Raptor Helicopter

Las Vegas Helicopter Tour the flight of a lifetime

2009-05-04T23:06:00.000-07:00

A tour of a lifetime hundreds of feet over the Grand Canyon and wading down the Colorado River.
One of the most exciting tours I have ever taken in my life was one of my las vegas grand canyon tours. Imagine floating in the air over the grand canyon, one of the wonders of the world.

As we arranged for the champagne lunch tour, the helicopter company sent a limo to pick us up at the hotel. The ride lasted about five minutes then we were dropped off at the helicopter launch. Fellow passengers from all over the world chatted and waited for our adventure to begin.

Moments later we took off for one of the waiting helicopters. The pilot was wonderful, showing us how to get in and out and demonstrating how to use the headsets. My companion and I ended up in a helicopter of our own because several of the other passengers decided to just fly over the canyon. The tour we chose actually had us landing on the bottom.

Ten minutes later we were heading over some of the most beautiful scenes imaginable. Our Las Vegas helicopter tour included a canvas in every color imagineable painted by dessert, mountains and the colorado river.

Within twenty minutes of smooth flying we were over the canyon and able to see the landing pad, set in the middle of tumbleweed, mountains and cacti. As we disembarked the pilot helped us climb down the stone and dirt pathway to a little boat dock, where we met a family from Britain that would be our companions on our champagne lunch down the colorado river.

The boat captain was a tiny oriental man with sparkling eyes and a rich sense of humor. He handed out our picnic baskets and regaled us with stories of how the Grand Canyon was created. He also had the foresense to stop periodically and help us get the most amazing shots of the canyon. He seemed to know every rock and ridge and was able to point out eagles and faces carved into the rock by millions of years of erosion.

At the end of our Las Vegas helicopter tour we flew back to the original launch and took our limo back to the hotel, content, awestruck and absolutely certain that we would return to Las Vegas, the grand canyon and our las vegas helicopter tour.

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Military Helicopters

2009-04-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

Traditionally, helicopters were used by the military for evacuating wounded soldiers or carrying weapons and supplies from one place to another. However, during the Vietnam War, helicopters were reinvented as an offensive weapon.

Although the military use of helicopters started during World War II, it was still in its initial steps of development. For instance, England and Russia used autogiros for observation duties, Germany used the Flettner FL 282 Kolibri for limited combat at the Mediterranean Sea, and the US Coast Guard used the Sikorsky YH-4A for dropping practice bombs against submarines.

Military helicopters were first used extensively during the Korean War, mostly for cargo delivery roles. The US Army started testing Bell 47 OH-13, Sikorsky S-51 H-19 and Piasecki H-21 helicopters fitted with machine-gun pods and rockets. The true revolution in military helicopters came with the Vietnam War, wherein the US Army demand for a new gunship helicopter equipped with the newly designed turbo shaft engines resulted in the invention of the Bell 207 Sioux Scout.

The Vietnam War also gave rise to the development of a new form of warfare known as air mobility, as helicopters enabled armies to be lifted deep into enemy territory, striking suddenly and powerfully.

Modern inventions have added more maneuverability for military helicopters and have also changed the design, outlook durability and safety of the machines. The most revolutionary change in helicopter engineering is the use of the NOTAR, or no tail rotar, design that blows air through a long slot along the tail boom, to produce forces to counter the torque.

Nowadays, most modern armies have formed new air combat units using choppers armed with anti-tank missiles, and helicopters have became a vital piece of military hardware in the inventory of the world 's powerful armies.

Helicopters provides detailed information on Helicopters, Helicopters for Sale, Military Helicopters, Personal Helicopters and more. Helicopters is affiliated with Custom Choppers.

How to Lay Low as Helicopter Parents

2009-03-31T03:31:00.000-07:00

As your college student is settling into the dorm, are you discovering that letting go is more difficult than you imagined? Even with the pressures you feel as a member of the Sandwich Generation, are you ambivalent about cutting the apron strings?

You may be stuck in a new phenomenon that falls under the colorful moniker, Helicopter Parent. If you find yourself 'hovering' over your kidult, attempting to protect him or her from life?s ups and downs, you fit the description.

Is it technology - cell phones, email and instant messaging - as some say, that keeps parents overly involved, or is something else at work? Maria worries, ?I?m far too enmeshed with my daughter and afraid of keeping her closer than is healthy. I?m trying to step back and minimize our contact - for the emotional growth of both of us.? Like Maria, you can do this, too.

1. If you want information, contact the parent-relations specialist that many colleges now employ. The telephone hotlines and email support services they provide allow you to stay connected in a healthy way.

2. Adjustment to communal living ? roommates, dorms, personality differences - takes time. Be more supportive and less directive as your sons and daughters learn new problem solving skills.

3. Your adult children will be faced with many choices about courses, assignments, extra curricular activities. Be supportive, but let them make their own decisions and then deal with whatever consequences occur. It?s been said before, but experience is a great teacher.

4. Make sure that parents? weekend is on your agenda. It?s a natural and positive means by which to feel reassured that your children are adjusting to their new home environment.

5. Resist taking on chores that now should fall to your kidults. As much as washing their clothes and cleaning their rooms have been part of your job description for years, it?s now time to pass the baton.

6. Focus on your kidult?s positive qualities and think of reasons to support their unique ideas. Remember that they are learning more about the joys and responsibilities of independence.

