What Orbic Helicopters does

Orbic Helicopters is a Southern California flight school and helicopter services company headquartered at Camarillo Airport (777 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA), operating alongside its sister brand Sky High Helicopters for over 30 years. The business combines five revenue streams: scenic helicopter tours (Santa Barbara, Ventura County, and Malibu routes priced $59–$1,199); a full pilot certification pathway from Private Pilot License through Commercial and Certified Flight Instructor ratings (estimated $81,700 for the complete sequence); on-demand charter services using a fleet of four Robinson R44 helicopters; factory-authorized Robinson Helicopter and Magni Gyro sales and maintenance; and specialty/utility services including co-pilot experiences, photography flights, gender reveals, aerial surveying, and film/TV production support.

The core technology is a fleet of Robinson helicopters (R22, R44 Cadet, R44 Raven, R44 Raven II, R66) and Magni Gyro gyroplanes (M16 Tandem Trainer, M24 Orion), backed by FAA-certified instructor staff including ATP and CFII-rated pilots. The 2025 Magni Gyro dealership adds gyroplane training and sales, including factory build experiences at Magni's Besnate, Italy facility. Back-office systems include FareHarbor for tour booking, FlightSchedulePro for student scheduling, PicThrive for photo sales, and Gravity Forms for enrollment and quote requests.

Go-to-market is hybrid: direct-to-consumer via online booking, phone, and walk-ins for tours; consultative, multi-year enrollment for flight training with financing and student housing; and quote-based custom charter sales for business, leisure, and event clients. Customer segments span tourists and adventure seekers (primary), aspiring and professional pilots (primary), business and executive travelers, helicopter owners, and industrial/media clients. Marketing is multi-channel, leveraging Facebook, Instagram, X, an influencer program, Google Analytics, and self-serve online booking.

Name

Orbic Helicopters

Legal name

Orbic Helicopters

Website

https://orbichelicopters.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Orbic Helicopters operates a Southern California flight school and helicopter services business, offering scenic tours, pilot certification training, charter flights, authorized Robinson and Magni Gyro sales/service, and specialty aerial experiences under the Orbic and Sky High brands.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Camarillo

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Helicopter Tours: Scenic helicopter tours offered at various price points ($59-$249) for individual passengers and groups, covering Santa Barbara, Ventura County, Malibu coastline, and surrounding areas. Tours range from 6-minute beach flights to 1-hour grand adventures.
2. Flight Training: Comprehensive helicopter flight training programs including Private Pilot License (PPL), Instrument Rating (IFR), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFII). Total estimated program cost is $81,700 for complete training sequence.
3. Charter Services: Custom helicopter charter flights for business travel, leisure getaways, special events, and transportation to destinations including Channel Islands, San Diego, Big Bear Lake, Temecula Valley, Malibu, Santa Barbara wine country, Catalina Island, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and Coachella Valley.
4. Maintenance & Sales: Factory-authorized Robinson helicopter maintenance, repairs, and sales as an authorized dealer. Also provides Magni Gyro sales and maintenance services as an authorized dealer.
5. Specialty Flights: Specialized flight experiences including co-pilot experiences for children, photography flights, gender reveal events, and romantic/proposal flights at premium pricing.
6. Aerial Services: Industrial aerial services including surveying, transportation to remote sites, and media production support for film, television, and commercial projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Orbic Helicopters is a full-service helicopter aviation company operating helicopter tours across Santa Barbara, Ventura County, and Malibu; FAA-certified flight training from Private Pilot through Certified Flight Instructor ratings; custom charter flights throughout Southern California; factory-authorized Robinson Helicopter sales and maintenance; Magni Gyro gyroplane sales, training, and service; and specialty aerial services for industrial, media, and event clients.

