Who’s ready to discover AirVenture from a helicopter? Pat is, along with photo ace Jim Koepnick. Five solid minutes of roll, pitch and yaw, C’mon! We rode with Bell 47 Helicopter Rides from their base at Pioneer Airport.  Flying in the Bell 47, aka the M*A*S*H* helicopter, is the thrill of a lifetime.

  • Yes, you need to run to + from the aircraft, bent halfway over!  
  • Yes, your pilot will turn so sharply that you’ll be looking over your shoulder at the ground straight below!
  • Yes, you’ll feel the chump-chump-chump of the rotor directly overhead!
  • Yes, you’ll sign your life away with long time AirVenture volunteer Cindee Schneider, tell her Jim + Pat sent you

Here’s what you need to know: Bell 47 rides are quite popular; a 3-hour wait is not unusual. The Pitcairn Hanger is a nice, shady spot to wait. Rides are $70 per person, and the Bell has room for two + pilot.

Bell 47 Helicopter Rides is open 7:30am - 2:25pm daily until Saturday, then 11am - 2:25pm Sunday. (the hours show on website are outdated–it’s not 5pm!)