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About Us

Group 3 Helicopters’ success is the result of our focus on safety, integrity and passion for the helicopter industry.

Los Angeles Helicopter Charter & Tours

With more than 30 years of experience in aviation

We have worked hard to grow a business that satisfies our tour, charter, photography and general services customers. Helicopters provide a unique and wonderous ‘birds eye’ experience from above; a helicopter flight is a truly worthwhile choice.

Founded in 1993 at Van Nuys Airport owners Peter and Claudia Lowry have managed the business with a hands-on style that caters to our clients providing a personalized and relaxing time. We want all our customers to feel at ease and comfortable throughout and leave satisfied with a trustworthy and memorable helicopter experience.

Whether you’re looking for a helicopter tour or any of our commercial helicopter services, we invite you to fly with us and join the aerial adventure. We look forward to sharing this adventure with you and having you book your flight with us.

Group 3 Aviation, Inc holds multiple FAA Certifications:

• FAA 135 Air Carrier Certification with authorization to carry passengers and cargo on demand. Cert no. G31A964J

• FAA 133 Operating Certificate for external load operations. Cert no. G31L964J

• FAA 136 Letter of Authorization to carry passengers on Air Tours. Cert no. G31JWP01

THE ROBINSON R44 II HELICOPTER FLEET

The Robinson R44 II has a 2 blade rotor system which provides a smooth ride, reliable powered by a single Lycoming fuel injected engine. The passenger cabin is open, comfortable and quiet, visibility is good through large side and front windows, all seats face forward. Baggage is stowed in 4 under seat baggage compartments. Garmin integrated avionics system, Air Conditioning.

Uses: Passenger transport for tours and charter, aerial work. Approved for Day Time and Night Time Visual Flight Rules conditions.

  • Power plant: 1 Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 piston engine
  • Take off power: 245 HP
  • Continuous power: 205 HP
  • Fuel Capacity 47 gal
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2500 lbs.
  • Empty Weight: 1590 lbs.
  • Useful Load: 910 lbs.
  • Cabin seating: 1 pilot +3 passengers
  • Cabin volume: **** cu. ft.
  • Baggage compartments: 4x under seat 50lbs per compartment
  • Baggage volume: **** cu. ft.
  • Fast cruise speed: 110 Kts
  • Cruise speed: 100 Kts
  • Range at cruise speed: 270 NM
  • Endurance at cruise power: 3 hours
  • Hover ceiling In ground effect: 8000 ft *
  • Hover ceiling Out of Ground effect: 4000 ft *

 *based on Sea level ISA conditions, Max Gross weight and Standard Fuel

OUR TEAM

Los Angeles Helicopter Charter & Tours

Peter Lowry

FOUNDER, PILOT

Peter has flown helicopters commercially in Los Angeles since 1990 and has many thousands of hours sharing the amazing skies above LA with our passengers. Peter’s dream of flying helicopters began in the mid 1970’s aged 11 when he was taken up for a ride by a family friend who was a helicopter pilot during a fly in visit to his Family’s Farm in Ireland. Peter is an original founder of Group 3 Aviation at the Van Nuys airport in 1993, the name came about from the group of 3 pilots who founded the company and started the flying adventure together. Since 1997 the business has been owned and operated by Claudia and Peter who have shared the pleasure of running the operation as a husband-and-wife team, both believe in full hands-on service and making fun memories for all our customers who take rides with us.

Tom Rimer

PILOT

Tom’s first interest in flying came from US Air Force flying stories his father shared with him as a child. He has always had a fascination with everything mechanical and is a keen ‘motor head’, particularly the mechanics of helicopter flight. Knowing this Tom’s wife Bonnie gifted him a helicopter lesson as an anniversary gift in 1996 with Group 3 and this launched Tom on his path into flying helicopters. He has known Peter and Claudia since 1996 and has happily flown commercially for Group 3 since 2007.

Group 3 Aviation Helicopter Charters

Jeff Bernstein

PILOT

Jeff has been interested in flight since making paper airplanes as a child. This later led to a passion with building and flying remote-controlled airplanes and helicopters. In the late 90’s Jeff started his helicopter pilot training in New Jersey. After moving to LA in 1999, he met Peter and Claudia, owners of Group 3 Aviation and he has loved flying with them ever since. 

Group 3 Aviation Helicopter Charters

Claudia H Lowry

FOUNDER, PILOT

Claudia’s dream of flying helicopters started at an early age when her parents took her on a helicopter ride in Los Angeles. Her dream of flying never left her. In her search for a flight school; she found Group 3 and enrolled as a flight student, and ultimately achieving her helicopter certificate. Claudia has worked side by side with Peter in building decades of aviation experience in running Group 3 and managing a dynamic fleet of airplanes, helicopters and staff in both Alaska and California. Providing more than 25 years of expertise in Federal Aviation Administration regulations under Parts 133, 135, 136 and 141. Outside of Group 3, Claudia can be found birding and at home with Peter, in the garden, tending to plants and building on their native wildlife habitat project.

GROUP 3 GIFT CARDS

Don’t go for a gift that might end up in the closet or garage. Give the gift of adventure. Whether it’s a quick tour of the local sights or a unique destination trip your loved one will love a Gift from Group 3 Helicopters. Give us a call today to book your adventure or purchase a gift card your loved one can use to plan their unique great escape.

AMAZING SERVICE!

We were thrilled by their kind attitude for understanding our mixup as we mistakenly booked with another group that same day. They were able to accommodate out last minute request. Their prices are great compared to others i’ve seen. The experience is one I recommend highly, we definitely will book again.

Jestina H.
THE VIEWS WERE IMPECCABLE!

Peter was a great pilot!! He has over 30 years of experience and made us feel extremely safe and comfortable. We choose the Malibu coast line tour and rode around sunset. The views were impeccable and Peter was super knowledgeable of the surrounding areas. We saw hiking trails, beautiful homes, celebrity homes, sunset views, and beaches. We would 11/10 recommend flying with Peter and can’t wait to go again soon!

Elise T.
Malibu Coast Tour
YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!

Just Amazing, Claudia gives you the warm welcome and super friendly environment and of course professional, she was making my 9 year old son comfortable the moment we arrive since I was worried he will be scared to get in the helicopter, just the great conversation as she makes you feel at home , and our Pilot Mr. Tom , top notch ride and my son decided to sit out front with him and he was so helpful keeping my son calm and just keep him busy with the details of the coast line views and after he turn him in to his Co-pilot ( chatting none stop ). Such a Beautiful experience I had with my son today and bless to seeing my boy enjoy from the moment he sat down inside the helicopter. Thank you again for the amazing service and experience !!

Cotto A.
PETER IS AN AMAZING PILOT!

He has many years of experience and loves what he does. You can tell by the smile on his face when he’s flying! We talked a few times over the phone to set up a surprise for my in-laws. He was easy going, very pleasant and his wife Claudia was equally just as wonderful. They will answer all your questions and make sure you have a great time! I 100% recommend Group 3 Helicopters and I absolutely will be returning with my husband.

Trish D.
AMAZING HELICOPTER TRIP OVER LA!

Great experience. This was our first time doing a helicopter ride, and let me just say choosing group 3 aviation was by far the best choice I made. I would definitely love to come back and do another tour. The people here are so welcoming and friendly. Definitely recommend doing Hollywood and Beaches tour.

Greicy H.
Hollywood and the Beaches

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