About

Mission

Elevate Your Austin Experience

At Austin Helicopter Tours, our mission is to provide an unparalleled aerial adventure that showcases the vibrant city of Austin from a unique perspective. We are committed to offering an unforgettable experience that combines safety, comfort, and awe-inspiring views. Our air-conditioned helicopters ensure a pleasant journey as you soar over Austin's iconic landmarks and natural beauty. We aim to create lasting memories for all our passengers, whether they're locals rediscovering their city or visitors seeing Austin for the first time. Join us in exploring the skies and discovering the magic of Austin from above.

Meet Our Team

Our Dedicated Team

Wade Amen

Wade Amen

Chief Pilot; Certified Flight Instructor; Designated Pilot Examiner For FAA; Chief Of Operations

I started my flight training in the winter of 2005 and completed my training a year later. My first job in aviation was working as a ground instructor as I finished my Certified Flight Instructor Certificate. Once I completed my CFI, I began to work as a professional pilot in the city of Houston and then moved back to his hometown, San Antonio, to teach future pilots and fly tours. Wade has been with Alamo Helicopters since and now is Chief Pilot, however, now works as an air medical pilot in Uvalde as well. One of the awesome experiences that I was fortunate to complete during my years as a commercial pilot was that I was hired to ferry a Robinson R-44 from Houston to Brazil. I flew down the Caribbean chain, Island hopping my way to South America. I flew through the Bermuda Triangle, landed in the Amazon jungle, and flew over the Amazon River. I will never forget the beautiful waters and vacation atmosphere that I incurred while “working”. My most favorite question while working as a pilot has been, “Your job must be fun”. My normal response is that “ Yes it is, my office has a wonderful view”. I don’t need to put up pictures because I have an awesome panoramic right in front of me.

Jose Corona

Jose Corona

Assistant Chief Pilot; Commercial, Tour and Charter Pilot; Certified Flight Instructor; Chief Operations Officer

When Jose was 4 years old he saw a UH-1(Huey) military helicopter land near his house and decided then that he was going to be a helicopter pilot. Jose began his aviation career in 2006 doing agriculture work and flight instruction. In 2013 he joined the Alamo team instructing and giving tours.

He is a commercial pilot, certified flight instructor, Part 135 charter pilot and Assistant Chief for Alamo Flight Academy. Known for his smile and wit, he is sure to make your experience with Alamo Helicopters very memorable.

Drew Dougherty

Drew Dougherty

Commerical, Tour and Charter Pilot; Certified Flight Instructor

Drew is from Las Cruces, New Mexico and developed a passion for aviation at the age of 15 after flying in a Blackhawk. Drew graduated from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice in 2015, but knew he hadn’t quite fulfilled his dreams. At this point, he knew he wanted to be a pilot. Drew moved to San Antonio and started flight training in 2017 with Alamo Helicopters and never left after completing flight school.

One of Drew’s best experiences as a pilot has been flying over the Mississippi River on a ferry flight to Tennessee. He also enjoys meeting different people from all over the U. S. and other countries while giving tours.

Drew is a certified flight instructor and tour pilot for Alamo Helicopters.

Juan Perez

Juan Perez

Commerical and Tour Pilot

Juan comes from Amarillo, Texas. At the age of 19, he joined the Marine Corps and worked as an Avionics Technician. While in the Marine Corps, he had the opportunity to work on Hueys, Cobras, CH-53s and CH-46s while in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

After leaving the Marine Corps, Juan returned to Amarillo and worked for Bell Helicopters as a Final Assembly Mechanic working on the OH-58. In 2015, Juan got the opportunity to start flight training at Alamo Helicopter Tours San Antonio, so he moved to San Antonio. After completing his private, commercial and instrument certificates at Alamo Helicopters, we were lucky to have Juan start his career as a tour and commercial pilot at Alamo Helicopters. He offers tours in the San Antonio area personally narrated in Spanish.

Juan is happily married with two wonderful sons and love spending time with them while not at work.

Story

Austin's Skies Await You

Austin Helicopter Tours was born out of a passion for aviation and a love for the city of Austin. Our founders recognized the unique opportunity to offer residents and tourists a new way to experience the city's dynamic landscape. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, we launched our helicopter tours to provide a breathtaking view of Austin's skyline, lakes, and surrounding countryside. Our team of experienced pilots and staff are dedicated to ensuring a safe and enjoyable flight for every passenger. Choose Austin Helicopter Tours for an adventure that promises to be as exhilarating as it is memorable.