7. Take courses so that you have some common areas of interest with your children. Or better yet, enroll in the college classes you want and follow your own dreams.

In the end, having your emerging adult children be accountable for their own actions facilitates their personal development, sense of self-sufficiency and positive self-esteem. Isn?t that what you really want anyway?

Her Mentor Center, 2006

Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. & Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D. are co-founders of http://www.HerMentorCenter.com, a website dedicated to the issues of mid-life women and http://www.NourishingRelationships.Blogspot.com, a Blog for the Sandwich Generation. They are co-authors of a forthcoming book about Baby Boomer women and their family relationships. As psychotherapists, they have over 40 years of collective private practice experience.

Pros And Cons Of Electric Rc Helicopter

2009-03-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

Before you buy an electric rc helicopter, there are things you need to know.

Here are the pros and cons of electric rc helicopter

Pros

Electric RC helicopter is one of the more favorable kinds of rc helicopters out there in the market for several reasons:

?It is easy to fly

If you are beginning to take interest on rc helicopters, then the best way to a good start is to buy an electric rc helicopter. It is easy to fly since it only requires batteries for power. You don?t have to deal with engines and engine malfunction. You also don?t have to buy gas to make it fly. With electric rc helicopters, you don?t have to have knowledge about how engines work. You don?t need to tinker complicated moving parts since there is none. All you need to know is where the controls and your rc is flying in no time.

?It is quiet

Other rc helicopters, especially the gas powered, create a lot of noise. And this is often times annoying not only to you but also on your neighbor who wants to get some quiet moment alone. Thus, you cannot fly them around your neighborhood. The good thing about electric rc helicopter is that it creates no noise at all. Without an engine, your rc will fly silently anywhere you want it to fly without disturbing the peace.

?It is safe

Batteries are generally safe to use. This also goes with electric rc helicopter. All you have to do is to recharge it when it is empty and it will be off again in the air. You don?t have to deal with flammables and you don?t have to deal with engine at all.

Cons

Just like any other products, electric rc helicopter has its drawbacks. Here are those:

?The experience is less exciting

Full-size helicopters have engines and no helicopter is powered by electric current. So you cannot get a helicopter-like experience if wit electric rc helicopter. The engine noise adds up to the experience. Without it, it may be boring.

?Activity is limited

With electric rc helicopter, all you have to do is charge, fly, re-charge, fly, re-charge again, and fly again. Until you get to hate it. Like what was said earlier, you are limited to flying. Aside to that, no more.

Other RC like gas rc helicopter is more than flying, you get to tinker with the engine and in the process, get more excited every time you fly.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on RC Helicopter & other useful information, please visit http://rc-helicopter.articlekeep.com

Shopping For Radio Controlled Helicopter

2009-03-13T04:42:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a radio-controlled helicopter, the most difficult question to answer is: ?what should I buy??

Bear in mind that if you skip to answer this question, then you might be ending up with a one time flying experience. In other words, after you have bought and first flown your radio-controlled helicopter, you might not be able to fly it again.

So here are the things you should know in order to get you end up getting the right radio-controlled helicopter for you.

Evaluate your flying skill.

If you have yet to fly an rc helicopter, then you should settle for kinds that are easy to fly. What you should be looking for is an electric radio-controlled helicopter. In this way, you eliminate the risk of crashing down your newly purchased helicopter to the ground. This is a great starting point to those who would like to take rc helicopter flying a hobby. Electric radio-controlled helicopter is also quiet. So if you are considerate enough to give your neighbors some peace, then this one is for you

You can move to gas rc helicopter if your skill is enough to fly an engine powered one.

Identify the size.

Rc helicopter, whether it is electric or gas, comes in different sizes and identifying what is the size you need is important. Here you can trim down your choices into gas, electric, mini, micro, and toy.

Gas rc helicopter is relatively larger than other type of rc helicopters while electric rc helicopter can be categorized into 3 sizes- that is, electric, mini and micro.

If you are planning to fly your rc helicopter on open spaces, then the electric rc helicopter is your ideal size. On the other hand, if you only prefer indoor flying, then you can either choose the mini or the micro.

Choose rc helicopter with substantial parts.

Crashes can come anytime so make sure that when you purchase a model, you also purchase parts. Used parts are abundant but they are less reliable so you have to determine if there are new parts available for the type of rc helicopter you are buying.

Know your budget

The price of rc helicopter depends on the size and components used. Make sure you have set your budget so that you can limit your selection that would make buying easier.

Use this information when you choose which type of rc helicopter to buy.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on RC Helicopter & other useful information, please visit http://rc-helicopter.articlekeep.com

Starting Model Helicopter Hobby

2009-03-05T02:54:00.000-08:00

If you cannot afford to buy full size Schweizer 300 or a Robinson R22 or any private helicopter being sold on the market, but have a great desire to own a helicopter or have a great interest on helicopters, there is one thing that suites you best: buying, building, and collecting model helicopters.

From kids and kids at heart, collecting model helicopters has become one of the more popular hobbies. Some collect model helicopters that really fly. There are those who prefer to build model helicopters by themselves to add to their ever-growing collection.

Imagine a display of all the types of helicopters produced over the years lining side by side in one room.

If you want to start the hobby, you can start on one model and start from there. You have several options. You can either go for flying model helicopters. You can also start with a scale-model plastic helicopter. There are model helicopters that are made from wood.

