PHOTOS BY: Thomas Lonero
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
First Time for Everything
We headed about an hour outside of Vegas to a little airport that was close to Lake Meade. This would be my first time on a helicopter. I was obviously a little nervous. I had booked it with an old friend and of course I couldn't show him I was nervous so I made sure I was all smiles. Flying doesn't generally bother me... crashing bothers me. I had read on the internet that there were several accidents that had happened on these particular trips over the years.
This promised to be a unique trip. Anyone can fly over the Canyon, but this trip flies over and then below the rim of the Canyon. The National Park didn't allow flying below the rim because they said it was an unnecessary risk. I mean - who doesn't like a little unnecessary risk once in a while. I assured the guy I booked it with it was perfectly safe.
How it was meant to be seen
How the helicopter touring company gets around the no flying below the rim rule is they have an agreement with a local Indian tribe who controls the part of the Canyon we would be flying into. Seemed like a solid approach to ignore federal government guidelines and get over on the man. Plus, some of the money obviously goes to the tribe with the licensing agreement they have with the touring company and I for one like seeing the tribe get the extra money.
Upon meeting our Pilot we felt way more comfortable. She was a very experienced pilot and had significantly more flying time than the other pilot we just seen taken off. Good luck to that other crew. God rest their souls. Just kidding - they were fine. I think...
Our journey took us over Lake Meade, which was beautiful in and of itself. You get a real feel for how large the reservoir is. You also gain an greater understanding of the vastness of the desert. You don't see much in the way of greenery flying towards the Colorado River and the Canyon.
How the helicopter touring company gets around the no flying below the rim rule is they have an agreement with a local Indian tribe who controls the part of the Canyon we would be flying into. Seemed like a solid approach to ignore federal government guidelines and get over on the man. Plus, some of the money obviously goes to the tribe with the licensing agreement they have with the touring company.Upon meeting our Pilot we felt way more comfortable. She was a very experienced pilot and had significantly more flying time than the other pilot we just seen taken off. Good luck to that other crew. Go rest their souls. Just kidding - they were fine. I think...d
Exhilarating
Flying through and below the rim of the Canyon is not an experience you forget easily. The view is simply incredible. The Grand Canyon is not only a UNESCO world heritage site, its obviously one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It's awe inspiring. It took millions of years for this ancient river to cut through this landscape. The essence of time and how I was just a tiny blip over that course of time is both provoking and humbling.
The landing inside the Canyon went smoothly. We stayed about 45 min I think? Give or take. The tour company provided a simple lunch. We could see additional choppers (typed in my best Schwarzenegger impression) landing in the distance. They also provided a boat tour along the river which we opted out of. We came for the view and the coolness of landing inside the Grand Canyon in a chopper!
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