You've scheduled your Grand Canyon chopper and you're excited as heck to get up in the air. Before you buckle up, You should first write down a list of items to bring. Here's what I suggest you take to help make your flight picture-perfect:

All Year Long

Extra batteries. It's a picture-taking gold mine up there. Load up on batteries. Digital cameras and video cameras burn through them. Be sure your thumb drive is empty or has lots of space left, and bring an extra.

Extra Film. Depending when you go, you'll be facing various lighting conditions, take film with various ISO speeds. Expect to shoot no less than a roll both before and after the trip. Dedicate no less than three rolls for aerial shots.

Hat & Sunglasses. The Arizona sun is bright and powerful. Carry powerful UV glasses, preferably ones that wrap along the shape of your face. Include a brimmed hat to safeguard against burning from the sun - many of today's helis use 180-degree windshields.

Sun block and Chap Stick. Take SPF 50 sun block, even on over cast days. Use liberally. Weather conditions can be dry and windy - a perfect combination for chapped lips.

Summer Season

Comfy walking shoes. You may be able to get by with flip flops on air-only trips. I'd be cautious and put on a great pair of walking shoes or cross-trainers, particularly if you take a tour that includes, for instance, the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a smooth-water rafting trip, or a flight to the bottom.

Light, loose clothes. The Grand Canyon is hot, particularly in July. I suggest wearing a shirt made of wicking material. Stay away from tank tops. Jeans will also shield you from sun and wind. Windbreakers are usually a good idea.

Water. I can not over-emphasize bringing water. Temperature conditions are regularly over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a quart or more. Getting dehydrated can cause lethargy and perhaps heat stroke.

Wintertime

Gloves and Scarf. The Grand Canyon can get very cold. You need to keep as much of your own body heat as possible.

Head wear. Your head is responsible for the most heat loss. Cover it. I propose carrying a "beanie" that you can roll down over your ears. Aim to get one made of wool or fleece.

Jacket. I've seen people show up in t-shirts. Not a good idea. The Grand Canyon's standard altitude is 5,000 feet. Snow frequently occurs. Bring at the very least a medium-weight jacket.

Layers. An example of this is putting on a t-shirt, shirt, sweatshirt, and jacket. In case the weather warms, you take off a layer. It's a very effective means of keeping comfortable during cold conditions.

Final Words About Weather

Helicopters used in National Park trips include climate-controlled cabins. These systems work well against heat and cold. Whatever the case, you should still come prepared because:

1. You'll be outside making the switch to the aircraft

2. If your trip includes a ground segment, you will be subjected to either heat or cold.

Summing Up

Traveling in a Grand Canyon heli above the West Rim or South Rim is going to be trip of a lifetime - if you are prepared. Triple check your camera equipment and make certain you have extra batteries, film, and memory sticks. Throughout the summer, it is all about protecting yourself from the sun and staying hydrated. During winter, dress yourself in layers to stay warm. Set aside time to make a checklist of things to bring. Doing this nearly guarantees you will end up comfortable before, during, and after your flight.