If you prefer real flying model helicopters, you still have several options. You can either go for gas rc helicopter or electric rc helicopter. Usually, beginners tend to buy electric helicopter because it is much cheaper than gas rc?s. It is also easy to fly and less complicated. But if you thing you can handle the noise and if you are up for the thrill of the engined model helicopter, then gas rc is for you although it may cost you more both on maintenance and initial cost.

If you prefer building model helicopter for your personal gallery, then you have several helicopter models to choose from. Scale models such as Mi-28 HOVOC, Augusta A-109, Whirlwind, Mangusta, Huey Hog, AH-6J, Mi-24 Hind, Bell 412, SH-60B, RAH-66, 500D CHP, EC-135 Eurocopter and more are just waiting to be build by your own hands.

If you prefer military helicopters, you can get scale models such as FL 282, H-25, S-55, Rotodyne, Bo 102, H-1 Huey, Sea King, Mi-2, OH-6, Filper, H-46, Chinook, AH-56, Mi-24, Mi-26, Ka-27, XV-15, Bell 206, Puma, XCH-62, S-67, Blackhawk, Apache, Lama, S-72, Dauphin, Mi-28, Mangusta, Ka-50, Super Cobra, Tiger, NH-90, OH-1, V-22, ALH, and Comanche.

These models are also available in woodcarvings carefully handcrafted to come out as a perfect replica of the original helicopter. It can cost at around $100 to $500 depending on the type of wood used and how much detail was put to the model. Meanwhile plastic models could cost around $7 to as much as $50 while the rc model helicopters could cost at around $100 to over $1000.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on RC Helicopter & other useful information, please visit http://rc-helicopter.articlekeep.com

The Development Of Blackhawk Helicopter

2009-02-25T03:51:00.000-08:00

The year was 1972. The year when the USAF had learn their lessons in the Vietnam War. This year gave the need to replace Bell?s Huey series and produce more reliable and versatile helicopter. And so, the US Army commissioned the Sikorsky and Boeing-Vertol to produce and initially test 3 prototypes helicopters that were robust, simple, and within the requirements of the UTTAS or the Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System.

The Skorsky helicopters were named YUH-60A while the Boeing-Vertol helicopters were named YUH-61A. Years later, both companies went head to head. Sikorsky?s YUH-60A was declared the winner. Sikorsky was immediately contracted to produce the first 15 units of UH-60A Blackhawks.

Since the Army created the specifications of the helicopter, the general appearance was literally made within the requirements set by the Army- the one that is stated to fit as a UTTAS helicopter.
One of the conditions is that the Blackhawk helicopter should fit and can be air-lifted in the cargo bay of the C-130 Hercules. Thus, the Blackhawk was characterized by a long, downward-sloping tail with a mobile stabilizer, four-bladed anti-torque rotor and sharply-swept vertical tail. This was designed produce more lift.

In 1979, the first Blackhawks were delivered to the US Army. After the initial production, Sikorsky became the sole producer of the Blackhawks. And in 1988, the company had produced almost 1000 units to the Army that served several purposes such as special warfare-support roles, aeromedical evacuation, and utility transport.

In response to the good reputation of the Blackhawks, the Army had ordered Sikorsky to produce 2 Blackhawk variants: the EH-60A and EH-60B. These are the 2 electronic warfare Blackhawk helicopters.

The EH became a more high-tech Blackhawk helicopter during the 80s.

Blackhawk helicopters are made for war. YUH-60A was designed to sustain heavy fire with a variety of structural features. The strong but flexible body protects both the passengers and the crew under hostile firing. The self-sealing fuel tanks, together with the armored cabin and the strong main rotor blades that can sustain hits of up to 23mm anti-air keep the Blackhawk maintain its flight. The wheeled landing gears are designed to sustain and absorb heavy landing and vertical impacts.

Over the years, the Blackhawks are tested at wars and are produced into several variants. Today, the Blackhawks are used in more than 25 countries around the world with different purposes such as peacekeeping, combat assault, drug interdiction, border patrol, medical evacuation, and disaster relief.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on RC Helicopter & other useful information, please visit http://rc-helicopter.articlekeep.com

The Early Years In The Helicopter History

2009-02-18T23:45:00.000-08:00

History tells us that the first concept of man trying to defy gravity and actually fly was through a helicopter flight. Accounts date way back 400 BC in ancient China with a hand-spun toy made from a stick and feather that flew when rapidly spun between palms to generate enough lift and then released.

However, the very first, more realistic concept of a helicopter dates in the 15th century when Leonardo Da Vinci attempted to produce a working helicopter (gyroscope). This was not made into production since his sketch was noted to be way ahead of his time and the period had inadequate technology and understanding about the nature of lift and the availability of a machine that could create such massive lift.

Several other attempts had been made over the next centuries. All these had failed but had contributed little advancements on the development of the helicopter. The reason of failure? Same as that of Da Vinci?s time. From the time of Da Vinci up to the end of the 19th century, there was no adequate machine that is powerful enough to generate power and create lift.

The breakthrough came when the internal combustion engine was invented that made full-size prototype production a possibility. But then, problems after problems occurred. With a little understanding on the concept of torque and balance, all the initial attempts failed. Models tend to flip over. Others cannot be controlled in mid-air. Many would not even get off from the ground.

The break came in 1907 when Paul Cornu, a French pioneer created a twin-rotor helicopter that lifted off the ground for few seconds. That event was followed by other successful tests but not until 1924 when another French by the name Etienne Oehmichen made a historic helicopter flight that lasted for 7 minutes and 40 seconds.

