Helicopters are a lot like airplanes, except that they operate purely on the principles of physics instead of on the fragile dreams of children. Learn to copter in fine scientific style with today's Groupon: for $149, you get a 30-minute helicopter lesson from Bachman Aero (a $295 value). The launch pad is located at the Schaumburg Regional Airport.
Bachman Aero's intro flights invite students inside FAA-certified helicopters, where they receive the rare opportunity to man the controls of a nonvirtual chopper buzzing 500 feet above Chicagoland. Adventurers can climb into the cockpit for a 30-minute journey that follows the flight plan of their imaginations; experienced pilots tailor one-on-one instruction to suit each pupil's ambitions. Spend your time instructionally by taking the joysticks and learning how to become the next Launchpad McQuack, or go the recreational route by kicking back and snapping some pics of cloud animals while your certified pilot leads sing-alongs at the helm. Bachman Aero has two helicopters, so two Groupons enable formation flights between friends.
Before and after each flight, the co-main-pilot answers and discusses any questions regarding the experience or the meaning of life. Aspiring pilots may also take a moment to pose for pictures with their new mechanical flying friends.
Bachman Aero
Bachman Aero's FAA-certified pilots take to the sky inside choppers for flight services such as aerial photography, sightseeing, or lessons in helicopter certification. They provide beginning pilots a chance to log hours in their helicopters, helping students prepare for commercial pilot flight exams or their oral exam on pig Latin pilot jargon. The in-house instructors also groom accomplished pilots for a career in teaching with instructor lessons.