FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Safety stands at the heart of our ethos, underpinning our competitive edge in the industry.

Our commitment to perpetual safety enhancements strengthens our organization from within. This responsibility extends to every member of our team, from management to front-line employees, with myself leading by example as the FOM and accountable executive.

We strongly encourage all staff to prioritize safety above all, even in the face of any immediate or perceived pressures to compromise. Our proactive approach includes the implementation and upkeep of an active Safety Management System (SMS) to avert accidents and prevent injuries or damages.

Our goal is to proactively manage identifiable risks, minimize them to the lowest reasonable level, and actively share safety insights with our stakeholders, ensuring a secure and trustworthy environment for all.

As a European Air Carrier certified by the EASA, we operate under strict regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of all our passengers and crew. Our carriage within Greece adheres to EC Regulation 2027/97, as amended by EC Regulation No 889/2002, alongside the Greek Code of Air Law (Law 1815/88), where relevant.
We urge our passengers to comply with the prohibition against transporting materials and substances that could significantly compromise health and safety aboard the aircraft. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

  • Explosive or flammable materials such as ammunition, gas containers, flammable liquid fuels, fireworks, paint, beverages over 70% alcohol content, and acetone.
  • Chemical or toxic substances including acids, alkalis, corrosive agents, sprays, radioactive materials, and poisons.
  • Infectious or biologically hazardous materials, for example, contaminated blood, bacteria, and viruses.

Foodstuffs in semi-solid or liquid form, notably olive oil, must be properly packaged in wooden boxes with absorbent material to avoid leakage and damage to other passengers’ property. Be mindful of regulations regarding the transportation of foodstuffs into different countries.

For security reasons, certain items should not be checked in but kept in your carry-on: medicines, jewelry, cash, important documents (insurance policies, contracts, official papers), and electronic devices (laptops, cameras, chargers). Ensuring these guidelines are followed will contribute to a safe and pleasant travel experience for everyone onboard.

You’re permitted to bring electronic cigarettes, e-cigars, and similar vaporizing devices with batteries for personal use in your carry-on luggage only; these items are not allowed in checked baggage.

Please note, recharging these devices or their batteries while on board is not allowed, and steps must be taken to prevent their accidental activation. To avoid short circuits, each spare battery should be individually safeguarded either in its original packaging or by insulating the terminals, such as by taping exposed terminals or placing the battery in a separate plastic bag or protective case. All spare batteries must be kept in carry-on luggage.

Additionally, lithium batteries carried must adhere to the following limits:

  1. Lithium metal or alloy batteries must have a lithium content not exceeding 2 grams.
  2. Lithium-ion batteries should have a watt-hour rating of no more than 100Wh.

In compliance with international airport safety and security measures, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is identified as hazardous and is therefore prohibited in both personal hand luggage and checked baggage.

Operating within the charter industry’s strict regulations is something we value highly. Adhering not just to the letter but the spirit of EASA Aviation Regulations is pivotal to us; it enhances our operation’s safety, reliability, and the overall client experience.

Therefore, while we aim to ensure our customers’ comfort and streamline our processes, meticulous planning and execution of your flight remain paramount.

Information Collection: For flight planning purposes, we’ll request certain details mandated by the CAA, alongside other critical information for organizing your journey. This includes each passenger’s name, date of birth, nationality, and weight, as well as the weight of their baggage. We need the actual weights for passengers and baggage. Note that only soft baggage with a maximum weight of 16 kg per passenger is permitted. Should you need a higher baggage allowance, please make a request. Additionally, we’ll collect your address, phone number, and credit card details to facilitate billing and communication regarding your flight.

Accuracy in reporting your weight and that of your baggage is crucial for the safe loading of the aircraft. If uncertain, you’re welcome to use the scales at our office, or your pilot can weigh your baggage at the aircraft.

Helistar offers a variety of payment options for all services, including flights and any reservations or bookings we handle for you. We accept a wide range of credit cards, such as American Express, Diners Club International, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Union Pay, Discover, PC Plus, Laser, and Solo. Payments can be conveniently made via a payment link that we will send to you via email.

Payments can also be made via wire transfer to specified bank accounts listed below.

HELISTAR SA
Pithagora 50
P.C. 194 00
Koropi 
Greece

VAT No: EL094512435 

ALPHA BANK
IBAN: GR15 0140 5500 5500 0232 0002 259
SWIFT/BIC: CRBAGRAAXXX

REVOLUT BANK UAB
IBAN: LT12 3250 0391 7181 5015
SWIFT/BIC: REVOLT21

Cancellation by Customer:

  • More than 48 hours before departure: Full refund of the paid amount.
  • Less than 48 hours but more than 24 hours before departure: A cancellation fee of 30% of the flight cost will be charged.
  • Less than 24 hours before departure: A cancellation fee of 80% of the flight cost will be charged.
  • Customer no-show: No refund; 100% of the flight cost will be charged.

Cancellation Policy by Helistar:

  • Should Helistar cancel a flight, customers are entitled to a full refund, in accordance with EU regulations. This applies if the cancellation is due to weather conditions, technical issues, safety concerns, or unforeseen restrictions by authorities.
  • If a flight is underway and a customer decides to cancel or requests to return, no refunds will be provided. Customers have the option to reschedule if a flight is cancelled for any of the aforementioned reasons, instead of receiving a refund.

