Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Vertical Rio?
Vertical Rio is the first company in Latin America to offer helicopter photo experiences flights and have complete expertise in aerial production. We take the doors off and take you to a unique photo experience, even for a “shoe selfie” to your Instagram or for amazing pictures to your professional portfolio; we guarantee you fantastic views over the Wonderful City!
2. What’s the route of the flights?
With our expertise in aerial production and after thousands of Helitours over Rio, we created an exclusive flight route, guaranteeing epic shots of the Wonderful City. Our flight plan includes the city’s most iconic landmarks, and our team of experts will give you the best tips to make the most of your flight!
3. Are doors-off flights safe?
Definitely YES! For us, the flight safety is ALWAYS the highest priority. Our double checked safety harness system, added to a constant training of our staff and the crew guarantee you the best experience without any worries! We work with a team of super experienced pilots and the helicopters follow strictly all the maintenance procedures recommended by the manufacturers and the National Civil Aviation Agency – ANAC. Know more.
4. When is the best season to fly?
The Wonderful City offers ideal conditions for the flight in any season! Even summer or winter, Rio guarantees incredible views all year ‘round!
5. How do I book my flight?
To provide the best experience for our customers, we work with online bookings and Stripe payments. Click here, select the best slot for you and finish the checkout, guaranteeing your flight!
Last minute reservation or don’t find any slot for you? Contact us.
Ah, if you have a promotional code or some special request, don’t forget to tell us! \o/
6. Can I give someone a gift card?
YEP! That’s the best way to gift someone in a special way!! Access the booking page and select “buy gift card”. The recipient will receive the voucher code automatically via email and can apply it when booking the flight within 12 months.
7. What happens in case of bad weather?
At Vertical Rio we do not take off if weather conditions are below the minimum required to fly safely or below our minimum visibility standards. We always recommend that you book your flight for the first days of your trip to Rio. It will make things easier if we need to reschedule our flight for some reason.
If you have already scheduled your flight and the conditions don’t allow a safe flight, we will contact you in advance to reschedule your flight according to availability; if it is not possible, the amount paid will be fully refunded.
8. What is SAE?
Specialized Air Services “SAE” are specific operations, regulated by ANAC, which require high expertise of the teams involved, such as aerial photography, cinematography and commercial air tours. Vertical Rio operates in partnership with 100% approved operator for this type of flight, conducting frequent training of the entire team, as well as inspection of all safety equipment. All documentation is available to our customers.
9. How many people go on the flight?
To make this experience even better, our flights are crowdsourced and we join groups to take off. For that reason, we don’t require a minimum of passengers to make a reservation, and if the minimum occupancy per flight is not reached, we will get in contact in advance to change your reservation according to availability.
Do you want to book a private flight? Get in contact to know the availability and total price for an exclusive flight.
10. When should I arrive?
It is extremely important that you arrive at least 60 minutes before the scheduled take-off time for the safety briefing, get harnessed up and strap all the cameras before the flight. Preparation for flight and take-off starts strictly at the scheduled time.
In cases of non-attendance by the end of check-in time (30 min before the take-off scheduled time), it will be considered no-show and the amount paid cannot be refunded. Remember that there will be other passengers on our agenda, who can not be harmed.
11. Is there a photographer on board?
On doors-off flights, the passengers will be equipped with a special safety harness and all the cameras and cellphones you want to bring on board will be strapped to it so that you can take stunning pictures over the Wonderful City! The flight reservation does not include a professional photographer and most of the pictures you see on our social media are taken by the passengers themselves.
To guarantee even more amazing shots, add a GoPro rental right at checkout and take home the best of your Rio experience!
Are you planning something special and want to hire an exclusive photographer for you? Let us know before booking and we’ll do our best to assist you!
12. How does seating work? What is the ‘shoe selfie pass’?
Seating in the aircraft is based on weight and balance and is decided exclusively by the pilot before take-off. During check-in, all passengers will be weighed and, for safety reasons, it is not possible to choose your seat in the helicopter.
You can add the ‘shoe selfie pass’ extra to your booking, per seat, ensuring it will be assigned on the side of the cabin! In the Long Ranger helicopter type, there is 1 middle seat and 1 seat next to a structural column. With this upgrade, we’ll lock your seat to one of the side seats, offering you unobstructed views and the possibility of stretching your legs out of the helicopter!
13. Where do flights take off from?
Our terminal is located in Barra da Tijuca (Clube de Aeronáutica) and you will receive all directions and flight details on your booking confirmation.
In this link you can check the location and the estimated travel time to the terminal; in addition to transport possibilities and direct links to Waze, Uber and Google Maps!
14. What is the minimum age to fly?
For safety reasons, passengers under 18 years old may fly with the Term of Responsibility signed by their parents or legal guardian. Children under 16 years old can only fly accompanied by their parents or legal guardian and children under 12 can only fly with the doors-on.
Please check our Terms and Conditions for more information.
15. When should I arrive?
It is extremely important that you arrive at least 60 minutes before the scheduled take-off time for the safety briefing, get harnessed up and strap all the cameras before the flight. Preparation for flight and take-off starts strictly at the scheduled time. The check-in will be closed 30 minutes before the take-off scheduled time. In cases of non-attendance by the end of check-in time, it will be considered a no-show and the amount paid cannot be refunded.
Remember that there will be other passengers on our agenda, who can not be harmed.