fully charged camera or mobile device for photos.
Departures are from Group 3’s base at 16425 Hart Street, Van Nuys, CA 91406; for alternate pickup locations an additional surcharge may apply — contact the operator to arrange.
Advance reservations are suggested; same‑day bookings are possible subject to availability. Be prepared to provide passenger names, heights and weights when booking.
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 to book?
You will need to provide choice of tour, date/time, number of passengers, passenger names, heights & weights for each passenger, and credit card number with billing information.
Where do tours depart from?
Tours depart from Group 3’s home base at Van Nuys Airport; for an additional surcharge they can arrange helicopter pick up from other airports in the LA Basin or neighboring cities.
Can I bring a camera?
Absolutely, passengers are encouraged to take photos; wearing dark apparel is recommended to reduce reflections in your photos.
Will our flight be private?
Yes, the operator’s fleet affords them the ability to offer private tours with no additional passengers at no additional cost.
Do you guarantee that we will see every point of interest?
Points of interest are highlights the pilot will endeavor to show depending on weather, visibility and temporary flight restrictions; each tour can be unique and the pilot will strive to show you the best of LA within the allotted time.
Will I need to bring ID?
Yes. Each passenger must present an unexpired valid state or government issued identification card at the front desk.