Others came to follow these two Frenchmen. Boris Yuriev and Geogrij de Bothezat (Russian), Ellehammer (Dutch), Louis Brennan (Briton), Pescara ( Argentina ), Etienne Oehmichen ( French), D'Ascanio (Italian), and Juan de la Cierva (Spanish) are among other pioneers who came up with their own version of helicopter. In 1936, with the German Focke-Wulf Fw 61 introduction, the concept of vertical flight became a reality. This was hailed as the very first practical helicopter that rose as high as 11,243 feet and as far as 143 miles.

The long dream of man to fly became a reality.
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The Helicopter Game

2009-02-09T21:48:00.000-08:00

Have you tried the helicopter game lately?

If you are bored with the same old game you usually play over the more popular gaming sites, then why not try the helicopter game? If you are looking for something new, then the helicopter game must be for you.

So what?s with the helicopter game?

First things first? do not expect great graphics for you will not see one. You will not see rockets and missiles shooting off the Blackhawk or Comanche because you are neither playing with such helicopters. You will not carry heavy artilleries during the game. You will not have any mission to take or save people for terrorists in the most remote places on earth. And you will not even have to worry about the controls for the missiles, the take off, and the maneuvers for you will never going to need it.

What you will get is a simple 2-D graphic interface taking you back 2 decades ago? Getting the picture? If not try to imagine the legendary Pacman. Yah, yah? no monsters here but the graphic is relatively the same (if not exactly the same).

The helicopter game is a simple flash game with a simple mission: to get as many points as you could while avoiding walls and trying not to hit the upper and the lower borders or the tunnel-like terrain. You fly with a 2-centimeter helicopter (that comes wit a blue rotor, I wonder what is its model) that goes up and down with a click of the mouse. Anyway, the smoke on the tail of the helicopter is just an effect. You don?t need to be troubled about it.

How to play the Helicopter game?

If you know how to click the mouse button, then you surely know how to play the helicopter game. There are 2 ways to navigate: upward and downward. To achieve altitude, you need to hold the mouse button (just make sure you don?t hit the green wall). If you want to go down, but not totally down, just release the mouse button. You get back on flight if you resume your ?mousecapade?. That simple and that easy; your intelligent dog can play it? nah, just kidding.

Helicopter game might be 20 years behind most of the technologically advanced games today. But what the heck? For a change, you can try it and play if for a couple of minutes just to kill time during breaks. You need not to spend you whole day playing it.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on RC Helicopter & other useful information, please visit http://rc-helicopter.articlekeep.com

Why Choose Gas Rc Helicopter

2009-01-28T03:59:00.000-08:00

Decision on what type of rc helicopter to buy depend on you. But with a more reflective mind, you can arrive with a right selection. Now, if you are thinking of buying a gas rc helicopter over electric rc helicopter, then here are the things you should know?

Let us begin by discussing briefly the electric rc helicopter.

Most, if not all rc helicopter novices begin with electric rc helicopter for several reason. Electric rc helicopter is cheaper than gas powered. It is also easier to fly since it does not require an engine. And finally, electric rc helicopter produces no noise and no smell.

With these reasons, you can draw a conclusion that those who buy electric rc helicopter want convenience more than real experience.

Although there is nothing wrong with it, electric rc helicopter is not for people who require more than just simplicity.

Now we ask: Why choose gas rc helicopter?

Forget about the price since gas rc helicopter does not come cheap. Also, forget about the noise because it comes with the engine, the sound cannot escape your ear. But here lies the answer to the question.

Serious rc pilots prefer noise and price over silence, economy and most of all convenience. The complexity of the engine makes it more attractive to those who want to enjoy the real experience of flying a helicopter. You never saw an electric full size helicopter, didn?t you?

The there is one thing that rc pilots are conscious about, that is the closeness of the rc to the real helicopter.

Another thing that set gas rc helicopter apart from the electric one is the level of respect and concentration required on flying each and every time. Since it involves gas and an engine, rc pilots take it more seriously. Added to this is the type of thrill that is involve every second of flying.

One last reason is that, gas rc helicopter is the best thing you get before you move to ultralight helicopter. Thus, one you have a gas rc helicopter, you don?t have to require yourself to upgrade unlike if you have an electric rc helicopter. But in the case you want to upgrade to ultralight, you can easily get familiar with flying since you have already been with an engined-helicopter.

And oh, before we forgot, gas rc helicopter teaches you the basic of the helicopter flying more than any type of rc helicopter around.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on RC Helicopter & other useful information, please visit http://rc-helicopter.articlekeep.com

5 Best Places For A Helicopter Tour

2009-01-15T22:15:00.000-08:00

If you are considering a helicopter tour but don?t know where, then here these article can help you make up your mind and start phoning your travel agent and book for a tour. Here are the 5 best places where you can experience one of the best outdoor experiences you can have in a lifetime:

Grand Canyon ? Be at the edge of your seat at your helicopter takes you to the natural wonder of the world. Grand Canyon has been one of chosen places in the country to held helicopter tour. Surely, no one can resist the charms of earth that is seen from several hundreds of feet above the ground.

New York City ? If flying between skyscrapers and bridges is what you like, then New York City is the place to be. Helicopter tours offered in New York City would take you in and around the city. Plus, see the Liberty face to face. The Big Apple tour would surely be incomplete if not with the helicopter tour.

