Vertical Takeoff

How to complete Vertical Takeoff

A helicopter ride gives you a low, open, door-or-window view that planes never offer, hovering and banking over terrain you'd normally only see on a map. It's the fastest way to grasp the shape of a city, coastline, canyon, or mountain range in a single sweep.

1. Find a licensed operator offering tours over a worthwhile landscape: a skyline, the Grand Canyon, a volcano, fjords, or a coastline
2. Book a tour with real flight time (15+ minutes); the cheapest options are often just a quick lap
3. Check the weather and confirm before traveling, as helicopters ground easily in wind, fog, or rain
4. Arrive early for the safety briefing, then claim a window or, if offered, a doors-off seat for the best views

Tips

• Doors-off flights are the most dramatic for photos but require a strap for your phone or camera
• Sit on the side facing the main scenery; ask the operator which seat that is when booking
• Skip a big meal beforehand if you're prone to motion sickness, and look at the horizon if it hits

What counts as done

You completed a helicopter flight and landed safely, with a ticket, booking confirmation, or aerial photos from the ride.