Why choose us?

Discover A Great Experience Over Downtown Austin

Austin Helicopter Tours offers the best way to book a helicopter tour in Austin with a professional pilot. As you cruise the skies during your awesome trip, your friendly, knowledgeable pilot will point out the breathtaking landmarks around you to ensure you don't miss a thing! If your group is looking for someone who will "answer all our questions" while prioritizing safety throughout the tour, look no further than our highly rated pleasure rides over Austin!

With our versatile flight itineraries, you can choose to see Austin from above during the day or night. We even offer the option to book a sunset helicopter ride that couples looking for a romantic experience in the sky will always remember.

Fun

We're here to create the most fun and enriching experience possible. Have fun flying over Austin during an aerial tour that lets the city’s topography unfold before...

We're here to create the most fun and enriching experience possible. Have fun flying over Austin during an aerial tour that lets the city’s topography unfold before your very eyes! Whether you're coming as a couple or group, you'll bond with your fellow passengers as you experience the awesome feeling of swooping over Austin to enjoy amazing, once-in-a-lifetime views from above.

Exciting

Feel your breath quicken as you ascend high above Austin at the beginning of your helicopter tour! The thrill of taking flight provides the ultimate adrenaline rush f...

Feel your breath quicken as you ascend high above Austin at the beginning of your helicopter tour! The thrill of taking flight provides the ultimate adrenaline rush for our guests. As your aerial tour of Austin kicks off, you can sit back with the peace of mind of knowing that you're in the hands of a professional who has covered this route countless times. Each new landmark that comes into view offers a rush of excitement and surreal feelings!

Breathtaking

Our helicopter rides over Austin offer a cool perspective that lets you appreciate this metro area in a way that you simply can't when you're down on the ground. Duri...

Our helicopter rides over Austin offer a cool perspective that lets you appreciate this metro area in a way that you simply can't when you're down on the ground. During your tour, you'll see amazing views of both iconic landmarks and the natural scenery that make Austin one of the most breathtaking and iconic cities in America.

Location

Discover Austin from Above Austin, TX

Located in the heart of Texas, Austin is a city known for its vibrant culture, live music scene, and stunning natural landscapes. Alamo Helicopter Tours offers you the chance to see this dynamic city from a whole new perspective. Our tours depart from 10301 FM 969, Austin, TX, providing easy access for both locals and visitors. Whether you're interested in the bustling downtown area, the serene beauty of Lake Travis, or the excitement of the F1 track, our tours offer something for everyone. Experience the thrill of flight and the beauty of Austin with us.

Frequently asked questions

Most frequent questions and answers

Any age may take a tour.
Children under the age of 2 may sit in the lap of a parent or guardian for free with proof of age.
Two and older require that they sit in their own seat as per FAA regulations.
Children touring without a parent or guardian will require a permission slip.

Our main tour helicopter, the R44, seats 3 passengers + pilot. Our available corporate helicopter, a Eurocopter EC120, seats up to 4 + pilot.

Two passenger minimum are required for tours in the R44. You may ride alone, but are still required to purchase two seats.

The max seat weight cannot exceed 300 lbs / 136 kg. The max total weight for all passengers may not exceed 550 lbs / 236 kgs for our R44.

We do all our tours in the Robinson R44 helicopter. All prices are based on the R44.

We require payment to hold a reservation.
Cancellations must be made 48 hours before tour date for a full refund, 48 hours – 24-hour cancellations will be given half refund.
Less than 24 hours cancellation or missed tours are non-refundable.
Cancellations based on weather are per pilot’s discretion and customer will be notified and given option to move tour time, date or they may cancel for full refund.

Yes. You may purchase through our website or call us directly.

At least 16 years of age to start and 17 yrs old to obtain your license.

We do offer flight training. Please see our flight training page. We are a Part 61 and Part 141 school.

Currently we have 2 Robinson R22 helicopters, and 2 Robinson R44 helicopters. Most training will be in the R22.

You must have a third class medical certificate. This is a basic physical and can be performed any Aviation Medical Examiner.

Visit our Pilot Training page for a detailed breakdown.

We are a pay as you go school. We accept checks, credit, debit and cash.

Book Your Flight.

Discover Austin From Above
Book now
Excellent
verify 153 Verified reviews