Sundance Helicopters

Providing awe-inspiring experiences to over 4 million customers since 1985.

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National Parks to Visit In or Near Las Vegas

Spring season is a beautiful time in Las Vegas. Perfect for outdoor adventures and tours with loved ones, friends or family members. From the local Red Rock National Conservation Area to the Grand Canyon National Park, we have you covered. We have listed the top 6 National Recreational Parks in or near Las Vegas. 

1. Red Rock National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon’s unique geology with multicolored sandstone atop of gray limestone creates a unique environment with seasonal springs and streams. More than 2 million people visit Red Rock Canyon each year to hike, bike, rock climb, and more. There are more than 60 miles of hiking trails to explore. You can also explore the majestic hues of red with our Las Vegas Picnic tour which includes a landing atop a secluded scenic overlook with views of the entire Las Vegas valley and world-famous skyline for a delectable champagne picnic. Learn more here about this tour. 

2. Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire is the oldest Nevada State Park and was dedicated in 1935. Valley of Fire is marked as Nevada Historical Marker #150 (Nevada’s First State Park). Despite the heat during the summer, Valley of Fire is still a popular spot with its beautiful landscapes. Make sure to visit during winter or fall as there are several hikes to explore such as White Domes Hike, Mouse’s Tank Hike, and more.  Be awed by the blazing red sandstone outcroppings with our VIP Deluxe tour which includes pick-up and drop-off from your Las Vegas hotel, aerial views of the Colorado River, Mojave Desert, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead along with a champagne picnic at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and complimentary pre-recorded Grand Canyon tour highlights reel and a personal souvenir plaque with photograph. Learn more about this tour here. 

3. Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park encompasses canyons, river tributaries, and surrounding grounds. The Grand Canyon is situated in Arizona's northwestern quadrant. With millions of visitors making the trip to the canyon each year, this park is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. We offer multiple tours to the Grand Canyon, from our most popular helicopter tour, the Grand Canyon picnic tour and tours such as the Skywalk Express tour with expedited entrance to the Skywalk, the Grand Canyon Heli & Outdoor Adventure which allows a shooting & ATV add on experiences, to the Grand Voyager Exclusive which includes a scenic riverboat ride and picturesque lunch on the canyon rim and many more tours to the Grand Canyon. 

4. Mojave National Preserve 

Mojave National Preserve is the third largest site ran by the National Park Service in the United States. From camping and hiking to history, the Mojave dessert is home to beautiful mountains and landscapes with a wide array of habitats-mountains, valleys, springs, forest and wetlands-that shelter an abundance of plant, fish and animal species. Most of our Grand Canyon tours fly over the Mojave Desert.

5. Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Boat, hike, cycle, camp and fish at America’s most diverse national recreation area. With striking landscapes and brilliant blue waters, this year-round playground spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and two vast lakes. See the Hoover Dam from the waters of Lake Mead or Lake Mohave, or find solitude in one of the park's nine wilderness areas. Our helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon include aerial views of Lake Mead. 

6. Mt. Charleston/Spring Mountain National Recreation Area

Find all the cool mountain breezes, fresh air and all-around scenic beauty of Mount Charleston. Part of the Spring Mountain Range and Toiyabe National Forest, Mount Charleston ranges from 3,000 to 12,000 feet in elevation. It is Nevada's eighth-highest mountain peak and one of the Top 10 most topographically prominent peaks in the United States. There are many hikes in the area, including Mary Jane Falls trail which has a seasonal waterfall and even a cave. This kid-friendly, two-mile trail is only an hour long. Fletcher Canyon is another easy hike, featuring walls up to 100 feet. Partake in the beautiful aerial views of Mount Charleston Peak towards Pahrump with our Heli & Wine tour where you will land at the award-winning Pahrump Valley Winery for wine tasting and an exquisite 4-course dinner! The flight back soars over the Spring Mountains and into the Las Vegas Valley at dusk as the lights of the Strip turn on. Learn more about this tour here. 

