RIOCOPTER

RIOCOPTER is the commercial name of HELICOPTER TOURS LTDA, a company in Rio de Janeiro that has offered panoramic helicopter flights over the city since January 2013, according to its website. The company organises and sells the flights. The site states that the flights are carried out together with an air operator partner, HELISUL Táxi Aéreo Ltda, which holds an air operator certificate published by Brazil's civil aviation authority, ANAC.

Flights

• Christ the Redeemer: an 18 minute sightseeing flight.
• Copacabana: a 25 minute flight along the Zona Sul coastline.
• Doors-off flight over Christ the Redeemer: about 30 minutes, set up for photography.
• Further routes over Sugarloaf (Pão de Açúcar) and the Maracanã stadium.
• Private flights for one group, shared flights, and flights aimed at photography and video.

Longer routes can combine several parts of the city. Points that may be seen from the air include Ipanema, Leblon, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Pedra da Gávea, Barra da Tijuca, Guanabara Bay and the Tijuca Forest. The company notes that routes and sights depend on weather, air traffic and the pilot's instructions, and that flights may be rescheduled when weather or safety conditions require it.

Aircraft

The website presents the Robinson R44 among the aircraft used for passenger flights and charter. It adds that the helicopter assigned to a specific flight must be confirmed with the booking team.

Company facts

• Operating in Rio de Janeiro tourism flights since January 2013.
• Trade name of HELICOPTER TOURS LTDA.
• Flights operated with partner HELISUL Táxi Aéreo Ltda.
• Serves both tourists and residents.
• Open every day from 7 am to 10 pm.