Flying over glaciers, rivers and alpine terrain is one of the most unique experiences in Aotearoa New Zealand but it also means operating in an environment where conditions can change quickly.
Our role is to manage those risks with expertise, preparation and discipline so you can focus on the experience, knowing you’re in safe hands.
Our Approach to Safety
Safety isn’t a checklist for us, it’s how we operate, every day.
We are committed to achieving the highest level of safety across all of our aviation and alpine experiences. This includes how we plan flights, maintain aircraft, train our teams, and manage changing environmental conditions.
Our approach is built on:
- Proactive risk management: identifying and reducing hazards before they become issues
- Experienced local pilots: trained for alpine flying conditions
- Strict aviation compliance: meeting and exceeding New Zealand Civil Aviation requirements
- Continuous improvement: learning from every flight and refining how we operate
We treat safety with the same level of focus and attention as every other part of our business.
Inflite Franz & Fox Helicopters is part of the INFLITE Group, and you can find our full safety policy here.
What This Means for You
Before you fly, during your experience, and even in decision-making around weather, safety will always come first.
This means:
- Flights may be delayed, shortened or cancelled if conditions aren’t right.
- You’ll receive a full safety briefing before departure.
- Our team will guide you on how to move safely around the aircraft and landing areas.
- Every decision made by our pilots prioritises passenger safety over schedule.
This approach ensures your experience is not only memorable but responsibly delivered.
Understanding the Risks (Answered Clearly)
Are helicopter scenic flights safe?
Yes, when operated correctly, helicopter scenic flights are a highly regulated aviation activity in New Zealand, with strict safety standards and trained professionals managing risk at every stage.
However, like any adventure activity in natural environments, there are inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated.
The Environment We Operate In
Our flights take place in remote and alpine environments, including glacier landing zones and mountainous terrain.
This means conditions can include:
- Rapidly changing weather
- Cold temperatures and high altitude exposure
- Uneven or icy surfaces when landing
- Limited access to immediate medical services in remote locations
These environments are part of what makes the experience so unique and why careful management is essential.
Potential Risks & Hazards
While incidents are rare, it’s important you understand the types of risks that exist in alpine and aviation environments.
These may include:
- Natural hazards such as avalanche, rock or ice fall, flooding or earthquakes.
- Terrain-related risks including crevasses, uneven ground or slipping hazards.
- Weather impacts such as heavy rain, wind or cold exposure.
- Aviation-related risks, including rare mechanical or operational incidents.
- Hazards around aircraft, such as moving rotor blades.
These risks are actively monitored and managed by our team through planning, training and real-time decision-making.
Your Role in Staying Safe
Safety is a shared responsibility and your actions play an important role in ensuring a safe experience for everyone.
By travelling with us, you agree to:
- Follow all instructions from your pilot and ground crew.
- Move carefully around aircraft and landing areas.
- Wear any required safety gear.
- Act responsibly and avoid behaviour that could put yourself or others at risk
If instructions are not followed, or behaviour is unsafe, you may be removed from the activity without refund. This ensures the safety of all passengers.
Health & Medical Considerations
Before participating, it’s important you assess whether the experience is suitable for you.
- Our team are not medical professionals and cannot advise on individual health conditions.
- Some landings occur in remote locations, where advanced medical assistance may be up to an hour away.
- Basic first aid is available, but immediate emergency care may not be.
You should:
- Consider your own health and fitness before flying.
- Seek medical advice if you have concerns.
- Ensure your participation will not impact your safety or others.
By joining a flight, you confirm that you are physically able to participate and accept responsibility for your health.
If Conditions Change
In alpine environments, conditions can change quickly.
For your safety, we reserve the right to:
- Cancel or adjust flights at any time.
- Change landing locations or flight paths.
- Decline participation if we believe safety is compromised.
These decisions are made conservatively and always in your best interest.
Our Commitment to You
Every flight is backed by:
- A structured Safety Management System
- Ongoing pilot training and competency checks
- Strict aircraft maintenance standards
- A culture where safety concerns are encouraged and acted on
We are committed to continuously improving how we operate, so every experience is safer than the last.