Each guest travelling with Finniss River Helicopters (FRH) agrees to adhere to the terms and conditions below.

 

Aircraft

Aircraft tasked for tourism flights are allocated by FRH.

 

Booking Conditions

All tours are subject to availability, weather conditions and achieved booking minimums.

In accordance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority CAAP 235-1 (para.11) all passengers are required to provide full name, accurate weight and baggage details prior to their flight.

Seat allocation for scheduled flights are based on weight and balance and are at the discretion of the pilot to ensure the safe carriage of all passengers.

Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of weights and full payment, unless credit facilities are prearranged.

 

Check-In/Arrival at FRH Hangar

All flights depart FRH base at Emkaytee (MKT) Airfield, 800 Bees Creek Road, Weddell NT 0822. FRH hangar is located approximately 40 minutes from Darwin City, please allow sufficient travel time.

Passengers are required to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. Please reach out as soon as possible if you are running late and we will try our best to accommodate you.

Passenger weights will be checked and a mandatory safety briefing undertaken upon arrival at the FRH hangar.

If you require transfers to and from the airfield, please contact bookings@finnissriverhelicopters.com

 

Cancellation by Customers

A full refund (minus associated fees) will be issued if a booking is cancelled prior to 3 days before departure.

A 50% refund (minus associated fees) will be issued if a booking is cancelled prior to 2 days before departure.

Nil refund for bookings cancelled within 2 days of departure.

Nil refund if a passenger is denied boarding due to passenger weights exceeding those provided on bookings, resulting in exceedance of an aircrafts maximum take-off weight.

The full booking amount will be charged for no shows.

In the event of passenger illness, with a medical certificate, FRH will reschedule the flight.

Cancellations must be made only via phone call to 0427 585 382 or in writing, emailed to bookings@finnissriverhelicopters.com. Please ensure you receive a cancellation confirmation, cancellations via text message will not be accepted.

 

Cancellation & Changes by FRH

Flights are subject to management and/or pilot discretion, weather, air-traffic control and availability. The pilot in command has the final decision with regard to cancelling a flight due to weather and/or refusal of passenger/s if the passenger/s are deemed unfit for flight.

If a pilot cancels a flight due to weather conditions, Covid-19 restrictions, or staff and aircraft unavailability, if available an alternative time will be discussed with the customer. If this cannot be arranged, a full refund (minus associated fees) will be issued.

If a tour has commenced, and a flight is required to return to base due to circumstances beyond our control, there will be no refund issued.

 

Weather Conditions

We reserve the right to change flights, landings, and routes due to weather or safety reasons. We reserve the right to cancel a flight due to weather or safety reasons at the pilots’ discretion.

FiRH staff will endeavour to provide passengers with as much notice as possible and updates on current weather circumstances however, we cannot always guarantee we will be able to achieve this as weather conditions are often unpredictable.

The pilot has absolute discretion as to whether all or part of any flight will proceed or not.

FRH reserve the right to use a sub-contractor where required.

 

Flight Paths & Schedules

FRH endeavours to deliver all flights as described on our website or other collateral.

Due to pilot discretion, weather, air traffic control and other operational considerations beyond our control, flight paths and flight times may vary. Therefore, FRH cannot guarantee exact departure and arrival times and will not be liable for additional expenses arising from or incidental to any delay in the service outlined in Conditions of Carriage.

Please note - Heli Fishing tour times may vary depending on tides and weather. The optimum fishing period is January to April.

 

Safety First

The safety of our passengers, crew and staff is our number one priority. Please listen carefully to our safety briefing and follow your pilots’ instructions at all times.

All passengers will receive a safety briefing upon arrival at the FRH hangar.

When flying over water all passengers must wear a life jacket for the duration of the flight.

Strictly no smoking in or around the helicopter at any time.

FRH reserves the right to refuse passengers for safety reasons.

Please inform us of any specific requirements or concerns and we will do our best to accommodate them.

Passengers requiring special assistance should notify FRH upon booking.

Due to safety reasons, pregnant passengers are welcome to enjoy all flights with FRH up until 32 weeks pregnant. 

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COVID-19 and Sickness

FRH kindly asks that individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or other sickness, refrain from visiting the FRH Hangar at this time. This precautionary measure is in place to safeguard the well-being of all involved.