Product overview

Orbic Helicopters operates as a full-service helicopter aviation company combining two brands (Orbic Helicopters and Sky High Helicopters) offering a unified portfolio of helicopter tours, flight training, charters, maintenance/sales, and specialized aerial services. The tour offerings span Santa Barbara and Ventura County regions with packages ranging from 6-minute beach tours to 1-hour grand adventures. Flight training provides a complete pathway from Private Pilot through Certified Flight Instructor ratings using Robinson helicopters (R22, R44 Cadet, R44 Raven) with a new gyroplane training option via the Magni M16. Charter services utilize a fleet of four R44 aircraft for business, leisure, and special events. Maintenance operations are factory-authorized for Robinson helicopters and include sales of new Robinson and Magni Gyro aircraft. Specialized services include aerial surveying, photography/film production, and specialty flight experiences (co-pilot, photography, gender reveal, romantic flights).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ynez Crossing Helicopter Tour 18-minute scenic helicopter flight over Santa Ynez Mountains with views of Lake Cachuma and Lizard Mouth Rock for up to 3 passengers, priced at $179.
• Santa Barbara Night Flight 18-minute evening helicopter tour showcasing Santa Barbara's downtown skyline and illuminated coastline.
• Private Santa Barbara Grand Adventure 1-hour private helicopter tour traversing downtown Santa Barbara, Ynez Mountains, San Rafael chain, multiple lakes, and landmarks including Solvang and Nojoqui Falls Park, priced at $1,199.
• Ultimate Excursion (Santa Barbara Coastline) 25-minute helicopter tour cruising along the Santa Barbara coastline to downtown, through the Ynez Mountains to Lake Cachuma past Lizard Mouth Rock and Ynez River Canyon, priced at $249.
• Beach Tour (Santa Barbara) 6-minute coastal flight showcasing UCSB campus, Goleta Point, and Santa Ynez Mountains, priced at $59.
• Santa Barbara Experience 12-minute flight gliding along the California coastline with views of downtown Santa Barbara, harbor, and mountains, priced at $119.
• Ventura Experience 30-minute aerial journey from Camarillo over Oxnard beaches, Lake Casitas, and Ojai Valley, suitable for 2-3 passengers, priced at $349.
• Malibu Helicopter Ultimate Excursion 45-minute flight along Pacific Coast Highway showcasing the Malibu coastline, Santa Monica Mountains cliffs, celebrity estates, and famous beaches, priced at $149.
• The Grand Adventure Extended aerial tour over Malibu coastline, Pacific Coast Highway, Oxnard beaches, Lake Casitas, Ojai Valley, and Topa Topa Mountains, priced at $999.
• Ventura Point Beach Tour 20-minute flight departing Camarillo over the Pacific with views of Ventura Harbor, Historic Pier, C-Street surf, and Ventura State Beaches.
• Private Pilot License (PPL - Helicopter) FAA-certified helicopter training program requiring minimum 40 hours flight time covering dual instruction, solo flight, cross-country navigation, night operations, and basic instrument training, with an estimated cost of $27,675 using Robinson R44 aircraft.
• Instrument Rating (IFR - Helicopter) Helicopter instrument training covering a minimum of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument flight, including 15 hours with a CFII, with an estimated cost of $27,850 using Robinson R44.
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL - Helicopter) Professional helicopter pilot training requiring 150 total flight hours with advanced maneuvers and commercial operations, with an estimated cost of $31,875 using Robinson R22.
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI - Helicopter) Helicopter instructor certification program teaching new pilots with confidence and precision using one-on-one instruction.
• Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFII - Helicopter) Advanced helicopter instructor rating for teaching instrument flying and guiding pilots through IMC training.
• Helicopter Charter Services Custom helicopter charter flights across Southern California for business travel, leisure getaways, and special events, operated with a fleet of four R44 helicopters with premium leather interiors and air conditioning, seating up to three passengers.
• Channel Islands National Park Charter Helicopter charter to Channel Islands National Park providing access to remote landscapes and wildlife without long boat rides.
• Catalina Island Charter Helicopter charter transfers to Catalina Island bypassing the ferry, for day trips or weekend escapes.
• Temecula Valley Wine Country Charter Helicopter charter with direct landings at select Temecula Valley vineyards for wine tasting and gourmet dining experiences.
• Co-Pilot Experience 6-minute helicopter adventure for children that includes a preflight inspection, cockpit controls introduction, photo in the pilot seat, and an aerial beach tour, with a first flight certificate; priced at $249 for up to 3 people.
• Photography Flight Custom aerial photography flight for professional real estate shots, cinematic production sequences, and fine-art landscapes over Santa Barbara coastlines, Ventura County mountains, and Los Angeles basin.
• Gender Reveal Flight Customizable helicopter gender reveal experience with both ground viewing options and sky-based reveal capabilities.
• Romantic/Proposal Flight Private helicopter flight designed for proposals, anniversaries, or date nights with an intimate atmosphere and aerial views.
• Robinson Helicopter Maintenance Factory-authorized Robinson helicopter service including routine maintenance, major overhauls, repairs, parts, customization, refurbishment, upgrades, STC installations, and inspections.