Booking a helicopter flight via the Helistar booking tool is straightforward and secure. Here’s how the process works:

  1. Select your flight type
    First, choose the type of flight you want to book:
    • One Way – for single transfers between two locations or a return on the same day by using the “Stay Time” function
    • Round Trip – for a return flight on a different day
    • Sightseeing – for scenic tours from your desired spots
  2. Enter your flight details
    Depending on the selected flight type, fill in the required fields:
    • Departure location
    • Destination
    • Preferred date and time
    • Number of passengers
  3. Choose a helicopter and view prices
    You’ll see a list of available helicopter types along with the prices. Choose the option that best fits your needs.
  4. Provide your personal and billing information
    After selecting a helicopter, enter:
    • Full name
    • Email address
    • Phone number
    • Billing address and country of residence
    • Company name and VAT number (for business bookings, if applicable)
    • Passenger names for all travelers
  5. Secure payment pre-authorization
    At checkout, the full flight amount will be pre-authorized on your credit card via Stripe. This is not yet a final charge—it is only a temporary hold.
  6. Manual review by Helistar
    Your request is automatically forwarded to our flight management system. Our operations team will check aircraft and crew availability.
  7. Booking confirmation
    • If the flight can be confirmed, you will receive a booking confirmation and the pre-authorized amount will be charged.
    • If the flight cannot be confirmed, the pre-authorization will be released and no amount will be charged.

The carrier reserves the right to decline the transportation of baggage based on its size, shape, weight, or nature. It is mandatory for passengers to disclose the actual weights of themselves and their luggage. The carrier may deny transport if the combined weight exceeds the pre-approved limit. A standard allowance includes one piece of luggage weighing up to 15kg per passenger, with a maximum of three pieces adhering to specified dimensions. Additional luggage must be compact (L:55 cm x H:35 cm x W:23 cm) and soft-sided. Any adjustments in weight or size must be communicated to the carrier in advance. If weight constraints necessitate a larger aircraft, extra fees will be incurred.

Passengers are also required to inform the carrier about individuals needing special accommodations, assistance, or devices, as well as the transport of sports equipment. Infants and children must be accompanied and equipped with appropriate restraint devices. The carrier may reject baggage for checked transport if it is not securely packed in suitable containers for safe handling.

For sports equipment, we accommodate two categories within our EC120 & EC135 helicopters, not covered by the free weight allowance. For approval, details and dimensions of the equipment must be shared with our Booking Department before the flight.

  • Small equipment: Up to 15 kg and 1.40 m in length.
  • Medium equipment: Between 15 to 32 kg and 1.41 to 2 m in length.

Helicopter transport’s flexibility includes the capability for off-airport landings, providing direct-to-destination services that are highly valued. However, the feasibility of fulfilling such requests is governed by multiple factors, with safety being paramount.

To process an off-airport landing request for a location not previously approved, Helistar requires a 1-working-day notice. This timeframe allows us to conduct a detailed assessment of the landing zone and obtain necessary clearances.

An essential requirement for off-airport landings is designating an alternate airport beforehand. Despite prior approval, the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) has the final authority to assess current conditions and may deem them unsafe for landing. The PIC reserves the right to divert to the alternate airport anytime before landing. In such scenarios, clients are responsible for any subsequent ground transportation costs.

Criteria for Off-Airport Landing Zones:

  • The landing area must be a minimum of 50ft x 50ft without exceptions.
  • The terrain should be relatively flat, with minimal slope variations.
  • A safe approach path must be available to accommodate different wind directions and allow for an alternative landing path if needed.
  • The area must be clear of obstructions such as trees, poles, buildings, vehicles, people, or animals.
  • Measures to prevent pedestrian access during landing and take-off must be in place.

Larger areas exceeding 150ft x 150ft, devoid of obstructions, featuring good access for varying wind conditions, and effectively separated from pedestrian and vehicle traffic, are typically considered suitable for landings.

  • All our flight quotes are for one-way journeys unless specified otherwise. The availability for a return trip is subject to our schedule, and additional fees will be incurred for this service.
  • Our flights are weather-dependent; in the event of cancellations due to adverse weather conditions, we provide a full refund, excluding any credit card charges.For the safety and comfort of all, smoking is strictly prohibited in and around our helicopters.
  • Please note that we are unable to carry medical oxygen or passengers who require constant medical oxygen support.
  • Operating within the regulations of Greece, our helicopters fly exclusively during daylight hours, which is defined as 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.

Greece captivates the global imagination like few other places, with its radiant coastlines, serene whitewashed villages, bustling seaside towns, and impeccably preserved historical sites. Standing as a premier destination since the days of antiquity, it welcomes around 20 million visitors each year. Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, remains a focal point for tourists and a gateway to exploring the nation’s 227 inhabited islands. Beyond the urban centers, Greece unfolds into a scenic tapestry of olive groves, vineyards, and quaint hamlets set against the backdrop of undulating hills and rugged mountains.

For those looking to venture beyond the well-trodden paths of Mykonos and Santorini, consider these gems:

  • Paros in the Cyclades: Amidst over 2,000 idyllic islands, Paros stands out for its unique blend of scenic landscapes, inviting beaches, and vibrant towns, offering a quieter alternative to its more famous neighbors.
  • Ithaki in the Ionian Islands: For a tranquil retreat, the Ionian Islands offer culturally rich villages, lush landscapes, and serene beaches, a world away from the bustling tourist spots.
  • Costa Navarino in the Peloponnese: Steeped in history, this region boasts a wealth of archaeological sites, delightful cuisine, stunning coastlines, and tranquil towns, offering a deeper dive into Greece’s heritage.
  • Alonissos in the Sporades: Known for its natural beauty and sunny beaches, the Sporades cater to all tastes, from those seeking lively entertainment to those desiring peaceful seclusion.

These destinations offer a slice of Greece’s vast mosaic of experiences, inviting you to discover the country’s lesser-known but equally enchanting locales.

Also get some inspiration here.

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