Helicopter tours offer thrilling bird's eye views of the world's great sightseeing locations.

There are many ways to fly, but the helicopter, with its ability to take off vertically, hover in midair and land almost anywhere, continues to be one of the most exciting and fascinating air vehicles. Helicopters can also go where few planes can follow, and so they make perfect vehicles for aerial sightseeing tours of both urban and geological attractions. So what can a passenger expect from a helicopter tour?

New Jersey native Pat Day earned a biology degree from Delaware Valley College before being drafted for an army tour in the Vietnam War. After moving to the Coast Guard and attending Navy flight school, Day realized his dream of flying, and eventually received commendations for many life-saving rescue missions. A husband with four children, Day is now Director of Operations for Liberty Helicopter Tours, which offers aerial sightseeing tours in the New York City area. Here, he offers a basic peek at a helicopter tour:

• Picture ID. Booking a helicopter ride is not like hopping in a cab or stepping on a bus. You should show up at the company with proper picture identification, just as if you were flying on a commercial airplane.

• Security issues. Because of increased security following the attacks of September 11, 2001, you may also be asked to go through metal detectors and cooperate with a personal search. For reasons of both safety and limited space, very few personal items are allowed on board, so leave your bags behind.

• Small groups. Most helicopter tours limit the passenger load to a maximum of six. If you have a group larger than this, you'll have to book two tours. Once onboard, each passenger will be strapped in with seat belts and given headsets so that they can hear the pilot's voice.

• Stunning visuals. Once in the air, you'll be able to see the world as few ever get to see it. As you look down on spectacular visuals, your headset will let you hear the pilot's narration as he explains all about what you're looking at. According to Day, it's an amazing experience, and not one you'll soon forget.

Liberty Helicopter Tours
www.libertyhelicopters.com

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