Years ago I gave myself a birthday present of a Test Flight at Group 3 Aviation. Everyone I talked to was polite, professional, knowledgeable and helpful. It was Mother's Day when I finally was able to schedule and got a great pilot, Rick. My favorite moment before the flight was reading the safety guides, "if the pilot lands the helicopter on a hill, do not exit to the rear of the helicopter, because helicopter blades are expensive." OK maybe you might not find that funny but I did.. I had a such a blast! My Pilot, Rick was fun and funny and knowledgeable. He asked where I wanted to go and although flying over my apartment seemed fun he had an idea I might prefer checking out Hollywood and the Beach and I agreed. I was nervous at first but Rick put me at ease with the charm and skill of a true professional. We flew over the Hollywood Sign and even did a flyby over Tom Cruise's house and the Playboy Mansion. It was such an interesting feeling, being in this little helicopter (Schweizer 300CBi) and the sensation of controlling something in a 360 degree environment. You can go forward and be facing sideways or ANY ways... Very interesting sensation after being "grounded" traveling in a linear fashion in a car for most of my travels.. When we got back after this amazing flight, Rick said, "OK now you get to Hover!" This meant I would have the pedals and and the stick which seemed to be an interesting idea, fraught with danger and peril. My response was, "are you sure? I don't want to break anything or flip this thing and make you sick.." Rick cracked up and said if i could make him sick he'd pay me.. I don't think he was expecting me to make him laugh like that but it was a great way to end an awesome day! My Hover was about 15 seconds of pure joy which I will remember forever! ... and no I didn't break anything and everyone kept their breakfast... Many Thanks to Group 3 Aviation and Rick! read more

My girlfriend surprised me with a wonderful helicopter ride as a birthday gift to those places. I am grateful for her and Peter our pilot who made the experience very fun. Upon arrival we were greeted by his wife and then we were were led to the helicopter. He was nice enough to take photos of us prior to taking flight as well. We flew by Malibu for sightseeing before landing atop a mountain which had a bench set up with champagne and a view of the beach. We then proceeded through the Hollywood hills and bel-aire. I highly recommend going on a tour. read more

I have wanted to fly helicopters as long as I can remember... but am not independently wealthy, so have always figured it was just a dream. Imagine my surprise when my fiancee surprised me with the best birthday gift ever... an hour of helicopter flight instruction with Group 3 Aviation. We headed to Group 3 for a 4:00 departure. (Sunset flight- woot)! We were greeted by my flight instructor, Ross. Ross gave me a brief ground-school lesson while we waited for our helicopter to return from the person who had a lesson before me. Once our helicopter arrived, Ross and I walked out and completed a thorough pre-flight inspection of the aircraft. He walked me through what he was doing and why he was doing it. After he inspected something, he invited me to do the same. Once the helicopter was pre-flighted and refueled, Ross gave me an introduction to the gauges and flight controls. He explained that there were three controls, told me what each one did, and said that once we were airborne and away from the airport, he would demonstrate a maneuver with the controls, we would do one together, and then he would "unlock" the controls (one at a time) so I could do them solo (while he supervised). We departed from Van Nuys, followed the 101 toward Calabasas, headed out to Malibu, down to Santa Monica, over Westwood, and back. Every step of the way Ross explained what we were doing, why we were doing it, and encouraged me to fly the helicopter. We got back between five and ten minutes before my hour was up, so Ross asked if I wanted to practice hovering the helicopter. We worked on keeping the aircraft level, rotational turns, and ascending and descending. Ross was wonderful to work with and I can't recommend him or Group 3 highly enough! If I had the means, I would be taking lessons toward completing my helicopter pilot's license. read more

My boyfriend surprised me for my birthday with a Group 3 Aviation Helicopter Tour and it was beyond the greatest birthday gift anyone could ever imagine! Such a wonderful experience and spectacular sights set from above. Seeing the Los Angeles City, California Coast, and Hollywood Hills area from a different perspective was absolutely breathtaking! Peter and Claudia are the sweetest and most personable people you'll meet. I knew we were in great hands with our very knowledgeable pilot, Peter who made the ride very smooth and comfortable. Looking forward to definitely coming back for another special occasion! read more

