The helicopter is a vast improvement on the original aeronautic designs that used propellers made from solid concrete, octopus tentacles, and wishful thinking. Enjoy the benefits of technical achievement with today's deal: for $119, you get your choice of a helicopter lesson or a tour for three passengers from Veracity Aviation at the New Braunfels airport. If you decide to take the lesson, friends must be left teary-eyed beside the helipad as this sage-student journey is embarked on as a lone duo.

Both flight training and tours take place in a 2008 Robinson Raven II helicopter, hooked up to its antlers with an HD camera system that can record the flight for an extra cost. Discovery flights (up to a $299 value) are ideal for anyone considering the aerial career path of a helicopter pilot. The lesson begins with 30 minutes of ground training and includes a variety of preflight procedures. Following this earthbound orientation, you'll take to the skies for 10–15 minutes of hands-on, instructor-guided flying, plus about five minutes of start-up and shutdown time. If you aren't interested in piloting the R-44, you can perch above the skies crying, "Nevermore!" with an aerial three-person tour. During the 20-minute experience, you and two friends or a father-son potato-sack-racing team will be guided 500 feet above the earth's crust for a westbound tour over the Guadalupe River and beautiful Texas Hill Country. Whether piloting or passengeering, you'll be treated to a variety of sublime natural views. View some of the helicoptering experience in this video from Veracity Aviation.

Veracity Aviation is a helicopter services company, providing instruction, tours, and maintenance to chopper-happy chopper choppers in the San Antonio and Austin areas. Company president Derrick Smith is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, where he learned his trade as a helicopter- rescue swimmer. Veracity Aviation places its clients literally and figuratively at the center of its operations; with today's Groupon oscillating wildly on an updraft, you'll get to occupy the middle of the helicopter, becoming one with the machine as it becomes one with the sky.

Maximum weight per person is 300 lbs. Maximum group weight is 675 lbs. Passengers must be at least two years old. Must reserve at least 48 hours in advance.