Get ready to fly!
Our Story
Sharing the beauty of our backyard
We invite you to experience Gippsland from a different perspective.
Thanks for visiting, we're Ian and Wendy, and Big Sky Helicopters was created from our love of Gippsland and a desire to share the beauty of this region from the air.
Living here, we know how much there is to discover, but seeing familiar roads, towns, mountains, lakes and coastlines from above gives a completely new appreciation for the places we call home.
We have carefully designed our helicopter flights and experiences to showcase some of our favourite parts of Gippsland. From the Strzelecki Ranges and rolling farmland to lakes, world heritage protected wetlands, townships and coastline, every flight reveals something different.
Ian is a Commercial Helicopter Pilot, and his vision was to offer a different kind of helicopter experience in Gippsland — one that begins from our private helipad in Hazelwood North.
Taking off from a peaceful rural setting rather than a busy airport gives guests the opportunity to slow down, enjoy the experience and appreciate the journey from the very beginning.
From the moment guests arrive at our property through to the flight itself, we wanted to create an experience that feels personal, relaxed and memorable.
The helicopter
Our Robinson R44 helicopter is ideally suited for scenic flights across Gippsland.
With large ‘bubble’ windows, every passenger has excellent visibility and a wide, uninterrupted view of the landscapes below – from the towns and townships that make up our region, to winding rivers, waterways, farmland, forests and mountains.
Safety comes first
Safety is always our highest priority.
Safety comes first in every decision we make about helicopter flights. Before you arrive, our pilot has already completed extensive planning and preparation to ensure your flight is safe and enjoyable.
Before every flight, our pilot:
- Monitors weather conditions and continues to review conditions leading up to departure
- Completes a full pre-flight inspection of the helicopter, with more than 30 points checked
- Plans fuel requirements based on flight duration, passenger weights and flight conditions
- Calculates aircraft weight and balance requirements, including passenger seating positions and fuel levels
- Tests communication equipment and radios
- Confirms and reviews landing locations where required
- Submits flight plans to airports where required
- Maintains current emergency procedures training as required for Commercial Helicopter Pilots
Passenger weights are an important part of helicopter operations and are collected during the booking process. We may also confirm passenger weights on arrival before your flight. While this may feel unusual, it is a standard safety procedure that allows us to accurately plan your flight and ensure the helicopter remains within safe weight and balance limits.
Your safety and comfort are always our priority.
We’d love to share the places we love and help you experience Gippsland from a whole new perspective.
See where we can take you >
The Big Sky Awaits!