Group 3 Helicopters - Aerial Tours Near Me - Van Nuys, California

On Valentine's Day, my boyfriend was driving me to a surprise. What an amazing wonderful surprise it was! A romantic night helicopter ride going along the beach, through downtown seeing all the pretty lights. My boyfriend knows me so well, he knows that I love having a beautiful view and what better view than from a helicopter. He also knows I love going to the beach so he even took me over the beach. Peter was a such a wonderful pilot and person, along Claudia who was very hospitable and sweet. When we got to the place, they had chocolate covered strawberries, cupcakes, cheese, crackers and other snacks ready for us. So beautifully decorated. They also had a rose for me and champagne for both of us. Everything was perfect from beginning to end. When we flew by the Santa Monica Pier, the Ferris wheel even had a heart light up in the middle. Then, we passed by downtown where we wanted to just land on one of the helipad and get a drink somewhere. This didn't happen, maybe next time. When we were over our house, Peter was so kind to slow down so the people in our house could see us. He even orbited over the house so we could wave hi to them. It was so much fun. The whole experience was absolutely amazing! I want to come back to do a day time helicopter tour. I can't wait!!!! Thank you so very much, Peter and Claudia!!!! You two made this a very memorable Valentines. read more

My bro and I took a helicoptor tour of Los Angeles to commemorate making it around the sun one more time. Total gas. Peter (pilot) was great fun as well as obviously very experienced and focused on safety. We'll be back!! read more

Great views of Los Angeles but even better people! Makes you so comfortable you don't even realize you are about to go up in a helicopter! Peter and Claudia are amazing people read more

These guys are freaking amazing. I couldn't have asked for a more professional, fun, and friendly experience! Best pilots ever, and the owners and staff are really super cool people as well. If you have even an inkling that you'd like to try flying, this is the place to be! I researched around 8-10 different flight centers around the Los Angeles area, and I can say with no reservations that this one is the best. read more

very informative and very welcoming. smooth process from start to finish. first time flying with them and it wont be our last. spreading the word to everyone and anyone interested. read more

Great facility - I took my Knowledge Test for Part 107 here, such kind and professional staff, I highly recommend going here, it was such a great experience. In this time of COVID, the utmost safety measures were taken - sanitizing, space, etc. Great place. read more

Had a quick tour of the beach and canyons yesterday and we couldn't be more pleased. Both my wife and I felt very safe being onboard. I believe our pilot's name was Peter. What a great experience it was. Extremely friendly and courteous people. Would definitely come back again. Thank you read more

On May 12th , 2018 we took a flight tour with peter the best place to go to and great people and great tour , thank you Claudia and peter your guys rock the best helicopter place to book for your tour . read more

Group 3 Helicopters - Aerial Tours Near Me - Van Nuys, California

I went in to take my airman knowledge test. The testing room was quiet and I was provided with the tools I needed to take my test. Claudia was very friendly helpful and a great proctor. She explained the process and was very informative. I most definitely recommend them. read more

I treated my husband to a helicopter ride for his 40th Birthday. I was very happy with the tour we took and our nice pilot! The views were incredible and just before sunset, we had bird's eye view of Universal Studios and The San Fernando Valley, Dodger Stadium, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Sunset Blvd. etc. It was both mine & husband's 1st time on a helicopter, and we can't wait to book our next one with Group 3 Aviation! read more

Such an awesome flight over Hollywood and the coast. The pilot was kind and with a great 30 year track record. We asked him about the controls and he showed us with safe and fun aerial movement. Despite the weather conditions, we were still taken to an area where we could see the coast. Beautiful scenery, not too high up, right above the coming fog. Awesome pictures taken, very sanitary and open process. We loved it! :) read more

Have flown with them a lot and they are super nice family run and just great in every way.