To learn more about our tours over these beautiful picturesque national and recreational areas in or near Las Vegas, visit our site at www.sundancehelicopters.com.

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Are you open Christmas Day ?

Hello, yes we are opened on Christmas Day and operate at normal business hours.

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Is it alright to wear a dress? Where to park for the Las Vegas Strip Tour?

Yes you may wear a dress but please note that we advise comfortable clothing due to the nature of the tour and winds. For the City Lights tour, you may park at 5596 Haven Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119. We have parking spaces for our guest.

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JUST BOOKED THE GC heli and atv tour with you and noticed you dont allow backpacks on helis will i be able to bring water bottles as the atv part is 22 miles might need a drop or two lol

Hello - We do provide water bottles during the ATV portion of this tour but you may also bring your own. This tour starts with the ATV portion and does not do the helicopter portion later.

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Sundance Travels to the Grand Canyon West with Local Las Vegas High School Students

Sundance Helicopters has been a community partner and strong supporter of the Clark County School District (CCSD) since SY 2016-2017, delivering awe-inspiring experiences to students and teachers by hosting field trips to the Grand Canyon. One class is selected each month based on applications through the CCSD School-Community Partnership Program. We had the pleasure early this year to travel with a few journalism students from Eldorado High School, located in the Northeast Las Vegas valley area, for this full school day adventure.  

For the majority of these students, many have not had the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon despite it being just a few hours’ drive away. This Sundance-sponsored field trip was definitely an exciting, learning getaway for the class. 

Alma Vasquez, a senior at Eldorado High School, made sure she did not miss the chance to be part of this field trip. For Alma, the Grand Canyon was an escape from the daily routines at home. Helping her family raise 7 siblings can be tiring. This was her moment to relax and take in the beauty of the Grand Canyon. 

Another member of this group was knowledge-hungry Elizabeth Farias, a freshman in high school. When she found out about the field trip, she was the first to write a compelling story as to why she should be part of this trip. Elizabeth has always been drawn to the animals and the mythical aspects of the Native American stories of the Grand Canyon. She visited the Grand Canyon before but enjoyed it as a tourist. This time, she wanted to put on her historian hat and really learn about the culture and history of the canyon. 

Upon arriving at Grand Canyon West Rim, students had access to Eagle Point and the Skywalk, where they peered over the rim of the Grand Canyon and walked on the horseshoe-shaped glass bridge suspended nearly 4,000 feet above the canyon floor.

A group of Hualapai dancers were at Eagle point to showcase their cultural dances to tourists visiting the Skywalk. A couple of students joined on the action to take part of the Hualapai culture. They stopped at several stops to learn about the traditional Native American dwellings and hopi hunt from the Hopi Native Americans.

The students also visited Guano Point, where they had panoramic views of the Grand Canyon, Colorado River, and had the opportunity to see remnants of a historic tram that stretched 8,800 feet across the Canyon to a guano mine.

After a long day, the students and teachers enjoyed pictures in front of our Airbus AS350 helicopter. Several students went inside the aircraft for photo opportunities. For many of the students, they had never seen a helicopter up close.

Kathy H., Magnet Theme Coordinator at Eldorado High School, thanked Sundance for “hosting our trip to the Grand Canyon.  The students and staff all had a wonderful experience.” 

The students of Eldorado high school enjoyed their trip to the Grand Canyon and did not miss the opportunity to thank the Sundance team for sponsoring their visit to the Grand Canyon.

To learn more about our opportunity with the Clark Country School District in Las Vegas, please read more here.

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The Best Things To Do In Las Vegas During Your Spring Break

Vegas is the place to unwind and explore. There are many attractions to visit, restaurants to dine in, thrilling adventures to surprise yourself, and new views to discover.

Check out these awesome places and things to do while you are in Las Vegas this spring break.