The pilot in command reserves the right to refuse travel to a passenger should the passenger be displaying symptoms that are deemed to pose a health risk to our staff or other passengers. In the event of this occurring, no refund will be issued.

 

Passenger Refusal

In accordance with Australian Aviation Law, Finniss River Helicopters reserves the right to refuse any passenger who the pilot in command deems may provide a hazard to the flight or safety and comfort of other passengers.

Passengers may be refused reasons including, but not limited to erratic, offensive or threatening behaviour, perceived intoxication, or implied risk to the safety of the flight.

Finniss River Helicopters supports the decision of its pilots and staff who decide to refuse a passenger. In the event a passenger is refused, full charges may apply.

 

Passengers & Weights

A minimum of 2 passengers (or 2 paid seats) is required for R44’s and a minimum of 3 passengers (or 3 paid seats) is required for the Bell Longranger.

For solo bookings, please contact bookings@finnissriverhelicopters.com and we will do our best to pair you up with another smaller group.

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The maximum single passenger weight is 136kg. Please see individual tours for maximum combined passenger weight limits.
Please ensure passenger weights are entered correctly during booking, it is a legal requirement that all passengers and personal items are weighed during arrival at the FRH hangar.

Weight variances greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Any group that exceed the maximum combined passenger weights indicated for that tour will be unable to begin the flight and will not be entitled to a refund.

 

Children

The minimum age for flying with FRH is 3 years old and children must be accompanied by an adult. Children are legally required to occupy their own seat in the rear of the aircraft and therefore are required to pay the full ticket price. Capsule/child seats cannot be fitted in the helicopter.

Children must be 12 years or older to be seated in the front seat without a door on the aircraft.

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Passengers with a disability

Passengers with a mild to moderate disability are welcomed to board our tours however they must be accompanied by a carer or legal guardian. 

Due to the size of our aircraft, wheelchairs and mobility aids are not permitted.

Due to OH&S safety requirements, staff are unable to lift any passengers.

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Personal Belongings

There is minimal space for personal belongings in the helicopter. Please do not bring any loose items, drones, extendable cameras/handles and any sized bags. Please leave these items in your vehicle or with office staff before departure. Small handbags and water bottles are permitted on board. 

Appropriate clothing should be worn on all FRH tours. Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and camera or phone for photos are recommended.

 

Conditions of Carriage

Although all care is taken, FRH accept no responsibility for the damage or loss of personal belongings or personal injury beyond its control. FRH is not liable for additional expenses resulting from service delays.

FRH work in conjunction with other tour operations and are not liable for other operators acts or omissions, negligent or otherwise. Passengers are subject to the conditions imposed by other tour operators partnering with FRH.

Refer to partnered tour operator websites for their terms and conditions.

 

Damages & Lost Items

All items required for tours (including fishing gear) will be supplied by FRH. We welcome passengers to bring their own fishing gear for tours.

Passengers will be required to pay a fee or the RRP for any damages or lost items of FRH property (including fishing gear). This fee will be determined at the discretion of FRH.

 

Prices

Prices are listed per person, in Australian currency (AUD) and are inclusive of GST.

All prices listed on the website are for the current season and are subject to change.

 

Credit Cards

Credit card payments will incur a surcharge set by the financial institution.

Processing fees are non-refundable in the case of refund.

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Insurance

Finniss River Helicopters carries insurance for all operations undertaken including passenger liability insurance, as required by Australian Aviation law.

It is recommended that all passengers take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.

 

Thirsty Traveller & Heli Pub Crawls - Special Terms & Conditions

Beverage and food costs are not included in these packages and are to be paid by in full by passengers upon ordering at the chosen venue. Please ensure you bring an appropriate payment method on board (e.g. credit card, cash, mobile card payment).

Strict aviation regulations apply to the carriage of disorderly or abusive passengers and those under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The pilot in command reserves the right to refuse travel to a passenger should the passenger be deemed to pose a safety risk to the flight at any point in the tour. In the event of this occurring, no refund will be issued and the passenger shall be responsible for making their own arrangements to return to Darwin.

FRH offers a shuttle service at an additional cost per person however this is subject to availability. Please contact the bookings@finnissriverhelicopters.com to enquire about this service.

 

Other

For further details, please contact bookings@finnissriverhelicopters.com

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