New Orleans, Louisiana is one of the most vibrant cities in the United States. Located at the mouth of the Mississippi River, the port city is famous for its music and cuisine, and for its festivities such as Mardi Gras. In addition to its many famous landmarks, the city is surrounded by unique wetlands and wildlife. A great way to take in the city is from above, through aerial sightseeing. Several businesses provide a variety of different tours that can satisfy almost any need on any budget.
One provider of fixed wing sightseeing is Air Reldan, based at St. Tammary Regional Airport, about an hour north of the city. Several different types of aircraft are available, from small single engine propeller-driven aircraft to turbo props. Short 30 minute tours start at 65$ per person as of January 2011. Air Reldan also does charters, aircraft rental and flight instruction.
Based at the Lakefront Airport in Downtown New Orleans, Crescent City Helicopters specializes in all things helicopter. The operator offers tours of the wetlands, Civil War Forts and the city. For more adventurous types, you can “get acquainted” by actually taking control of the helicopter and taking an introductory lesson. Crescent City specializes in helicopter flights.
Another fixed wing operator flying out of the Lakefront Airport is Gulf Coast Aviation. Gulf Coast operates a variety of specialty tours such as the New Orleans Epic Experience, the Katrina Appreciation Tour, the Gulf Coast Excursion and the Cajun Sunset.
Jesuit Bend Helicopters also offers sightseeing in the New Orleans area. It operates larger, air-conditioned helicopters that can be used for air charters and pipeline and powerline inspections. However, it also provides “flightseeing” tours. While based south of the city, JB Heli offers convenient pickup at several locations around the city, including Lakefront Airport and the International Airport.
Airports outside the city may also have operators that offer sightseeing tours. There are numerous smaller airports all around New Orleans, many of which have Fixed Base Operators that provide aircraft rental and aerial sightseeing of the area surrounding the city.