I took my dad for Father's Day and had a blast! It was so fast and easy to book and the flight was amazing. Our pilot was great and kept us informed and entertained throughout the entire ride. Flying in front of the Hollywood sign was my favorite part. I highly recommend this for a fun day adventure! Thank you for showing us a great time! read more

To put it in one word..... AMAZING! I booked the grand tour fly and dine package and it lived up to the expectations. Our adventure first started at 94th Aero Squadron where my girlfriend and I had a pre - flight cocktail at the bar. From there, we were chauffeured to the flightline to begin our flight. Our pilot, Tom, was very knowledgeable in the landmarks within LA and showed us Van Nuys, Malibu, Venice, Downtown LA, and Hollywood. The helicopter ride was very smooth and communicating with each other was very easy through the headsets. I highly recommend during this tour at least once in your life. Much better view of the city compared to sitting in traffic on the 405. read more

Great service by great people! Yelp wasnt around when I took a tour by Group 3 Aviation but if it was I would've raved about them back then! Peter from Group 3 flew me and my date around Los Angeles and over the ocean, it was such a cool experience. I cant wait to go back and take another tour, this time with my wife. read more

This is a top notch operation, run very professionally. I know them well and have flown with them many times. I recommend them highly. I notice the one bad review by Jeisy G. Jeisy, block times don't get refunds. You buy a block and get a substantial discount as a result. It is not your money any more, you have bought helicopter and instruction time. If you didn't want the discount and wanted to pay by the flight, then you could have done that. Call around to find out... this is the industry standard. It's like buying a gym membership and then asking for your money back because you didn't work out. Unfair would have been if the company went out of business and you couldn't fly. That happened to me. You made a deal and because you want to back out of it, you're trying to punish the business. Not cool. read more

Group 3 is a wonderful company, stellar service and very caring owners and staff. I've been flying out of there for years and will continue to do so. Notice all the FIVE STAR reviews!! (well, except for one troll who hates everyone at Van Nuys airport and terrorizes all businesses with negative reviews and is never a customer. Don't be fool by these trolls). Anyone who has ever flown with them always has wonderful things to say. read more

I love the GROUP3 exelent adventure prices are just perfect pilot was do profational thank you

Group3 is a living and breathing example of hard work and determination paying off. There are so many success stories that have spawned from G3. I am a student earning my ratings at G3 and I am very pleased with my training and excited about my future in the industry. Throughout my time spent studying at G3, I've witnessed people conquering challenges, living their dreams, and reaching their goals, all of which would not be possible without the unprecedented service of the office/managerial staff and the advanced skills of their flight instructors. read more

Fantastic organization! Great flight. Tom - the pilot - was outstanding. Such a memorable and enjoyable flight. Definite recommend!

Group 3 Aviation has a wonderful operation and great staff. My brother and his girlfriend did their "Dine and Fly" tour last year, and could not stop talking about it, so I decided to take my own girlfriend this year on their Valentine's Day sunset flight over Los Angeles. It was amazing, we both had a great time. A very beautiful and unique experience. Our pilot, Ara (probably misspelled, sorry) was great... funny and informative. Claudia was excellent in helping me get the whole thing set up and made it very easy. The rest of the staff and pilots seemed so excited and wanted to know how our tour went and stayed to chat with us afterward. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to take that special someone or even a friend on an adventure you'll never forget. Thanks Group 3 Aviation. :) read more

We had a great experience on a helicopter tour of LA. The staff couldn't have been nicer and the pilot Tom was great. They're flexible, friendly and professional. The helicopter was awesome and it's an experience you'll never forget. read more

Me and my family did the Hollywood tour as we was celebrating my 21st birthday and let me tell you it was absolutely breathtaking! This was the first time we experienced being in a helicopter and Greg (Our pilot) made us feel absolutely safe and at ease. He was absolutely lovely and friendly and couldn't thank him enough for making the experience even better! Highly recommend Group 3 Aviation if you are looking to do some helicopter tours around LA! read more

I have been training at Group 3 for over 2 years now. I have gotten my private through commercial rating here. The staff is friendly and the lessons are always fun. The helicopters are in excellent operating condition and if something goes wrong they try to fix it right away. They have a curriculum that is followed which progresses in a logical manner and there are always CFI's around to answer any questions. read more

Claudia helped me set up a surprise helicopter ride for my boyfriends birthday! It was so easy and she was very helpful! Peter took us on the LA tour and it was beautiful! The ride was super smooth and there was some amazing sites! We went when the sun was setting and it was definitely an awesome experience! I can't wait to do another tour again! :) read more