AV8 Flight: Air Tours
Unforgettable Air Tours: Experience Minneapolis – St. Paul from the air!
Perfect for gifts, special occasions, capturing the perfect aerial photo or just because you want to…
From the Air: There is something magical about leaving the ground and seeing the world from above. We are based out of Flying Cloud Airport in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area and can fly airplanes and helicopters throughout Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. Scenic and sightseeing flights can be incredibly special moments. They’re perfect to celebrate special occasions, such as an anniversary, or gift to friends and family.
Airplane or Helicopter: We operate a fleet of both rotor-wing helicopters and fixed-wing airplanes. Both offer similar yet different flying experiences. Helicopters provide an immersive low-to-the-ground experience. They can nimbly tour Minnesota’s cities and natural landscapes, not to mention provide virtually-unobstructed views for all passengers. Airplanes fly higher, faster, and can travel farther distances. This makes airplanes ideal for day trips to multiple cities, and they also have lower running costs than helicopters.
Whether you choose a helicopter or airplane tour, your experience will be exceptional. Select from our packages or customize your air tour and experience the magic of flight!
Check out some of our Air Tour options:
Enjoy Lake Minnetonka, Best of the Twin Cities and more!
No two flights are ever the same. Passengers have the opportunity to work with our team to customize a route that fits their unique interests and timings, as well as weather and air traffic control considerations. However, here are some example flights that visit various exciting and popular locations within the Twin Cities and the Upper Midwest. Most flights begin at AV8s facility at Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, MN, but we’re happy to ferry our aircraft to other nearby airports or an off-airport location in some cases.
Best of the Twin Cities
Start at AV8 Flight’s facility in Eden Prairie or an airport of your choice (additional cost). Fly northeast over the suburbs of Eden Prairie, Edina, St. Louis Park, and enter Minneapolis. Fly next to iconic buildings like the Foshay Tower, the IDS Center, and US Bank Stadium. Fly alongside the mighty Mississippi River towards Downtown St. Paul to see the Xcel Energy Center and Irvine Park. Add in lunch at Holman’s Table in St. Paul or return to Flying Cloud Airport.
Helicopter/Airplane – 30 Minutes to 45 Minutes (est.)
Lake Minnetonka From The Air
Begin your experience at AV8 Flight’s facility in Eden Prairie or an airport of your choice (additional cost). Fly north towards Lake Minnetonka, and possibly pass over Paisley Park, the home of legendary musician Prince. Begin an orbit over Lake Minnetonka and get a glimpse of the lake’s boat traffic or wildlife.
Helicopter/Airplane – 30 Minutes to 45 Minutes (est.)
Seasonal Flights
We offer a variety of seasonal flights centered around events and gatherings. Additionally, we are always looking to partner with various events to offer airplane and helicopter rides. Examples:
- Lake Minnetonka Fourth of July Celebration
- Fall Color Sightseeing
- Holiday Light Tours
Custom Flights
Our team can work with you to arrange custom round-trip airplane or helicopter flights to specific destinations or over specific sights. Examples:
- Twin Cities to Rochester, MN
- Flying Cloud Airport to Minneapolis-St. Paul Intl. Airport
- Aerial Survey Flights and Cinematography
- Weddings/Event Arrivals
Airplane and helicopter sightseeing flights are incredibly memorable experiences, and we want all guests to enjoy the thrill of aviation. As a company, our number one priority is safety, and we’ve designed our passenger experience to reflect our commitments to safety and providing an enjoyable flight.
View our AV8 Air Tour Fleet
Helicopter and Airplane Air Tours – Reliability & Comfort
Our fleet consists of late-model airplanes and helicopters that are stored at Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, MN. They undergo frequent and thorough inspections by trained aircraft technicians within our own maintenance facility. We take great care to ensure they are equipped with the latest equipment and avionics.
Robinson R44
Trusted, Proven, Dependable: Built in Torrance, CA, the Robinson R44 “Raven” is currently one of the most popular helicopters in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Its roomy cockpit seats four (three passengers and a pilot), and, because of its large windows, there’s no such thing as a bad seat in an R44.
Capacity: 3 passengers
Useful Load: 1,005 pounds
Range: ~300 nautical miles
Guimbal Cabri G2CA
Nimble, Efficient, Charming: Nicknamed the “big little helicopter”, the Guimbal Cabri G2CA is a 2-seat light training helicopter built in France. It incorporates design features found in Airbus helicopters to provide a smooth and stable ride. The Cabri is perfect for aerial photography, single person tours, or flight training.
Capacity: 1 passenger
Useful Load: 600 pounds
Range: ~380 nautical miles
Piper Archer PA28
Capable, Fast, Reliable: Produced continually since 1961, Piper Archers are one of the most-popular aircraft in the world. They are stable and very easy-to-fly. Our late-model Archers have been fitted with the latest equipment, including avionics by Garmin. Fixed-wing airplanes fly faster than helicopters and have lower operating costs.
Capacity: 3 passengers
Useful Load: 1,000 pounds
Range: ~500 nautical miles
AV8 Air Tour Questions & Answers
FAQ: Helicopter and Airplane Air Tours
Questions and answers about Twin Cities air tours costs, flight capacity, safety, scheduling, preparation, and selection.