Las Vegas ? Of course the neon lights, casinos, and several nightspots are the best tourist magnets of Las Vegas. But what could be more than all these? Behold, because Las Vegas helicopter tour beats all the usual Las Vegas experience. See the city from above and be marveled how beautiful the Las Vegas is. And don?t forget to fly over Hoover Dam, a must see attraction in Las Vegas.

Hawaii ? Exploring the islands of Hawaii by foot and by sea would let you discover some of the most spectacular sites the world has to offer. But you have more to discover if you take those feet off the ground and see Hawaii from above. Hawaii helicopter tour would take you to the different islands of Hawaii and would let you view how diverse they are. From mountains to volcanoes, and white sand beaches to sparkling sea, Hawaii helicopter tour lets you experience all these.

Hollywood, California ? If you want to make sure you have the best time in California, then you must consider booking for a helicopter tour. It would take you a stone throw away from the Hollywood sign and see the Universal Studios from above. You can see mansions of some of the most famous people living in California. And at nighttime, see the city lights as the helicopter takes you to the most breathtaking seen you can ever experience.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on RC Helicopter & other useful information, please visit http://rc-helicopter.articlekeep.com

Maui Helicopter Tours: A Fun, But Unique Vacation Activity

2008-10-26T22:58:00.000-07:00

Each year, a large number of individuals make the trip to Maui. Maui makes for the perfect Hawaiian vacation. If you have scheduled a Maui vacation, it is likely that you have already started examining the activities that are available for you. When it comes to a Hawaiian vacation, many tourists automatically think of the beautiful beaches. Frolicking on the beach is a great way to spend your vacation, but it is not the only way. Did you know that you can also experience Maui from the air?

Experiencing Maui from the air, sounds exciting doesn?t it? If you are looking for a fun, but unique vacation activity, you are encouraged to learn more about Maui helicopter tours. This can easily be done by using the internet to your advantage. In your search, you will likely find that a number of different companies offer Maui helicopter tours. This is because Maui is a beautiful island, but not all of the island can be explored by foot. That is why helicopter tours are so popular.

When examining the available Maui helicopter tours, it is important to keep a couple of things in mind. These things may include, but should not be limited to, the price of the tours, the length of the tours, and the areas that each helicopter tour covers. By keeping this information in mind, you will be able to make sure that you book a reservation with a reasonably priced, but scenic Maui helicopter tour guide or company.

As previously mentioned, it is likely that you will come across a number of different individuals or companies who offer scenic Maui helicopter tours. One of those companies is likely to include Air Maui. Air Maui is known as one of Hawaii?s most trusted and most popular helicopter tour companies. If you and your family are serious about taking a scenic helicopter tour, you are urged to check out what Air Maui can do for you.

When examining Air Maui, or any other helicopter tour company, there are a number of important factors that you will want to look at. As mentioned above, these factors should include the length of a tour, the cost of it, and the area you will visit. Air Maui, along with many other Maui helicopter tour companies, will offer you a number of different choices. For instance, helicopter tours are often available for East Maui, West Maui, and even for the whole island. If you are interested in taking a helicopter tour, you will have to decide which area you would like to visit.

The cost of a Maui helicopter tour will all depend on who you are touring with and where the tours will take place. For instance, if you are interested in experiencing a tour of the whole Hawaiian island you may find that the cost is more than a tour of just the East or West side of the island. You will find that most Maui helicopter tours start out around $180 for each person; however, that price may vary. For an accurate price quote, you will want to speak directly to a tour guide or a tour company representative.

Once you have examined the services offered by most Maui helicopter tour guides or companies and the prices in which those services are offered at, you will want to make a final decision. When choosing a helicopter tour guide or tour guide company, it is important to keep their pilots level of experience in mind. For a short period of time, your life will literally be in their hands. That is why it is important that you review all of the available information on the safety rating and experience of a particular tour guide pilot or company. This may help, not only to ensure your safety, but also to make sure that you have a memorable experience.

Whether you would like to book a helicopter tour with Air Maui or just request additional information, you can do so by visiting their website at www.airmaui.com. Once at their website, you can also sign up for a free Maui Adventure Map. This map may come in handy when planning your next Maui vacation.

For more information on Maui helicopter tours please visit our site. We have many Maui tours to choose from. Find out which tour is right for you and book today!

R/C Picco Z easy-to-fly Micro Helicopter with LED Light

2008-10-22T05:11:00.000-07:00

Following the spectacular success of the Silverlit X-Twin R/C Mini Planes comes the incredibly tiny Picco Z Micro Helicopter, the smallest and lightest miniature R/C Helicopter in the World!...

Only six inches long and weighing an incredible10 grams, Flying Toys amazing new Picco Z is a fascinating flying machine that is super stable and easy to fly in the smallest of spaces, and unbelievably fits in the palm of your hand for fantastic desk top fun!?

Supplied completely ready-to-fly with an innovative pre-installed two channel proportional wide beam infra red control system, the lightweight Lithium Polymer flight battery will provide flights of 10 minutes or more between charges driving two powerful micro motors, yet can be recharged in less than half an hour with the portable charger provided.

The inexpensive Picco Z Micro Helicopter is made of tough expanded Polypropylene foam, features a blue LED strobe light, and incorporates an auto stability system to make this easy to operate both indoors and outside in calm conditions.

