Ehud's Helicopter Passenger Briefing

Welcome & Essential Flight Information

Last Updated: 20260809

The Quick Summary

The R-44 is a four-seater (3 passengers with full fuel; 4 with partial fuel). The R-22 is a two-seater with no back seat—everything except your camera or phone must be stowed under the seat before takeoff.

Four Simple Rules

  • Do not ever touch the controls.
  • Do not unbuckle your seat belt until I say those exact words.
  • Do not open your door until I say those exact words.
  • Do not remove your headset until I say those exact words.

Expect to have a camera in hand and nothing else. Everything in a helicopter happens slowly and deliberately—not like Hollywood car chases!

Preparation & Checklist

What to Bring

  • Closed-toe shoes: Essential in case we set down in terrain with cactus/brush.
  • Camera / Phone: To take pictures during the flight.
  • Water: A bottle of water (frozen in summer) to stay cool before/after flight.
  • Sun protection: Sunglasses and a cap/visor to shield eyes from overhead glare.

Note: Need sunglasses, a cap, or water? Just let me know the night before!

What NOT to Bring or Do

  • No big earrings: They interfere with your headset and hurt when flapping in the wind (R22 doors-off).
  • DO NOT JUMP: Do not shift weight suddenly or jump in your seat. "Adjusting" abruptly doubles your weight momentarily and requires manual flight control compensation.

Safety & Flight Expectations

Your Comfort & Safety

Safety is paramount, and your enjoyment is the primary goal. Most passengers find helicopter flights smoother than a car ride. If you ever feel uncomfortable or motion sick, speak up immediately so we can adjust or land.

We maintain at least 500 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) during flight to ensure plenty of reaction time and clear all antennas or towers. If you wish to hover over a specific spot, we will do so at 1,000 feet AGL (subject to temperature and weight limits).

Intercom Etiquette & Signals

You will wear a noise-attenuating headset with a microphone. Everything spoken into the microphone stays on our internal intercom and is not broadcast to Air Traffic Control (ATC).

  • Pause for ATC: If ATC or someone else is speaking, pause immediately and wait 2 seconds after they finish before resuming your conversation.
  • Hand Signal: If I hold up one finger, it means: "Please pause talking immediately."
  • The Hazard Exception: If you spot a bird or another aircraft near us, point to it directly and yell "Bird!" or "Plane!" so I can veer away without delay.

Aircraft: R22 vs. R44

Robinson R-22

  • Capacity: 2 seats (Pilot + 1 passenger)
  • Passenger Weight Limit: 240 lbs
  • Features: No A/C; ideal for doors-off summer flying

Robinson R-44

  • Capacity: 4 seats (Pilot + up to 3 passengers)
  • Passenger Weight Limit: 300 lbs per seat
  • Features: Air-conditioned; smoother handling in winds over 8 knots

Startup Tests & Technical Details

Note: You do not need to memorize these! These checks are performed on the ground prior to takeoff, but are listed here for interested aviation enthusiasts.

Magneto Test
Magnetos generate spark plug voltage directly from the engine without needing the battery or alternator. We test switching between the left and right magnetos independently to confirm full dual-redundancy.
Carburetor Heat Test (R22)
Air rushing into the carburetor can freeze moisture and clog the engine even on warm 80°F (27°C) days. We divert exhaust-heated air into the intake to verify carb-ice prevention.
Sprague (Free-Wheeling) Clutch Test
This one-way clutch allows the main rotor blades to spin freely if the engine stops. Testing it ensures the rotor disengages cleanly so we can execute a safe autorotation landing if needed.
Low Rotor-RPM Warning System
We test the warning horn and indicator light at 97% main-rotor RPM to ensure immediate alert if rotor speed decays.

Airfield Directions & Meeting Locations

Current Primary Location: Ryan Airfield (KRYN)

Volare Helicopters at Ryan Airfield (West of Tucson)

  1. Take I-10 East (South) to I-19 South.
  2. Take I-19 South to Exit 99 for US-86 / Ajo Way.
  3. Follow Ajo Way west to Ryan Airfield.
  4. Turn at the traffic light by the cafe entrance; we are in the building directly east of the cafe.

Flight Photos

If you take photos during our flight, please share the raw image files via email or cloud share (messaging apps compress the resolution!).

View Helicopter Photo Gallery