See the Las Vegas Strip from Above Starting at only $84 dollars, see the wonderful bright lights of Las Vegas in a helicopter at night. Before boarding one of our state-of-the-art helicopters, sip on a glass of champagne and enjoy one of our awesome games such as giant Jenga and Uno.  

Explore Local Shops There are so many places to see and explore in Las Vegas and one thing Vegas does well is offer a variety of shopping centers near the strip. Make your way to The Park with their vast selections of dining locations and entertaining options. Not in the mood to stay at the strip? Find yourself at The Container Park located in Downtown Las Vegas.  A favorite spot for locals; discover the open-air shopping center filled with retail shops, unique restaurants, live entertainment, bars and more. Nearby, explore the Las Vegas South Premium Outlets, these shops deliver significant discounts on popular brands. Shoppers of all ages will find outlets for both old favorites and trendy new name brands.

See A Show Take part on a musical journey! Visit the Planet Hollywood Miracle Mile Shops for one of Dave Saxe’s production shows such as V The Ultimate Variety Show, the ultimate way to experience the best of Las Vegas entertainment all wrapped up in one action packed show or VEGAS! The Show, which pays homage to legends that helped coin Las Vegas as The Entertainment Capital of the World and named as “The Best Show in Las Vegas” countless times since its opening!

Take Part in the Beauty of Art & History There is more to Las Vegas than just gambling and beautiful lights. Want to move away from the hustle and bustle of the town and enjoy some quiet time? Explore nearby museums and learn not just about the history of Las Vegas but art as well. Visit the Las Vegas Neon Museum, dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment. Want a hands-on experience? Las Vegas is largely built on machines and the Pinball Hall of Fame is the place to visit. Equipped with wall to wall machines, the Pinball Hall of Fame delivers fun, a reason why people come to Vegas. If you’re looking to learn about history, make your way to an interesting stop. Educating the public of organized crime from vintage Las Vegas to the back alleys of American cities, The Mob Museum provides a world-class, interactive journey through true stories. From the birth of the Mob, to today’s headlines. 

Bars, Why Not? Some of the best bars are unique for their architecture, customer service, drinks and the atmosphere. Find yourself at the Minus 5 Ice Bar at the Mandalay Bay as you sip on your favorite drink - at minus 5 degrees temperature! Wanting to skip the cold? Find yourself at one of the best views in Las Vegas at the Mandarin Bar. Enjoy live jazz and delectable cocktail and small bites menus. Want to keep the wonderful views going? Sip under 2 million beaded crystals at The Chandelier at Cosmopolitan. The three levels offer their own experiences. Head to the second for the concoctions of Mariena Mercer, the chef mixologist there. The cocktails feature molecular garnishes made table side from a modern bar cart.

With so many options, there is definitely a place to see, an attraction to experience, and a Vegas visit to create memories. Why not make the most of it in while in Vegas?

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The Sundance Way: Valuing Experiences Over Material Things

At Sundance Helicopters, we’re all about providing awe-inspiring experiences. Our customer experience team is here to help make your tour more memorable.

Some of the perks that come with a variety of our tours include complimentary pick-up from your Las Vegas hotel, and return drop-off; complimentary coffee and fun games such as a giant Jenga, Uno, and Connect Four to enjoy at our terminal while you wait for your flight. We also provide lockers, at no cost, for you to store your belongings before a tour.

Do you have a food restriction? Please feel free to speak with our friendly reservations team in advance about any food allergies or specific dietary requests so that we may be able to make the proper arrangements with catering.

Are you celebrating a special day? You can put in a request to surprise and delight your family and friends by adding a personalized note on our giant digital screens in the terminal such as “Happy Anniversary (Name of family member)”, “Happy Birthday (Name)”, “Congratulations (Name)” or “She Said YES!”.

These are just a few of the special touches Sundance offers to help make your tour experience truly priceless and unforgettable! Because at the end of the day, when material things become outdated or break, that breathless feeling of seeing something so wondrous and exhilarating is something that will never fade away.

