Flying is a lot like having a staring contest: even with utter concentration, you’ll never be better at it than birds. Go toe-to-beak with our winged companions with today’s Groupon to Pioneer Helicopters. Choose from the following options:

• For $90, you get a 15-minute helicopter tour for up to three people (a $180 value).
• For $180, you get a 30-minute helicopter tour for up three people (a $360 value).
• For $90, you get a 15-minute introduction-to-flight lesson with 15-minute ground school (a $180 value).
  
  

Guided by experienced pilot Denton Honbeck, Pioneer Helicopters elevates customers to the stratosphere with tours and flight lessons that afford views of scenic Salem and the Willamette River. Before cutting through the sky in a comfortable Robinson R44 Raven II, prospective cloud climbers gather at Independence State Airport, where they meet their pilot and become familiar with flying procedures. Choppers weave their way through the air, offering breathtaking views of the Willamette River, South Salem Castle, sweeping vistas of vineyards, and a pterodactyl’s-eye view of crop circles.

Introductory flight students will start their aeronautic instruction on the ground with a tutorial on controls and safety procedures. After liftoff, students will get to try their hand at hovering the helicopter, balancing the nose, and navigating safely around the mysterious Willamette triangle before Denton resumes control to safely escape the pursuit of jealous B-52-equipped penguins and land the chopper. Although only one person can take the helm, up to two additional passengers are welcome along for the ride during lessons. Because of a 230-pound weight limit per passenger, most professional linemen and heavy sacks of potatoes will need to stay home.