Alaska State Fair visitors with no flying experience can take control of a helicopter through a challenge offered by Caster Aviation. For $25, anyone over the age of 16 can participate after watching a short safety video.
The pilot will take the helicopter off the ground, and once it's stable allow you to take control. The challenge is to hover over a 40-foot area for two minutes. If you succeed, your name will be entered in a drawing for five hours of helicopter instruction.
One participant says it's a whole different flying experience.
“This is a lot more challenging than fixed-wing (aircraft), and I think it's exciting -- I can see myself doing this more often,” said Anchorage resident Tamar Vartanian.
Caster Aviation says so far, only eight people are in the drawing for the prize. Its helicopter is located by the fair’s Purple Gate.
Contact Christine Kim at ckim@ktuu.com