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Down Memory Lane with Our Pilot

There is not a time when we don’t think back and reflect on the decisions that have guided us to our present.  We sat down with Bryon E., one of our pilots at Sundance Helicopters, to revisit his path to becoming a pilot and how he helps the team at Sundance create awe-inspiring moments for our guests. 

1. What motivated you to become a pilot? 

Byron: I had this vision as a kid, as I sat down and pondered on what a hero looked like, it came to mind one day in the seventh grade that these men, 10-feet tall and bullet-proof pertained to the United States Marine Corps. In my opinion, the smallest yet the toughest branch in the military. They have the longest and toughest boot camp training but what was most impressive was the drilled-in mentality of a team and having that brotherhood with your comrades. 

2. What was the most important thing you learned while being in the United States Marine Corps? 

Byron: Well, definitely going from a 19-year old kid to becoming an adult. I learned responsibility, self-respect, and discipline. 

3. What was the toughest obstacle while being in the Marine Corps?

Byron: Going on deployments and being away from family years on end. No technology. Phone calls were the only means of contact.

4. From learning these skills in the United States Marine Corps, what brought you to be a pilot?

Byron: During my second deployment to South Korea, I went on a training mission in a CH-46 Sea Knight Chinook Helicopter.  As I saw the pilot pick up and bring the helicopter to a hover, that was it. It was the coolest thing ever. When I got out of the military, I decided to go to Guidance Aviation in Prescott, Arizona. Montgomery GI Bill helped pay for flight training.

5. How long was your journey to become a pilot? 

Byron: 2 years from start to finish. 

6. What brought you to Sundance Helicopters?

Byron: Oh, that’s easy! Two main reason, we fly the EC-130 and the A-star; there is diversity in the aircrafts we get to fly. It breaks out the monotony, flying different tours and seeing new faces everyday, at times, repeating ones. Sundance offers a superior turbine transition into the helicopter industry.  The most exciting part though, has to be the opportunity to fly in Las Vegas and flying people from all around the world.

7. What reason would you give to fly with Sundance? 

Byron: Sundance is unlike any other helicopter company in Las Vegas and in the United States. Who can say that they’ve flown over 4 million people and have been awarded TripAdvisor’s “Certificate of Excellence” 6 years in a row and voted Las Vegas Review Journal’s “Best Helicopter Tours”, “Best Family Attraction”, and “Best Extreme Adventure” just last year? Not to mention, unbeknownst to guests, the experience in flying class bravo airspace in the third busiest airport in the nation. You’re flying with a team of top-notch pilots who provide a safe, reliable, extraordinary and personalized customer experience. 

Like Byron, we love to see people fly with us from all over the world. The Sundance team always welcomes reviews!

If you’ve flown with us and want to let us know about your experience with our pilots, customer experience team, and overall, your helicopter tour, please feel free to leave a TripAdvisor review here. If you have not flown with us, visit our customer testimonials page here to get you excited and on your way to start your New Years resolution of awe-inspiring experiences. 

Add a Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam or a combo helicopter tour package to your to-do list and get ready to be awed by our Sundance team! 

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Golf Ball Drop Benefitting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

On November 6, 2017, Sundance Helicopters was proud to support the annual golf ball drop benefitting the Children’s Miracle Network hospital (link) by flying over the Boulder Creek golf course (link) and dropping thousands of golf balls at a designated golf hole marked by a United States flag. The Sundance team flew in one of their state-of-the-art EC-130 T2s for the golf ball drop, harnessed for safety as the helicopter opened to release the golf balls.

The following prizes were awarded to those that placed bets on the numbered golf balls closest to the target:

· 1st place received a 3 nights/4 days Villa Vacation Stay (sponsored by Marriott Vacation Club Grand Chateau Las Vegas)

·  2nd place received a $500 cash prize (sponsored by Mastercorp)

·  3rd place received a $250 cash prize (sponsored by Waxie)

For more information or to donate to the Children’s Miracle Network, please visit www.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org.