See the Picco Z here: http://www.crazyaboutgadgets.com/detail.asp?ID=483

Helicopter Schools And Courses

2008-10-15T01:05:00.001-07:00

The Alan Mann Helicopters Flying Training Organization (AMH FTO), located at Fairoaks Airport is a registered CAA/JAA training facility offering a wide range of flying instruction on single and twin engine helicopters. Basic PPL instruction with minimum cost and safe handling is undertaken on Bell 47 (Piston engine helicopter) and Bell 206 Jetranger. Bell 407 or AS350 Squirrel is used for turbine engine experience.

Helicopter Services, Inc.

? General Information. Training and examinations for type conversions, night qualification and instrument ratings are undertaken on the Bell206, Bell 407, AS355 and A109 series helicopters. A team of experienced, full time conducts it, salaried instructors who ensure a comprehensive, informative and enjoyable training program.

? Payment. They accept Amex, Visa and MasterCard. Option of SLM Corp for educational financial assistance with flexible repayment terms is available; Pilot Finance, Inc provides flight training loans to train veterans.

? Facilities. A 20,000sq ft hangar facility provides for many 'pre' and 'post' flight briefings and other audio-visual classroom training aids.

? Aircraft. Basic training is performed in latest, light, piston engine Robinson R22 Beta II Series Helicopter. These are highly reliable, extensively used in USA and worldwide by civilian commercial, local and government agencies. The R44 Raven stable, inexpensive turbine aircraft is used for commercial operation training. The Bell 206 III advanced helicopter is used for transport pilot training, instrument courses and turbine transitions. Any other specific helicopter training can be arranged for if you call in advance.

Instruction Courses:

1. Private Pilot License course. This course will provide commercial rotocraft certificate. Age 17 years +, must be able to read, speak and under stand English. FAA approved medical examiner's third class medical certificate is a must. FAA requires 40 hours of flight time for passing.

2. Commercial Pilot License. This can be obtained if age is 18 years +, able to speak, read and understand English. FAA approved aviation medical examiner's class two medical certificates are essential. FAA minimum: 150 hours of flying time (100 hours in powered aircraft and 50 hours in helicopter). 35 hours of additional flying time in PIC helicopter will add-on to the course.

3. Airline Transport Pilot. This course utilizes IFR equipped Bell 206 LIII Long ranger.

4. Instrument Training. Professional pilots must have instrument ratings. This training is conducted on Robinson R22BII, R44 Raven and Bell Long Ranger. Private helicopter license, 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command and 40 hours actual or simulated instrumental training (15 Hours must in helicopter) is a prerequisites for the certificate.

5. Turbine transition. Certificate provided in 15 flying hours (Dual 5 hours plus classroom 10 hours) on Bell 206 L-III training. Package price is $5500.00 USD.

Ryan Bombard writes about many different topics. For more info visit: grants helicopter pilot school and helocopter school

Shooting Arrows at Helicopters: A Survivor Story

2008-08-06T04:40:00.000-07:00

Resilient people share certain traits that help them bounce back from hard times. Learn more about this emotional intelligence competency.
Did you ever notice how resilient people people who seem to be able to handle the ups and down in life, and not freak out under stress are kind of, well, zany?

Al Siebert, Ph.D., who has studied resiliency for many years found that one of the qualities of survivors is having what he calls paradoxical personality traits. This means being able to be one way and also the opposite being mean and kind, selfish and altruistic, generous and stingy. My clients who read Sieberts book The Survivor Personality report appreciating the normalizing of reading that its okay to be different depending upon the situation.

It does sound like a good survival trait doesnt it? Because when hard times comes, or when change is as prevalent and continual as it is today, or our environments as multicultural as they are, we need lots of ways of being in order to have positive outcomes. What works with one person wont work with the next, and what worked today wont always work tomorrow.

Resiliency also requires a good bit of optimism, learned optimism, which isnt 100% reality-based, particularly in situations where we have to do something. In my Optimism Workshops, I always ask the participants to envision Muhammed Ali going into the ring saying, Well, Im not sure, but I think I can beat this guy. What would happen? He would get clobbered. Far wiser, wouldnt you agree, to go into the ring saying, I am the Greatest?

Theres a certain unpredictability to resilient survivors also because of these many traits and the optimism.

Reminds me of a great scene in the movie Gardens of Stone, where a character tells James Caan he knows we're going to win Viet Nam because helicopters are coming back to base with arrows in them. How can they expect to win a war when theyre shooting arrows at a helicopter?

James Caan's character counters: "How can you expect to beat someone who will shoot an arrow at a helicopter?"

So off you go then, and shoot those arrows at those helicopters, if need be. Youll keep em guessing, and likely come out ahead.

Susan Dunn, The EQ Coach, GLOBAL EQ. Emotional intelligence coaching to enhance all areas of your life - career, relationships, midlife transition, resilience, self-esteem, parenting. EQ Alive! - excellent, accelerated, affordable EQ coach certification. Susan is the author of numerous ebooks, is widely published on the Internet, and a regular speaker for cruise lines. For marketing services go here.

How to get started flying RC helicopters

2008-07-26T03:32:00.000-07:00

RC helicopters have become a very common RC toy lately and come in a variety of prices and types. Many problems that beginners face are what type of helicopter to choose, power source for it and whether they want an indoor or outdoor one. With many more options on top of those you can imagine how difficult it is for beginners to take off, literally. First let's talk about the different power sources that a RC model helicopter can have, and which one will best suit you.

