Early man made many attempts at flying, such as sewing feathers onto his arms and scaling mountain peaks in order to cling to the underbellies of passing comets. Ride along on a new-fashioned flight with today's Groupon: for $159, you get a 20-minute helicopter tour for three people ($89.99 per person), plus three matted 5"x7" aerial photos ($19.99 each), from Alpha Helicopters (up to a $329.94 value). Choose from eight different launching locations when buying your Groupon: Clearwater, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Manatee, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Tampa, or Venice.

Offering flight training and tours seven days per week for avid air explorers, Alpha Helicopters serves earth-bound humans with a fleet of domesticated helicopters. While soaring swiftly above the ground, riders can catch glimpses of sea dwellers, such as manatees, dolphins, and sharks, as well as scenic views of landlubbing buildings and Everglades escapees. The whirlybird experience will be remembered for years, thanks in part to three matted 5"x7" photos taken from the ride high above landlocked bodies of water and land. There is no age limit, meaning children can levitate in safety seats to the same altitude as their parental counterparts. Pending Alpha's approval, seasoned flight navigators may fly themselves, choreographing 20-minute helicopter tours of awe and break-dancing moves for all accompanying passengers.

This Groupon is valid for one tour for up to three people; a maximum of three people per tour. A 48-hour cancellation notice is required.

Reviews

Three Google Mappers give Alpha Helicopters in Sarasota a five-star average:

• This was the best Birthday present ever! – Debbie Fields
• The crew was professional and friendly and made the whole experience even better! Everybody should do this! – Google Maps user who posted on 11/08/2010