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Golf Ball Drop Benefitting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

On November 6, 2017, Sundance Helicopters was proud to support the annual golf ball drop benefitting the Children’s Miracle Network hospital (link) by flying over the Boulder Creek golf course (link) and dropping thousands of golf balls at a designated golf hole marked by a United States flag. The Sundance team flew in one of their state-of-the-art EC-130 T2s for the golf ball drop, harnessed for safety as the helicopter opened to release the golf balls.

The following prizes were awarded to those that placed bets on the numbered golf balls closest to the target:

· 1st place received a 3 nights/4 days Villa Vacation Stay (sponsored by Marriott Vacation Club Grand Chateau Las Vegas)

·  2nd place received a $500 cash prize (sponsored by Mastercorp)

·  3rd place received a $250 cash prize (sponsored by Waxie)

For more information or to donate to the Children’s Miracle Network, please visit www.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org.

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I have a tour scheduled for Febuary 4th,2018 for 4 people. We just found out 1 of the people probably will not be able to join us. The confirmation is under Sylvia Welder, # 9806572. If we do have to cancel 1 person what sort of penalty will I take?

Hello - We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. You will be able to make any changes prior to your date. No penalty. Please be sure to call our reservations department at 1-702-736-1099 to note your request. Thank you.

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do I have to bring sweter? iTs cold in the Canyon?

Hello - The Grand Canyon will be around 20 to 43 Fahrenheit.

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Top Ten Things to do in Las Vegas for the Holidays

1. Cactus Garden Lighting at Ethel M. Chocolates

If the idea of over half a million twinkling Christmas lights draped over three acres of cactus sounds exciting, then you must a visit the Chocolate Wonderland at Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden in Henderson, NV.  Inspired by the kitchen of Ethel Mars (which date back to 1910), Forrest Mars Sr. created Ethel M Chocolates in his mother’s honor. 

The huge Ethel M's cactus garden out front features a spectacular display of more than half a million holiday lights, chocolate houses and sculptures, and demonstrations of Ethel M Chocolate creations. The display will be open from Tuesday, November 7th - Jan 1, 2018. Admission to Chocolate Wonderland is free and includes a factory tour. Special seasonal chocolate collections are also available for purchase.

2. Vegas! The Show Holiday Spectacular Edition 

Join our show partner this holiday season as Vegas! The Show presents a holiday rendition of the performance at the Saxe Theater located inside the Planet Hollywood Miracle Mile Shops. From November 20th – December 31st 2017, the show will include additional fun filled dance numbers and festive costumes, while celebrating the timeless Holiday music made famous by your favorite Las Vegas stars! Ticket prices start at $99.99 for general admission.

3. Modern Day Sleigh Rides with Sundance Helicopters

Bring your kids for their very first helicopter ride aboard our modern day sleigh rides with special child rates from $59 for kids up to 12 years of age for tour dates of Dec. 22 - Jan 7, 2018. Saint Nick will also be available Dec. 22-24, 2017 from 6pm to 9pm at the terminal for photo opportunities, hand out holiday goodies, and for story times.

4. Magical Forest at Opportunity Village Christmas is a time for giving. What better way to give this time of year than a visit to the Magical Forest which is celebrating another year of providing holiday joy to the Las Vegas community. Join the more than 150,000 people that visit the Forest every year. Feast your eyes at the more than three million lights on hundreds of decorated trees. Ride the Forest Express passenger train, take a spin on the Carousel or visit Santa. There is fun for the whole family and plenty of special events and offers throughout the Forest season. Children general admission ticket prices start at $10.00 and adult general admission ticket prices start at $12.00.

5. New Year’s Eve Spectacular with Sundance Helicopters Ring in the new year in the skies or atop a scenic overlook! We will be the only helicopter company flying on New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas. Let’s welcome 2018 in style by viewing the fireworks extravaganza by air or at our private Red Rock overlook for an exclusive party with amazing fireworks across the Las Vegas skyline! Hurry! Book now from $499! Limited seating. Tour almost sold out!

6. Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan

This holiday season, The Cosmopolitan transforms the Boulevard Pool into The Ice Rink. Located high above the Strip, guests will enjoy skating on over 4,200 square feet of real ice, roasting s'mores by the fire pits, and warm cocktails. The Ice Rink also features light snow showers which occurs every 30 minutes. Tickets from $10.00.

7. Scuba Santa at the Silverton Aquarium

Visitors can see Santa Claus dressed up in scuba gear and submerged in the Silverton's 117,000-gallon aquarium. Santa Claus will be swimming among the 4,000 sharks, stingrays and tropical fish this holiday season.

8. Mystic Falls Winter Wonderland

Considered one of the great Las Vegas attractions, the Mystic Falls indoor park at Sam's Town goes through a transformation at Christmas time. Marking the kick off of the holiday season this time-honored tradition goes back to 1994, with decorations beginning in Sam's Town's porte-cochere and decorative snowflakes leading guests through the property to Mystic Falls Park. Garland streams, wreath-adorned lampposts and snow-covered trees fill the atrium, and decor offers guests a glimpse inside Santa's workshop, from elves making toys to loading up Santa's sleigh with goodies for children. Bring your camera and enjoy this Winter Wonderland Décor.

Mystic Falls indoor park is a holiday haven this time of the year. A nine-minute laser light show is the centerpiece of the display featuring a variety of classic holiday songs, like "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Let It Snow," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and "Frosty the Snowman."

9. Tournament of Kings Holiday Dinner Show

Make 'tis the season for holiday cheer at the Tournament of Kings Holiday Dinner Show inside the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. Guests of all ages will take part in the festivities as The Tournament of Kings Arena is transformed into a medieval winter wonderland with décor, music, costumes, cheer and "snow." The show will feature magnificently designed holiday costumes, majestic banners, flags and new castle lights, which will be illuminated as Merlin conjures snowfall on the kingdoms.

Kings, queens, knights and maidens of all ages are invited to eat, drink and have a holly jolly time, while watching the legend of Prince Christopher's journey toward knighthood unfold. Tickets from $65.00.

10. A December to Remember at the Neon Museum

You don’t have to wait for the holidays to appreciate the Neon Museum’s amazing collection of vintage Vegas signage, but everything’s brighter with some extra holiday cheer (and live caroling by the Las Vegas Academy choir). Start with ornament-making and Santa snapshots, then at 5pm head into the Boneyard for hot cocoa and an after-dark stroll past the city’s illuminated history. This event is free and open to the public; reservations are not required.

Las Vegas is the place to be during the holidays as it offers a giant list of “to-dos” for the family. ‘Tis the season to create memories and experiences. 

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Halloween Celebration at the Sundance Helicopters Terminal

The Sundance terminal was abuzz with Halloween festivities as team members dressed up as superheroes, video game characters, movie personalities and more – vying for the top prizes in “Best Costume” and “Best Carved Pumpkin”.

There were no shortage of tasty treats either as homemade potluck goodies filled the employee lounge.  To add to the day’s excitement, guests enjoyed a carefully-rehearsed rendition of “Thriller” moves at the lobby.

A huge congratulations to Sundance’s Customer Experience Agents (CEAs) Junie L., who won first prize as Inspector Gadget; Isaac D. who received 2nd place for his gladiator costume; and Rebecca D. who rounded the top 3 with her sorceress costume. Kelly T, representing the Reservations team, won the pumpkin carving contest. The group costume award also went to the Reservations team who had a cohesive get-up as Pac-Man characters.

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Bringing Smiles to First Responders and Their Families

Sundance Helicopters was honored to partner with Central Christian Church of Henderson, Nevada to provide free helicopter rides at a private First Responders’ Carnival event held on Sunday, October 22, just for Las Vegas & Henderson police, paramedics, firefighters, and Mandalay Bay security.