If you are a beginner RC helicopter pilot, then the best power source for you is electric. Electrically powered chopper engines are still very fast, but yet still quiet, and can maneuver just as good a full sized fuel powered one! Another main attraction to electric helicopters is the fact that you don't have to deal with messy fuels or with tuning the engine at all. Plus fuel cost money and electricity is much cheaper. If you are a beginner then I definitely recommend that you get an electric powered RC helicopter and then progress your way up to a glow powered one.

Glow engines have been used in RC airplanes for some time now, and have made there way over to helicopters. Glow engines have a simple ignition system that uses a glow plug rather than a spark plug. The glow plug is heated by a battery operated glow starter, and meanwhile the modeler uses a starter to turn the engine over. When fuel enters the combustion chamber, it is ignited by the heated glow plug and the engine starts up.

If you want to seriously get into the RC helicopter hobby, then a glow engine chopper is perfect for realism, building, maintaining and flying! You will be able to personalize your chopper exactly the way you want it, like hover time and rotor speed. Once you get a feel for your helicopter, and have everything adjusted perfectly, your helicopter will fly just the way you want it and not the way some factory decided it should.

The next challenge beginner helicopter pilot's face is learning how to fly their chopper. This is a big problem since a helicopter is the hardest aerial vehicle to fly and having a miniature version of one doesn't make things easier. If you have no helicopter flying experience and you try to fly it, most likely it will crash into the ground. To save yourself frustration you need to learn how to properly put it together and fly it.

I recommend that you read the instruction manual, front to back, before you attempt to put it together and when you actually do, make sure you tighten every bolt and include every screw. One missing screw or loose bolt can throw the whole helicopter off and send it crashing to the ground because it is unbalanced.

Learning how to fly a RC helicopter is a challenge within itself, and could never be fully taught over the internet or through some book. The best way to learn is to get real flying experience with an instructor at first, and then on your own later. You can find an instructor at a local RC airplane and helicopter club. RC airplane clubs are most common and exist in just about every state and country, and since most of them will have experience with planes they most likely will also know how to fly RC model helicopters too.

If you want to learn more about RC helicopters, and see some recommendations, then check out Michael's RC model helicopters page. Interested in R/C airplanes? Then take a look at his RC airplane website.

How to Solve Disputes with the Helicopter Talk Technique

2008-07-16T02:48:00.000-07:00

How to Solve Disputes with the Helicopter Talk Technique

by: Peter Murphy

Do you ever find that when a friend asks for your opinion on a problem it is a lot easier for you to see a solution than it is for your friend?

And do you also find that sometimes you feel completely stuck when it comes to your own problems?

The same applies to disputes, relationship issues and disagreements.

When you are part of the problem it can be very difficult to see a solution. What you need at times like this is a helicopter!

Helicopter Talk Technique:

1. Imagine you are in a helicopter flying high above the town you live in. Now travel to where you last had a dispute with a family member, friend or work mate.

2. From the safety and distance of the helicopter above rerun the last conversation when the trouble flared up. Watch the scene unfold and pay attention to how you communicated rather than who was in the right.

3. Ask yourself:

how could you have handled the situation better?
what could you have done differently?
what is the solution to the problem?

Your goal is to be emotionally detached yet concerned with finding the best solution in the same way you help a friend with a problem.

4. Imagine a trusted friend is in the helicopter observing:

what advice would your friend give you?
what does your friend notice that you missed?

Your own private helicopter can be used to identify patterns of communication you have that land you in hot water as well as new ways of dealing with problems.

Have fun in the sky!

Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert. He recently produced a very popular free report: 10 Simple Steps to Developing Communication Confidence. Apply now because it is available for a limited time only at: http://www.howtotalkwithconfidence.com/report.htm

peter1510@hotmail.com

Test-flying for fun - RC planes and helicopters

2008-07-16T02:44:00.000-07:00

Contrary to popular belief, people who work in model shops dont spend all day every day playing with their own models!!!

However, on Friday afternoon Dale and myself decided we were actually going flying. We closed the shop dead on 6 o'clock (usually we dont leave till gone 7). We were cashed up, loaded up and were off to our own secret flying site in Kent by 6.30.

We arrived at the flying field around 6.45, all models still intact after a mad dash along the A2 in Kent and some rather bendy country lanes.

First out of the cars were a pair of Weston Cougars, one of my favourite planks (sorry for the term plank but I class myself as a heli flyer). Once started and both airborne there was a really noticeable difference in performance between the two. Dales is fitted with a OS46LA, whilst mine has a West Eurotech 36 fitted. We both decided to go for height, (when I say height I mean the clouds were getting in the way) Dales climb rate was respectable but mine climbed like a homesick angel. After a few attempts at getting it to flatspin & some low inverted circuits I was out of fuel, so was forced to land and get the next model out.

The next candidate was a Century Predator Gasser which has had one previous flight. The beauty of petrol powered models is that they are cheap to run & there is no starting equipment required. The previous flight was used to set the model and engine up correctly. After a few tweaks to the engine I was happy with the way she was running I thought we would do a few gentle circuits with a couple of stall turns thrown in for good measure. I must say this is probably the most stable model in the hover I have ever flown. I landed, then passed the controls to Dale for a quick play. He also loved how stably it flew.

The amount of fun you can have with an electric Zagi is amazing. This model is so much fun and so unbreakable, I found myself doing the silliest of things with it. Like skimming across the strip with the prop clipping the grass on its way through, stalling it from up high and seeing who could get the highest bounce when it hit the deck!
Who cares, the chances of breaking it are near nil.

