Core Helicopters, Linden

Core Helicopters launches students skyward during hands-on helicopter lessons with certified, experienced staff on high-performance R22 helicopters with heated or open cockpits at Linden Airport, only 14 miles from New York City. Fledgling flyers begin their sojourns on the ground, with 30 minutes of in-depth training in flight controls and safety. Next, the pilot and pupil air-kiss the tarmac adieu before they climb into the cockpit, where strapped-in students get hands-on chopper experience for 15 airborne minutes. Soaring past the atmosphere's cloud-shaped sheep, pupils take over the flight controls themselves, or sit back as the instructor pilot takes the helm. Each trainee leaves the lesson holding an FAA-authorized, bird-notarized certificate for proof of their flight training. The flight time also counts toward a future pilot's license, should the student choose to pursue it.

Additional options including extended flight times, flight instructors demonstrating high-performing, advanced maneuvers, and flight-of-two flights where two helicopters will fly side-by-side together, which allow air-to-air photos with friends, are available for an additional fee.