About Vertical Flight | Tampa Bay Helicopter Tours

Creating Lasting Memories for Over 21 Years

For over 21 years, Vertical Flight has been helping guests discover Tampa Bay from an entirely new perspective. As the area's longest-running helicopter tour service, we've welcomed thousands of passengers aboard for unforgettable experiences above Florida's beautiful coastline.

Our highly trained and experienced pilots are passionate about aviation and committed to providing safe, comfortable, and exciting helicopter tours. From scenic beaches and waterfront landmarks to breathtaking sunsets, every flight offers a unique way to experience the beauty of Tampa Bay.

We're proud of the memories we've helped create and look forward to sharing the excitement of helicopter flight with many more guests.

Captain Don Hendrix

Executive Officer | Helicopter Pilot

As Executive Officer of Vertical Flight, Captain Don Hendrix brings 23 years of aviation experience and a passion for delivering unforgettable helicopter experiences. In addition to flying scenic tours, his aviation background includes piloting helicopters for motion picture productions.

Executive Officer of Vertical Flight
Commercial Helicopter Pilot
23 Years of Aviation Experience
2,000+ Hours of Flight Experience
Helicopter Pilot for Motion Picture Productions

Captain Rob Rawlings

Commercial Helicopter Pilot

Captain Rob Rawlings brings 28 years of aviation experience and more than 7,000 flight hours to Vertical Flight. His distinguished background includes 21 years of military flying, piloting Black Hawk helicopters for the U.S. Army and Jayhawk helicopters for the U.S. Coast Guard. He is also a military-certified flight instructor.

Commercial Helicopter Pilot
Certified Flight Instructor
7,000 Hours of Flight Experience
28 Years of Aviation Experience
U.S. Army Black Hawk & U.S. Coast Guard Jayhawk Pilot

Explore Tampa Bay in Our R-44 Raven

Experience the excitement of helicopter flight aboard our Robinson R-44 Raven. With comfortable seating and incredible panoramic views, our helicopter offers an unforgettable way to see Tampa Bay's beautiful coastline, beaches, and landmarks from above.

3 Passenger Seats

Our R-44 Raven has four seats total, including one for the pilot, with room for up to three passengers per flight.

275 lbs Maximum Per Passenger Seat

Each of the three passenger seats has a maximum individual weight limit of 275 pounds.

Possible Wildlife Sightings

Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, sharks, and other marine wildlife as you explore Tampa Bay from above.

Please note: Wildlife sightings are possible during our helicopter tours but are not guaranteed. Actual sightings depend on natural conditions and animal activity.

21 Years of Creating Unforgettable Memories