Las Vegas is known for its big thrills—bright lights, high-stakes tables, and entertainment you can’t find anywhere else. But if you’re looking for an adventure that takes you far above the Strip and into the Mojave Desert skies, Gunship Helicopters offers the ultimate adrenaline rush: firing fully automatic machine guns from an open-door helicopter.
While the thrill is unmatched, our top priority has always been—and will always be—safety. As the only aerial gun range Las Vegas has to offer, we’ve built our reputation not just on delivering extreme excitement, but on setting the industry standard for helicopter shooting safety.
From the moment you arrive to the moment you step back onto the tarmac, every step of your journey is guided by seasoned professionals, reinforced by strict protocols, and supported with top-of-the-line gear. Here’s exactly how we keep our guests safe while delivering an unforgettable experience.
What Safety Measures Are in Place?
When guests ask about our Las Vegas shooting range safety protocols, the answer is simple: we operate with the same precision and discipline you’d expect from a professional aviation or tactical operation.
Before you board the helicopter, our team takes you through a comprehensive safety briefing that covers:
- Firearm Handling Procedures – You’ll learn the correct stance, grip, and trigger control for the fully automatic machine gun you’ll be firing.
- Helicopter Shooting Safety Rules – Clear guidelines for where and when to fire, always keeping the weapon pointed in a safe direction and aimed at designated targets.
- Range Boundaries & Target Zones – A map of the 71-acre private range ensures every shot lands where it’s supposed to.
- Emergency Protocols – While rare, we review procedures for every possible scenario so both guests and crew are prepared.
In addition to training, we conduct physical safety checks—verifying that all harnesses are secure, seating is stable, and gear fits properly. No detail is too small when it comes to ensuring every guest is 100% prepared for flight.
The Role of Our Range Safety Officers
The backbone of our safety promise is our elite team of range safety officers. Many of these professionals are U.S. military veterans, bringing years of hands-on firearm and aviation experience to your adventure.
During your flight, your range safety officer is right there with you—literally by your side—making sure you’re confident, secure, and in control. Their responsibilities include:
- One-on-One Guidance – Every guest gets personal attention, with in-flight coaching on firearm handling to ensure accuracy and control.
- Constant Monitoring – Your safety officer tracks your movements, stance, and weapon position in real time, making corrections as needed.
- Communication with the Pilot – Maintaining constant radio contact ensures coordinated timing, smooth positioning over the range, and maximum safety for everyone on board.
- Immediate Intervention – Should you need help mid-flight, your safety officer is trained to take over instantly, keeping every shot within the safety envelope.
It’s their expertise and vigilance that allow you to focus on the fun—because you know the pros have everything else handled.
Gear and Equipment: What You’ll Use
The quality of our gear plays a huge role in ensuring fully automatic machine gun safety in the air. Every piece of equipment is selected, maintained, and inspected to meet the highest standards.
Firearms
We use top-tier fully automatic machine guns, each one meticulously cleaned, tested, and sighted in before every flight. Common choices include the M249 SAW, M240, and M134 Minigun—all mounted for stability and optimal control during firing.
Helicopter Modifications
Our aircraft are outfitted with open-door configurations and custom mounts specifically designed for aerial shooting. Each seat is equipped with secure harness systems to keep you safely in place.
Protective Gear
Every guest receives premium-grade eye protection, ear protection, and gloves. This ensures maximum comfort, noise reduction, and grip security while firing.
Ammunition Management
All ammunition is stored and handled under strict supervision, with range safety officers controlling the loading process to eliminate the risk of mishandling.
From helicopter mechanics to ammunition logistics, every component is double-checked before takeoff to guarantee your safety.
Why Guests Consistently Rank Us 5 Stars for Safety
If you check our reviews on TripAdvisor or Google, you’ll see one theme repeated over and over: our commitment to safety. Guests regularly mention feeling comfortable and confident throughout the experience—something that’s rare when trying an extreme adventure for the first time.
Here’s why we consistently earn those ratings:
- Clear and Patient Briefings – Even guests with no prior shooting experience leave feeling like they were fully prepared.
- Veteran-Led Operations – Decades of combined military and aviation expertise mean our crew understands safety at the highest level.
- Calm and Controlled Environment – The excitement is real, but the environment is always orderly, professional, and reassuring.
- Consistent Standards – Every guest, every flight, every day—our safety procedures never change or cut corners.
We believe safety isn’t just a set of rules—it’s a culture. Every staff member, from pilot to ground crew, is committed to protecting our guests while delivering a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
How We Balance Adrenaline with Assurance
One of the things that surprises new guests most is just how relaxed they feel once the experience begins. Yes, your pulse will race as the helicopter lifts off, but that anxiety quickly shifts to excitement when you realize how much control and guidance you have.
The magic lies in balance:
- We give you the freedom to enjoy the thrill of firing a fully automatic machine gun in the open desert air.
- We pair that freedom with tight safety boundaries so you never have to second-guess your actions.
- We ensure you can focus entirely on the fun, because our team is managing the details behind the scenes.
This combination is why we’ve become the go-to destination for everyone from first-time shooters to seasoned firearm enthusiasts visiting Las Vegas.
Our booking team will walk you through all requirements ahead of time to ensure you’re a great fit for the adventure.
The Bottom Line
When you choose Gunship Helicopters, you’re not just booking the most thrilling aerial gun range Las Vegas can offer—you’re trusting a team that has built its entire reputation on safety and professionalism.
From the second you step onto our range to the moment you land, every movement is guided by experienced professionals who know exactly how to blend adrenaline with assurance.
If you’ve been dreaming of combining the rush of flight with the raw power of fully automatic machine guns, there’s only one place to do it—with the people who put safety first, always.
Ready for a safe adrenaline rush?
Book your aerial shooting experience today and discover why Gunship Helicopters is the ultimate blend of thrill and professionalism in Las Vegas.