Hangar 21 is a local, family-owned and operated business. Our foundation was built on taking our love of flight and creating an experience for all to enjoy. We take great pride in providing the best helicopter rides in Southern California. Our FAA certified pilots boast over 65 years of combined flying experience, so you’re in the safest hands.
We offer an extensive choice of flights and experiences like helicopter tours over sun-drenched Southern California, fully customizable private helicopter charters to cruise the skies in style, aerial photography trips for that photo of a lifetime, and even romantic proposal flights to pop the question!
Whichever tour you choose, Hangar 21 guarantees a unique flying experience you’ll never forget!
Meet The Team
Nolan Thomas
Pilot
Nolan is a first generation pilot, he has lived in Southern California his entire life and knows the area like the back of his hand. Nolan worked in the medical field for 6 years, but traded the Emergency Room for a career in the sky. He can show you everything there is to see in Southern California and his favorite tour is the 60 MINUTE L.A. TOUR for the perfect amount of coastline and city. And while you are over the water keep an eye out for dolphins and whales, he is known for getting you up close and personal with our awesome sea life. He can’t wait to go flying with you!
Adam Swafford
Pilot
As a second-generation pilot, it was inevitable that Adam would love the sky! Adam’s interest started at an early age when his dad would inspire him with stories. For the past 10 years, he has been cruising the international skies of Costa Rica and Afghanistan, and flying life-saving helicopter transports as an Air Ambulance pilot. Though his career has taken him all over the world, Adam now enjoys the ocean views over Southern California. You won’t find a friendlier pilot and flying with Adam is like riding along with a friend! With incredible views of impressive beachfront houses, Adam’s favorite tour to pilot is the One Hour Ultimate Orange County Coastline Helicopter Tour. He’d love to see you on board!
Mark Skinner
Pilot
Mark traded in the UK for the blue skies of Southern California 15 years ago and hasn’t looked back! As a kid he always dreamed of becoming a helicopter pilot and now Mark’s favorite part of flying is the freedom to travel, with incredible views to boot! While Hollywood and Downtown are great, Mark prefers the views of California’s beaches and mountains. His favorite tour to pilot is the One Hour Ultimate Orange County Tour, where you’ll learn some fascinating facts about SoCal’s landmarks and destinations. Mark’s tours go beyond any other local sightseeing tour and include some great recommendations so you can keep exploring afterwards!
Simon Sousa
Pilot
Simon is a first-generation pilot born and raised in Peru. Before Hangar 21, Simon flew the skies of the beautiful Hawaiian islands. When he isn’t flying, you can find him surfing the waves along the coast. Simon enjoys flying in the city and his favorite tour is the 60 Minute Beach and City Tour for its great mix of beach and city sights. His favorite sightseeing spots he likes flying over is Palos Verdes and the Sunken City in San Pedro. Simon can’t wait to fly with you and show you Southern California through his eyes!