Discovery & Photography

Helicopter and Airplane Flights

Congratulations on your first Monadnock Choppers airplane or helicopter flight! Whether you are trying out aviation and doing an Discovery Flight under the guidance of our expert instructors, or a Photography Flight to capture specific aerial views, it’s the perfect way to explore your interest in aviation and enjoy a unique adventure. Here are a few important details to help you get started and fully prepared for your time in the skies and a video example of what your flight will consist of.

Two pilots in an airplane cockpit wearing headsets, with flight instruments visible, flying under clear blue skies.

Take a sneak peak into your flight!

scheduling your flight

To schedule your flight lesson, please contact our general email fly@monadnockchoppers.com or call the hanger. Depending on if you are scheduling an airplane flight or helicopter flight, the appropriate contact with get in touch with you. If you’re unable to reach someone, our owner Kevin Provost will be happy to assist you.

Scheduling Considerations

Our aircraft fly regularly, so we recommend scheduling at least a week in advance to secure the optimal time for you. The Keene Airport often experiences morning fog, so we suggest booking your flight for 10 AM or later. For new students, late afternoon flights tend to offer calm winds and beautiful views.

Attire

Please wear closed-toed shoes for your flight. Avoid heavy boots as you’ll need good feedback from the rudder pedals; sturdy sneakers are ideal. While not mandatory, we recommend wearing long pants to protect against potential scrapes or bumps around the airport.

Passengers

Some people ask to take a passenger on their flight. We can accommodate this request in some instances. Please discuss this with your instructor ahead of time.

Skyhawk and student
Two propeller airplanes parked on an airfield with a grassy area and hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Preparing for Your Flight – Photography Flight or discovery Flight?

Your instructor will contact you prior to the flight to answer any initial questions. The first thing our instructor will ask you is if you would like to structure your flight as a Discovery Flight or Photography Flight. For a Photography Flight, the instructor will discuss what specifically you would like to photograph and plan a flight for you to get spectacular aerial photos within the time allocated. A Discovery Flight will be a flight to introduce you to aviation and the operation of the aircraft and you will be at the controls performing maneuvers.

Please arrive about 15 minutes early to sign your waiver and get settled in.

GO FLY!

Aerial view of an airfield with runways and hangars near a body of water, surrounded by green landscapes and forests. "Monadnock Choppers" logo visible in the image.

Flight Experience

  • Pre-flight: Your instructor will review the flight plan with you and take you to the aircraft. You will perform a preflight safety inspection of the aircraft and review the basic components and some fundamental aerodynamics.

  • Take-off: Your instructor will guide you through taxiing to the runway, “running up” the airplane (safety checks), and the take-off.

  • Maneuvers: After take-off, your instructor will direct you to the designated training area. You will learn and execute some basic maneuvers to get a feel for the aircraft. Some examples are straight and level flight, various turns, and climbing and descending the aircraft. You may also want to go and take a few minutes to fly up the river and enjoy the beautiful New England landscape.

    OR

  • Photo Flight: Your instructor will fly you to the photo spot(s).

  • Landing: Your instructor will guide you back to the airport to practice a few landings and then taxi back to the hangar.

  • Wrap-up: After putting the aircraft away, your instructor will be available to answer any questions.

Two people standing next to a Hughes 269A helicopter on a snowy runway.
Two people wearing headsets in a small aircraft cockpit in flight, discussing controls with visible instrument panel and scenic view outside.

Final Notes

Please understand that some things may be out of our control for your flight. We will monitor the weather closely the day before and of your flight and will do our best to get you in the air. However, safety is paramount, and we will not fly if there are unsafe conditions or conditions that we know aren’t conducive to an enjoyable experience for a first-time student. Some clouds won’t stop us so make sure to check with your instructor before assuming a flight is cancelled. Rest assured, if we do have to cancel your lesson, we will get it rescheduled as quickly as possible.

We understand things happen so we ask for at least 24hrs notice to cancel a flight and our instructors will do the same pending any emergencies.

Aerial view of a sunlit mountainous landscape with patches of snow and forests, under a cloudy sky.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We can’t wait to fly with you!