We charge based on flight time from start up to shut down. We have a 1 hour minimum. After the first hour, time is charged by 1/10 of an hour. Our rates become even more economical when a committed number of hours are in effect.

Our ships are equipped with an hour meter (Hobbs) that displays the actual flight time in tenths ( .1 ) of an hour.

Central Helicopter is an FAA Certified Part 135 operator. This certificate is extremely difficult and time consuming to get and to retain. We are visited by the FAA on a regular basis to insure that our Aircraft, personnel, operations and procedures are in strict compliance.

You may schedule right now by selecting [Reservations], or call us direct at (713) 644-5900.

We do not have any set restrictions on the amount of notice necessary; However, it is to your benefit to schedule as far in advance as possible. Sometimes demand is so great that we don't have enough ships to accommodate everyone. We schedule on a "first come" basis......So plan ahead if possible.

There is a $100 charge if you cancel in less than an hour of departure time; UNLESS..... the reason for cancellation is weather. The reason for this is that we turn away other business to accommodate your flight. If your flight is canceled in time for us to re-book, everyone comes out OK.

Helicopters are surprisingly safe considering that almost every part on them moves. A good example is our Bell JetRanger which is noted as the safest single engine aircraft ever produced (including fixed wing). A Helicopter glides by means of its rotor blades with power off, called autorotation. Most of the accidents you hear about relate to the many unusual and varied tasks that a helicopter is capable of performing.

Of course we can't always choose our flight weather conditions. Most times we are able to fly around poor weather, but if unavoidable these conditions are rarely a problem. Lightning is usually not an issue because it needs a ground to transmit to and an aircraft, although electrically internally grounded, is not seen as a true ground. Rain does not impair the performance of the aircraft, though is does temporarily affect visibility.

Helicopters are surprisingly expensive to purchase and maintain. Aircraft manufacturers are under so much scrutiny and liability that they have to charge a large portion of the purchase price just to allow for product liability and outrageous lawsuits. A manufacturer is liable for not only their aircraft, but each part that they produce and sell for ((((18 years ????)))).

There are many airports large and small scattered across the Country. There are also many helipads available depending on whom you know. Any landing sites outside of those which are approved can usually be arranged. First and foremost the landing area must have a firm surface and be free of trees and wires in at least two directions for 100'. Then it must be determined if we can use the site. It is necessary to get written permission from the land owner to land on his property. If the site is inside certain boundaries, for example the City Limits of Houston, a permit must be first obtained from the City of Houston. We charge $200 to secure the permit.

For our Helicopters that are not air conditioned it can be warm, but comfortable. Our ships are equipped with fresh air vents and sliding windows. The temperature also gets cooler by 2° for every 1000' of altitude.

We are usually able to fly around bad weather; however, if it can't be avoided we will land and sit it out.

All of our ships are equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS). By use of your information and our high tech electronics, the pilot pre-loads your information and follows the straight path to your destination. We save you money!

Our Helicopters are actually quite roomy. Most have wider side windows to accommodate more elbow room. We also have room for baggage, which eliminates unnecessary clutter.

Our Helicopter rotor systems are precisely tracked and balanced so that vibration is minimal. Although turbine helicopters are quite noisy outside, they are surprisingly quiet inside. We further provide headsets or ear muffs which almost eliminate the noise.

The Helicopter experience is like nothing else. A Helicopter will do things that just can not be accomplished in any other way. The utility of a Helicopter can far out weigh the cost.

Rarely do we have anyone get sick; However, should this occur we do carry sick sacks.

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