The Sundance team came in full force, ensuring fellow members of their community had an awe-inspiring experience as hundreds of families were flown across 3 of the company’s state-of-the-art EC-130 helicopters, and over the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas.

“It’s my first time in a helicopter! This is so awesome!” squealed a little girl covered in decorative face-paint.

Said a veteran firefighter, “This is really cool of Sundance to do this.”

The event lasted through the night and the pleasure and honor to give back to the community was something the Sundance team will never forget.

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Honoring Our Heroes with Salute to the Troops

Sundance Helicopters is proud to support the 9th annual Salute to the Troops Las Vegas, a weekend celebration where wounded, ill or injured service members are flown on a special American Airlines charter flight to Las Vegas for an all-expenses paid experience of a lifetime.

Sunday, October 15th was Day 3 of the jam-packed weekend which included breathtaking helicopter flights. Hundreds of people including service dogs were flown over the world-famous Las Vegas Strip.

Several Sundance employees from pilots to loaders to administrative personnel were excited to assist and participate in the event.

Actor Gary Sinise from the Gary Sinise Foundation was present to speak to the veterans and their families. “It’s one of the special events we do each year, annually and I always look forward to it because we have a great group of Americans that serve our country and are going through difficult times and getting them out of the hospitals and bringing them here to do wonderful things including taking these heli rides with Sundance here that is very very special...” 

One of the veterans whom Sundance flew was Sgt. Tyler McGibon. In 2014, he was involved in a Humvee roll over while deployed in Kuwait, resulting in critical injuries. After being in a coma for three months, he had to begin the long process of rehabilitation and relearn how to walk, talk, swallow and regain cognitive function. After 21, he medically retired in May of this year but continues the process of recovery at his home in New Jersey.

The Sundance team is happy to serve and help make a difference in the lives of our nation’s heroes. For more information about this event or how you can help, please visit Salute to the Troops and Gary Sinise Foundation.

Additional media coverage:

https://www.reviewjournal.com/videos/salute-the-troops-gives-helicopter-rides-over-the-strip-for-vets/

https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/military/wounded-veterans-get-a-special-ride-over-las-vegas-strip-photos/

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Experiences vs Material Things?

What would you shell out $999 for? Will it be something shiny and tangible such as the new iPhone X which just launched with a larger screen, sensors that enable face recognition and surgical grade stainless steel? Or will it be an awe-inspiring experience of a lifetime? Will purchasing an iPhone X make you happier than going on vacation? Research has shown that purchasing the latest phone, car or shoes will bring happiness at first, until you adapt to them. Your happiness will fade over time, versus creating experiences which become an enriching and memorable part of life.

Rather, than buying the latest gadget, Dr. Thomas Gilovich, psychology professor at Cornell University who has been studying the question of money and happiness for over two decades, suggests that you’ll gain happiness more from experiences like flying to the Grand Canyon, going to a new museum or learning a new language or skill rather than material possessions.

Dr. Gilovich has coined the term, “positive re-interpretation” effect meaning that if you have a bad experience during a vacation i.e. long lines and wait times, you’ll still tell friends about the good parts of your vacation because your mind reinterprets the bad parts of the experience and focuses on the positive parts. This is the opposite of purchasing items like a shirt that’s too tight or an expensive gadget that stops working, you’re stuck with the fact that you made a bad choice.

Let Sundance Helicopters help you plan your next vacation in Las Vegas so that you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime!” Vs “We can help you plan your next vacation in Las Vegas so that you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime.

For more on the study and other great reads about this topic, check out these sites:

• https://www.fastcompany.com/3046696/the-7-reasons-that-science-says-you-should-pay-for-experience-not-things

• https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/10/buy-experiences/381132/

• https://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2016/08/09/why-you-should-spend-your-money-on-experiences-not-things/#7435bad66520