FOLEY — A new attraction for thrill-seekers and tourists has opened on the OWA Parks & Resort property. FlyBama, a helicopter tourism company, began operations in mid-April and has already …
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FOLEY — A new attraction for thrill-seekers and tourists has opened on the OWA Parks & Resort property.
FlyBama, a helicopter tourism company, began operations in mid-April and has already flown over 1,000 passengers across the Baldwin County skies.
Brock Beall, the owner of FlyBama, has spent his career maintaining fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters along the Gulf Coast. In 2018, he ventured into business for himself, working on helicopters. After assisting several helicopter tour businesses, Beall noticed a gap in the local market and decided to start his own tour business with encouragement from his wife, Holli.
"I saw what worked and what didn't," Beall said. "I know you don't need an extravagant building and a whole bunch of stuff. You just need to keep it simple, and it works. People come to ride the helicopter; they don't care about your building as long as they have somewhere nice to sit down. By doing that, we could keep the price a lot more affordable."
OWA was receptive to the idea and arranged a meeting.
"We are excited that FlyBama has joined the OWA Park & Resorts family," said Cathy Pavloski, director of marketing and public relations. "Their addition to the property can elevate the OWA experience by providing an unparalleled view of the property, a sense of adventure, and lasting memories for guests. It enhances our appeal to a wide range of visitors."
FlyBama has a shaded customer area with picnic tables on the outskirts of the OWA Parks & Resort property. The office is a purpose-built trailer that can be packed up and moved to safety in case of a hurricane. The helicopter is stored at the Foley Municipal Airport.
The FlyBama team includes Brock Beall as owner/president and head of maintenance, Holli Beall as owner/vice president, Thomas Theis as director of operations, and three pilots: Mike Panck, Shannon Estes and Bryant Smith.
The FlyBama experience began with Thomas Theis picking us up in a golf cart at the OWA Clock Tower. The ride to FlyBama was quick.
After our interview, FlyBama took Gulf Coast Media and an OWA representative for a flight. The helicopter can carry three passengers and one pilot, making it ideal for a small family or couple. Larger groups can wait comfortably in a shaded area.
FlyBama offers a range of flight options to suit different budgets, from $35 per passenger for a fly around OWA to $900 for three people to fly to Battleship Park and back. They also accommodate special occasions such as gender reveals, weddings and photo flights.
After a safety briefing, we boarded the helicopter with pilot Mike Panck. We buckled up and put on headphones with a microphone. Soon, we were airborne, flying down the Foley Beach Express toward the beach. The red helicopter flew over Gulf State Park and then headed east along the beach. Despite recent rain stirring up the water and obscuring sea creatures, the views were incredible. We then turned north and flew over Wolf Bay and Barber Marina, enjoying a unique aerial perspective of the Lady in the Bay and Bamahenge.
When asked if the views ever get old, Panck responded, "Never."
After our flight, two customers were waiting for their turn. They opted for the OWA Loop tour, a $35 per person option that lasts approximately two minutes and provides a fun aerial perspective of Tropic Falls.
Beall said customer response has been outstanding, with several repeat customers. If you have ever wanted to fly in a helicopter or get a new perspective on the Alabama Gulf Coast, call FlyBama.
For more information about FlyBama and their offerings, visit www.flybama.net.
