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Common Helicopter Charter FAQs in Kenya

Welcome to the Mayfair Aviation FAQ page — your complete guide to Helicopter Charter FAQs in Kenya. We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about helicopter hire, booking, safety, and pricing.

What services does Mayfair Aviation offer?

We provide helicopter charter services for business, tourism, aerial photography, cargo slinging, and medevac (medical evacuation) support.

Where are you based?

We operate from Wilson Airport, Nairobi, with the ability to serve destinations across Kenya and the East African region.

What types of helicopters do you operate?

We currently operate two Bell 407 helicopters, ideal for passenger transport, scenic flights, and light utility missions.

How many passengers can your helicopters carry?

Our Bell 407 helicopters can comfortably carry up to six passengers, depending on weight and luggage.

Do you fly outside Kenya?

Yes. We can operate flights to neighboring countries such as Tanzania and Uganda, subject to necessary permits and clearances.

How do I request a quotation or make a booking?

You can contact us through our website form, email, or phone. Please share your preferred dates, destination, number of passengers, and nature of the flight to receive a quotation.

What information do you need to prepare a quotation?

We’ll need departure and destination locations, number of passengers, purpose of the flight, estimated duration or stopovers, and preferred date and time.

How is the flight cost calculated?

Charges are based on flying hours, with a minimum charge per hour (usually one hour).

Do you require advance payment?

Yes. To confirm your booking, full payment is required in advance to secure the aircraft and pilot for your flight.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept bank transfers, M-Pesa, and cash payments.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Safety is our top priority. If weather conditions are unsuitable for flying, we may delay, reschedule, or cancel the flight at no extra cost for safety reasons.

Can we land anywhere we want?

Helicopters can land in most open, flat areas with landowner permission and safe clearance. Our operations team will assess and coordinate landing permissions.

Are there weight or luggage restrictions?

Yes. Luggage space is limited to soft bags with a total weight of approximately 5kgs per passenger.

What time do flights normally operate?

Flights operate during daylight hours only (from sunrise to sunset) under visual flight rules (VFR).

What are your most popular scenic flight routes?

Our top scenic routes include Nairobi – Rift Valley – Mt. Suswa – Ngong Hills, Nairobi – Maasai Mara – Great Rift Valley, and Nairobi – Mt. Kenya – Laikipia – Samburu.

Can I customize my scenic flight route?

Yes. We can tailor your flight to specific attractions, photography sites, or personal preferences.

Do you provide commentary or a guide during scenic flights?

Yes. Our pilots provide commentary during the flight, and we can also arrange for a professional tour guide on request.

Do your helicopters come with medical staff and equipment?

We currently provide helicopter + stretcher-only medevac services. Medical staff and onboard equipment are arranged by the client or through partner providers.

How quickly can you respond to an emergency call?

Response times vary depending on the location, but we can mobilize within 45–60 minutes of confirmation and payment, subject to daylight and weather conditions.

Can you arrange executive or VIP transfers?

Yes. We frequently handle corporate and VIP flights for executives, government officials, and private clients across Kenya and the region.

Can I brand or decorate the helicopter for an event or film shoot?

Yes, branding or filming permissions can be arranged with prior notice and may attract additional costs or permits.

Is it safe to fly by helicopter?

Absolutely. Our operations are fully approved by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), and our aircraft are maintained by certified maintenance organizations.

Are your pilots licensed?

Yes. All our pilots are KCAA-licensed and have extensive flying experience in East African terrain and conditions.

What happens if there’s a technical issue before or during the flight?

If a technical issue arises, the flight may be delayed or rescheduled. Our maintenance and safety protocols ensure high operational reliability.

How can I reach you for urgent requests?

You can reach our Operations Team directly via phone or WhatsApp for urgent inquiries. Contact details are available on our website and social media pages.

Do you operate on weekends and holidays?

Yes, we operate seven days a week, including public holidays.