Wait, they actually let you pilot a chopper? Is that really allowed?
It was a birthday gift for someone who is difficult to shop for (Gary). What do you get for someone who has everything they need and loves adventure?
The Preamble
Gary had previously been in a MD State Police helicopter on a training run. When about 1000 feet in the air, the navigator looks at Gary and asks “Do you get motion sickness?”. Gary responded “Isn’t it a little late for that question? But no, I don’t.”
It was on that flight he learned first-hand what the words pitch and yaw meant. The best explanation is?
It’s difficult to keep your face off of the window when they pitch to the side you’re on.
When you’re a half mile in the air and the helicopter turns completely on its side, well, thankfully this helicopter was enclosed and the pilot knew what they were doing.
The Setup
Piloting a single flight by Horizon Helicopters is a great gift idea. Located on Dayett Mills Road off of Old Baltimore Pike, it’s tucked away, but easy to find.
The staff were very nice and offered a myriad of information in response to the questions presented. The pilot assigned to Gary was especially patient and did a great job of explaining things as they went along.
How does it work?
While sitting in the chopper, a conversation on ground rules, instructions, control panel, aircraft control, flight advice, and more safety. Never enough safety, especially considering you’re about to go up in the air with no doors on your vehicle.
No doors…
That’s probably why there’s a comfortable harness to strap yourself in with.
The helicopter has already been moved via trailer from the hanger to the takeoff location. The instructor explains, he will start the helicopter, he will assist in lifting it off the ground, and he will land it back on the trailer. Gary gets to do everything else. Basic flying, maneuvers, flight path.
The Flight
The real pilot starts the chopper. Even with headphones on, it’s LOUD. The only way we could speak to each other was by using the headsets.
Then we took off!
He offers a couple of choices for flight paths and we decided to head north just enough so we could fly west between I-95 and Old Baltimore Pike towards the Delaware State border with Maryland. Right near the southern point of The Wedge.
Of course when flying in a two seat helicopter you have to take a selfie as proof, and…have the instructor take a few pics while you’re piloting the craft.
We turned south towards the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal and turned east once we arrived at the canal. Following the canal to DE SR 896, we turned north and headed back to our starting point.
The Wrap
The whole experience was quite exhilarating!
Although piloting requires new skills, if you have good hand-eye coordination, you can learn those skills relatively quickly. Obviously a lot of practice is required to pilot on a regular basis and to get a license, but for a one time out, it’s doable.