• Robinson Helicopter Sales Authorized Robinson Helicopter dealer offering R22, R44 Cadet, R44 Raven I, R44 Raven II, and R66 Turbine helicopters with customization, selection assistance, and direct factory delivery.
• Magni Gyro Sales & Service Authorized Magni Gyro dealer offering M16 Tandem Trainer and M24 Orion gyroplane sales, maintenance, repair, and pilot training referrals in the U.S. market.
• Magni M16 Tandem Trainer Italian-designed tandem-seat gyroplane for flight training with partial fuselage fairing, enlarged windscreens, and Rotax 914 engine; max speed 115 MPH, 260-mile range, 11,400-foot service ceiling.
• Magni M24 Orion Enclosed cabin side-by-side gyroplane with Rotax 914 or 915is engine, custom avionics including VHF comm and ADS-B transponder; max speed 105 MPH.
• Aerial Surveying Helicopter-based power line, geological, and LiDAR surveys for industrial and infrastructure clients.
• Equipment Transportation Helicopter transport of equipment, personnel, and supplies to remote or difficult-to-access sites.
• Aerial Photography & Film Production Professional helicopter aerial filming and photography services for film, television, commercials, agriculture, real estate, music videos, TV shows, wildlife documentation, and surveys.
• Flight Training Financing Flexible financing solutions to help students start flight training and spread payments over time for recreational or professional aviation careers.
• Student Housing Comfortable, convenient housing options for students relocating for flight training at the Camarillo location.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 30 years of combined operational experience serving Southern California
• +2 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Magni GyrocoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerOrbic Helicopters is an authorized dealer for Magni Gyro gyroplanes, representing Vittorio Magni's 50-year legacy of designing and building innovative gyroplanes in Northern Italy. The partnership enables sales, maintenance, and training services for Magni M16 Tandem Trainer and M24 Orion gyroplanes in the US market. Orbic also facilitates factory build experiences in Italy where customers travel to Besnate to build their own gyroplanes under factory supervision.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• HeliStream: HeliStream is a California-based helicopter flight school, charter, and tour operator offering PPL through CFI training plus scenic flights and aircraft sales. Closest direct competitor to Orbic in the SoCal helicopter training and charter market with overlapping Robinson fleet and customer base.
• Hillsboro Aviation: Hillsboro Aviation operates a helicopter and fixed-wing flight school in Oregon with scenic tours, charter, and aircraft sales/maintenance. Comparable multi-line aviation business model combining training, tours, and dealer services under a regional brand.
• Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters: Papillon operates helicopter and airplane tours over the Grand Canyon and other western US landmarks. Comparable scenic tour operator with multi-route packaged product portfolio targeting tourists and special-occasion customers.
• Sundance Helicopters: Sundance Helicopters is one of the largest helicopter tour operators in the western US, offering Grand Canyon and Las Vegas scenic tours plus charter. Closely comparable in tour-centric product mix, online booking model, and premium experience positioning, though at much larger scale.
• Blue Hawaiian Helicopters: Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is the largest helicopter tour company in Hawaii, operating scenic flights over volcanic and coastal landscapes. Directly comparable tour product structure (scenic flights, photography tours, premium pricing) and operator business model.
• Rainier Aviation: Rainier Aviation is a Seattle-based helicopter tour and charter operator serving the Pacific Northwest. Comparable regional helicopter tour/charter business model focused on scenic experiences and on-demand flights.

Broad incumbents

• Bristow Group: Bristow Group is a global helicopter services company serving offshore oil and gas, EMS, and government customers with a much larger fleet and broader geographic footprint. Represents the scaled incumbent end of vertical-lift services against which smaller operators like Orbic compete for niche contracts.
• PHI Aviation: PHI Aviation is a large US helicopter operator specializing in offshore transportation, EMS, and aerial services with a sizable fleet and diversified customer base. Comparable in vertical-lift services scope (charter, utility, training partnerships) but at vastly larger scale.

Emerging players

• Joby Aviation: Joby Aviation is developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi service with planned urban and regional routes. Represents the future competitive frontier for short-range passenger air transport that could overlap with Orbic's tour and charter markets as the technology matures.

Others

• Robinson Helicopter Company: Robinson Helicopter is the OEM whose R22, R44, and R66 aircraft comprise the majority of Orbic's fleet, and with whom Orbic holds factory-authorized dealer status. Not a competitor, but a critical supplier and ecosystem partner shaping Orbic's training and charter economics.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/SkyHighHeli
• Facebookfacebook.com/154919911211122
• Instagraminstagram.com/skyhighhelicopters

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Orbic Helicopters