I had just typed in the web address for Vertiport Chicago VIP Helicopter Tours (www.vertiportviptours.com). Was a little nervous as the mouse hovered over the "BOOK ONLINE NOW" button because I'd never been in a helicopter. Oh, what the heck, let's do this.
I would like to start off with, the helicopter tour was AWESOME! So we arrived 40 minutes prior to our Scheduled Tour time as instructed. There were two of us taking the "Windy City 12-15 Minute Tour". I'd like to first point out that Vertiport Chicago is a beautiful brand new facility located near UIC. As you walk into Vertiport Chicago, they designed the facility with large open spaces, comfortable couches, and multiple areas for keeping your group together. We checked in at the front counter and were given a tablet to complete the usual standard Signed Waivers. Once that was compete, we gave the tablets back and the Customer Service Rep had us stand on scales to be weighed. There is a 250 lbs. limit for each seat on the helicopter. After weighing us in, we waited for the other people to complete their check in process.
Walking out to the helicopter was a treat. We exited the facility onto the ramp and there she was. Picture time! I kinda felt like yelling "Geht toh da chahpper!" The helicopter itself is brand new and still has that new helicopter smell. After opening the doors and sitting down, we were instructed on how to put on our seat belts and were asked to grab a headphone/mic. It was pretty cool seeing the pilot start the rotors and other computer screens on the dashboard. After you put the headphones on, the noise cancelling really kicks in and it becomes pretty peaceful. We moved from our block in position to the helipad and then took off for the big blue.
Lift off was very smooth. As we climbed into the air, I was excited to see the city landscape from a whole new perspective. It was a perfectly clear day and we could see for miles. The clouds seemed to encourage us by being far away but, beautifully painted into the eastern sky. We were told by the pilot that U.S. Cellular Field was scratched off the list because there was a White Sox game in progress. hehe Didn't care because my Cubs are a shoe in for a Wild Card position. Yes, baseball in September is good. We flew directly at Willis Tower and got there pretty quick. Hovered for a second and admired the view, then passed it on the south side. Right over Buckingham Fountain, we turned north and followed the coast line to the John Hancock Center. As we waved to the people having dinner in the John Hancock's Signature Room at the 95th it was cool to know that our view from the cockpit was even better than theirs. I have to say, a helicopter ride over Chi-town is mighty spectacular! As we approached Wrigley Field, all the construction seemed pretty far away from that high up. We circled Wrigley and then turned back towards the Trump Tower. It was pretty neat having the Aon Center, the Trump Tower, and Willis Tower all in your field of view and reaching up from the ground to your position in the sky. With the sun setting in the west, we headed back to Vertiport Chicago. Seemed like the perfect aerial tour was coming to a close. The only sad part was landing and getting off the helicopter.
For anyone wanting to see Chicago from the sky, I definitely recommend taking a ride with Vertiport Chicago VIP Tours! read more