Policies and FAQs

Tipping is common in the travel, tour and adventure industry. Tips are not obligatory, but are always appreciated and accepted with gratitude.  If you enjoyed your experience and choose to express this with a tip, please feel free to give any cash tips directly to any member of our team. If you would like to tip via credit card, please let us know and we can take care of this at the completion of the morning’s flight activities. What we generally see is an amount in the range of 5-20% of the total cost.

If you do not show up for your scheduled flight and do not contact us ahead of time, you will be charged the full amount of the flight since we will likely have turned other passengers away and will have incurred the costs of going ahead with your flight even though you did not show up.

If you are running late, are lost, or have other extenuating circumstances, please call as soon as you are able.

A $20 per person fee will be assessed on cancellations made up until 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting time on the morning of your flight. No Refund will be given if the flight is cancelled within 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting time.

Any flight cancelled by us, Fly Taos Sky, due to weather, or any other reason, will receive a full refund of the cost of the flight.

We’re human, too. If you have extenuating circumstances forcing a cancellation, please call us to discuss.

Flight Seeing is a fair-weather activity that is entirely dependent on favorable weather conditions. The determination to cancel a flight due to weather, or any other reason, is always at the discretion of the Pilot and is made with everyone’s safety and well-being in mind. We love flying and are just as eager to share the experience as you are, so please be understanding if we choose to cancel a flight due to weather. The old pilot’s adage holds true: “I’d rather be on the ground wishing I was in the air than in the air wishing I was on the ground.”

If the forecasted weather conditions are clearly not going to allow us to fly, then we will cancel the flight the night before and communicate with you as early as possible. Taos and the surrounding area is mountainous terrain with dynamic weather. The computer model forecasts do not always accurately reflect the real-time conditions in the microclimate of our flying area and there are times when the actual weather conditions in the field differ from what was forecasted. This works both in our favor and against us. We don’t like to waste your time or ours, but there is always the possibility that we may cancel the day of while meeting with you.

In either case, if there is an opportunity to reschedule your flight, then we can make those arrangements.

The Town of Taos sits at 7,500 feet of elevation and is on a dry high-desert plateau. It can take a few days to acclimate to the altitude, dryness and intense sun.

If you are just arriving from lower elevations or a long day of travel and are feeling the effect of altitude and dehydration, it is usually helpful to drink lots of water, with electrolytes if possible. Cids Food market on the North side of town sells single-serving electrolyte packs that you can drop into a water bottle.

It’s useful to keep in mind that, until you acclimate, coffee will likely dehydrate you more quickly and one alcoholic beverage may feel like you just drank three of them.

All passengers & pilots are required to sign a Release Form prior to flying with Fly Taos Sky. The link to the electronic Release Form will be sent to you in your email confirmation

Passengers cannot have had recent surgeries (especially to legs, knees, hips, back, neck, etc.) in the last year. If you have any concerns about this, we recommend you consult your doctor prior to booking your flight.

If you are ill or just getting over an illness we do not recommend you fly. The pressure caused by flying at altitude can be painful and may cause you to feel nauseous, light headed, etc.

Passengers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Federal Aviation Regulations do not allow a person who appears to be intoxicated or who demonstrates by manner or physical indications that they are under the influence of drugs to fly in our aircraft. Please do not show up under the influence of drugs or use drugs while we are together (this includes Marijuana), as you will not be able to fly with us and will not be given a refund.

Passengers are accepted at the sole discretion of Fly Taos Sky. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason.

Fly Taos Sky values inclusion and strives to be able to deliver the experience of flight to all individuals. With this said, general aviation may be limiting at times due to the size and configuration of the aircraft. Aircraft may be suited to accommodate guests needing accessibility dependent upon individual circumstances. Guests will need to be lifted and moved into the aircraft by individuals in their party. Arrangements need to be made prior to booking. Requests granted on a case by case basis. 

If guests have any issues with motion sickness, heights, or confined spaces please inform us during your reservation booking. This activity may not be suited for you.

Michael McCann, has been operating out of Taos for over 10 years. He’s an exceptional pilot with 25+ years experience, over 17,000 flight hours and past experience as a pilot with United operating the 787. He’s qualified as a CFI/CFII/MEI and provides training including high-altitude and mountain flying, private, instrument, commercial, instructor, multi, and ATP.

Jessica Caskey has been flying out of Taos for over 5 years. She’s a Certified Flight Instructor and Commercial Pilot with extensive experience in the Piper Cherokee.

Daniel Weeks has been flying around New Mexico for over 20 years. He’s a Commercial Pilot with extensive experience in the Cessna 206.

Our aircraft are well maintained by a group of highly qualified mechanics whom we’ve been working with for years. They are consistently up to date on all required inspections and directives.

Guests will meet at the Taos Regional Airport and be escorted to the aircraft by one of our Commercial Pilots. Our pilots will go over a short safety brief, introduction to the Cherokee or Cessna, and an explanation of what the flight will entail. You will then hop in the plane and take off to explore all the beautiful views Taos has to offer.

Flight seeing tours typically last approximately 1.5 hours with 45 minutes – 1 hour of flight time and an introductory brief prior to flight.

Depending on the time of year the aircraft may be warm or cold. We recommend bringing a jacket during the colder months and extra water during the warmer months. Our aircrafts have ventilation and heat to aid in your comfort!

Flight seeing tours typically last approximately 1.5 hours with 45 minutes – 1 hour of flight time and an introductory brief prior to flight.

Flights in the Piper Cherokee 180 are $250/person.

Flights in the Cessna 206 are $300/person.

We operate out of a Piper Cherokee 180 (PA-28-180) which accommodates up to 3 guests and a Cessna 206 (P-206-E) which accommodates up to 5 guests. Guests numbers are dependent upon weight. 

Wear what will make you feel most comfortable! In the summer days it’s a little warm in the airplane though we do have great ventilation. In the winter it’s exactly opposite, while we have great heating it can still get a little chilly. Tennis shoes or closed-toe shoes are recommended as you’ll be walking around near large equipment and aircraft.

Guests will meet at the Taos Regional Airport, located at 24662 US-64, El Prado, NM 87529. When you pull into the drive from the highway take the first right and head all the way back to the parking lot just past the tallest hangar building at the end. There’s a small reception area and we will have the plane ready for you there!

We will go over a short safety brief, introduction to the Cherokee, and an explanation of what the flight will entail. We will then hop in the plane and take off to explore all the beautiful views Taos has to offer.