How an offshore flight is planned
What happens between your request and the moment the aircraft lands, and what we will ask you for along the way.
Planning stages
Request
You send the route, date and load through your account. The request is saved with the status “Submitted”.
Review
We check which aircraft type and operator can fly the route, whether the helideck can accept it and whether the timing works. We may ask questions.
Quote
The written quote lists the aircraft type, operator, price, payment terms and cancellation terms. It has an expiry date.
Acceptance
You accept the quote online. The payment options it lists then become available in your account.
Manifest
Passenger names and details are finalised. Names must match the photo ID each passenger will carry.
Flight day
Passengers check in as instructed and the operator gives the safety briefing. The booking status in your account is updated as the flight progresses.
General guidance. This section describes common offshore aviation practice. The requirements that apply to your flight are those in your quote and those set by the operator and the installation.
Passenger preparation
- Photo ID with the same name as on the manifest.
- Offshore survival training, including helicopter underwater escape training, where the installation operator requires it.
- An offshore medical certificate where the employer or installation requires one.
- Survival suits and lifejackets are normally provided and fitted by the operator before boarding.
- No undeclared batteries, lighters, aerosols or other dangerous goods in baggage or pockets. Ask if you are unsure.
Baggage and cargo preparation
Helicopter hold space and payload are limited, and every kilogram is planned. You help the flight leave on time when you:
- weigh bags before you travel and stay within the allowance in your quote
- use soft-sided bags where possible
- label each item with the passenger’s name and the destination
- declare tools, equipment and anything that may be dangerous goods in your request
Manifest information
Our request form asks only for what the flight needs:
- First and last name
- Required. Used on the manifest and checked against photo ID.
- Email and phone
- Optional. Used only to contact the passenger about changes to the flight.
- Emergency contact
- Optional. Passed to the operator for use in an emergency.
Check-in and boarding
At most offshore heliports, check-in includes an ID check, weighing of passengers and baggage, a safety briefing (often a video) and the fitting of survival equipment. Passengers are then escorted to the aircraft. We tell you when and where to check in for your flight.
Weather and schedule changes
Offshore helicopter operations have limits for wind, visibility and cloud base, and some helidecks also have limits for deck motion. When conditions are outside those limits, the flight waits or is cancelled. The decision rests with the operator and the pilot in command.
If your flight is affected, the booking status in your account is updated and we contact you about the next available time.
Communication
Your account shows the booking status, the quote, payments, invoices and tickets. Anyone with a booking or ticket reference and a passenger surname can check the flight status on the Track a flight page, which shows status information only.
Your responsibilities
- Give accurate names, weights and cargo details.
- Declare anything that may count as dangerous goods.
- Make sure passengers meet the installation’s requirements.
- Arrive at the time you are given.
- Follow the instructions of the crew and the helideck staff.
Operations
Our service standards
These commitments are built into how this website works:
- A written quote before any payment can be made.
- The aviation operator named in every quote.
- Card payments only on the payment provider’s own secure page; we never see card numbers.
- Your booking visible only to you and our staff.
- Privacy, terms and cancellation policies published on this site.