Thats how we continued for the rest of the evening.... until we remembered that to fly in the dark - which i used to do on a regular basis - you need 'glow sticks'.

So, back to the shop to unload all the models - we both commented on what a great evenings flying it was, probably one of the best this year - we are not trying to tempt fate or anything, but are now charging everything in sight ready for another evening of fun.

One of the best things you can invest in is a fast charger - perfect for those last minute decisions to go flying, we have all put a lot of miles on my poor old ripmax fast charger.

Rod

However, on Friday afternoon Dale and myself decided we were actually going flying. We closed the shop dead on 6 o'clock (usually we dont leave till gone 7). We were cashed up, loaded up and were off to our own secret flying site in Kent by 6.30.

We arrived at the flying field around 6.45, all models still intact after a mad dash along the A2 in Kent and some rather bendy country lanes.

First out of the cars were a pair of Weston Cougars, one of my favourite planks (sorry for the term plank but I class myself as a heli flyer). Once started and both airborne there was a really noticeable difference in performance between the two. Dales is fitted with a OS46LA, whilst mine has a West Eurotech 36 fitted. We both decided to go for height, (when I say height I mean the clouds were getting in the way) Dales climb rate was respectable but mine climbed like a homesick angel. After a few attempts at getting it to flatspin & some low inverted circuits I was out of fuel, so was forced to land and get the next model out.

The next candidate was a Century Predator Gasser which has had one previous flight. The beauty of petrol powered models is that they are cheap to run & there is no starting equipment required. The previous flight was used to set the model and engine up correctly. After a few tweaks to the engine I was happy with the way she was running I thought we would do a few gentle circuits with a couple of stall turns thrown in for good measure. I must say this is probably the most stable model in the hover I have ever flown. I landed, then passed the controls to Dale for a quick play. He also loved how stably it flew.

The amount of fun you can have with an electric Zagi is amazing. This model is so much fun and so unbreakable, I found myself doing the silliest of things with it. Like skimming across the strip with the prop clipping the grass on its way through, stalling it from up high and seeing who could get the highest bounce when it hit the deck!
Who cares, the chances of breaking it are near nil.

Thats how we continued for the rest of the evening.... until we remembered that to fly in the dark - which i used to do on a regular basis - you need 'glow sticks'.

So, back to the shop to unload all the models - we both commented on what a great evenings flying it was, probably one of the best this year - we are not trying to tempt fate or anything, but are now charging everything in sight ready for another evening of fun.

One of the best things you can invest in is a fast charger - perfect for those last minute decisions to go flying, we have all put a lot of miles on my poor old ripmax fast charger.

Rod

Rod Shoveller is a serious radio controlled models addict. He refers to himself as a heli flyer, though he has experience across a wide range of types of RC models. Not only does he fly, drive and steer them, he also builds and repairs them. He can be found at www.elitemodelsonline.co.uk or at the Elite Model Shop in Canterbury, Kent, UK.

Las Vegas Helicopter Tour the flight of a lifetime

2008-07-16T02:42:00.000-07:00

For more free Las Vegas articles feel free to go to: http://www.lasvegashotelandcasinoreview.com

Shooting Arrows at Helicopters: A Survivor Story

2008-07-07T23:42:00.000-07:00

Theres a certain unpredictability to resilient survivors also because of these many traits and the optimism.

James Caan's character counters: "How can you expect to beat someone who will shoot an arrow at a helicopter?"

So off you go then, and shoot those arrows at those helicopters, if need be. Youll keep em guessing, and likely come out ahead.

Take A Hawaii Helicopter Tour!

2008-07-01T03:41:00.000-07:00

A Hawaii helicopter tour is one of the most unforgettable
experiences you'll have on your trip to Hawaii. An hour or
two spent above some of the planet's most captivating
landscape sears itself into your memory for years to come. A
Hawaii helicopter tour is both safe and stupendous!

Some of the sights you'll encounter aloft on your Hawaii
helicopter tour include of course Hawaii's spectacular
volcanoes, Haleakala, Kilauea and the Pu'u O'o Vent. If
you're lucky you'll see lava flows! Other great sights seen
from above include Hana's spectacular rain forests and
waterfalls, lush sugar cane and pineapple fields, pristine
valleys and remote inaccessible rain forests. Relax in the
comfort of your seat while you view and listen as your guide
gives you all the details on state-of-the-art sound systems,
allowing you to concentrate on all the beauty below! Videos
are usually available to impress your friends back home, as
they'd never believe this if you simply told it to them!

There are several fine Hawaii helicopter tour companies that
will take reservations and offer you all the amenities
you'll require. Some of these companies include Hawaii
Helicopters, Maui Air, Alex Air, Pacific Wings, Volcano Air
Tours, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Sunshine Helicopters and
others. Some tours are as short as 30 minutes, to as
long as 3 hours, and run from $100-$500 depending of course
on the tour and times you choose. Do yourself a favor and
book a Hawaii helicopter tour on your next Hawaii vacation.
You'll be glad you did!
Keith Thompson is the webmaster at
Vacation-Directory.com, where you can find many resources
for your href=">Hawaii'>http://www.hawaii-vacation-%20%3Cbr%3Edirectory.com/index.html">Hawaii vacation Come by and
see how to get your own slice of paradise!