{"id":2151,"date":"2015-09-02T21:37:17","date_gmt":"2015-09-02T21:37:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.diningtraveler.com\/?p=2151"},"modified":"2015-11-10T23:02:58","modified_gmt":"2015-11-10T23:02:58","slug":"my-view-from-puerto-rico-helitours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diningtraveler.com\/2015\/09\/my-view-from-puerto-rico-helitours.html","title":{"rendered":"My view from Puerto Rico Helitours"},"content":{"rendered":"
Last time I was on a helicopter was 2005.\u00a0\u00a0 It was a hot summer day in Baghdad, Iraq.\u00a0 I strapped on my vest, helmet, and carried my sea bag and stepped into a PUMA (a British Helicopter) for a short hop to my C-130 that would take me out of the combat zone. Needless to say, I was not focused on the sights below. \u00a0Fast forward to 2015. \u00a0On a hot summer day in Puerto Rico<\/a>, I hopped on a helicopter\u00a0and this time it was for fun. \u00a0All about my\u00a0Puerto Rico Helitours<\/a>, a local company owned by Capt Carlos Benitez and his wife, Belkys Perez.<\/p>\n The scene:<\/strong> <\/em>\u00a0In pure Puerto Rican fashion, the scene was festive upon my arrival to the hangar. \u00a0I arrived as one of the students of Benitez Aviation\u00a0(Puerto Rico Helitours aviation school branch) had just completed his first solo flight. \u00a0The newly minted pilot was there with his family and Capt Benitez arranged for a small ceremony in order to celebrate his accomplishment. \u00a0This concluded with the traditional water bucket to the new pilot! \u00a0Although I had just met everyone, I felt like I was already part of the team!<\/p>\n The Experience:<\/strong> <\/em>\u00a0When I first heard the tour was only five minutes I wondered what I can possibly see in such a short period of time. \u00a0We hopped on the helicopter and Capt Benitez was quick to start sharing his “datos curiosos de la aviaci\u00f3n” (interesting aviation facts). \u00a0As we took off from Isla Grande Airport in San Juan, \u00a0I was in constant amazement of the views I got to see from above.<\/p>\n It was a clear summer afternoon as we took off. \u00a0First, we took in the views of El Condado Lagoon with views of the popular San Juan neighborhood. \u00a0From there, we continued on to Old San Juan beginning with views of Castillo San Cristobal and El Capitolio of Puerto Rico. \u00a0It was amazing to see these structures you grow up walking past from above. \u00a0As we continue to fly, I got to see the tiny colorful homes of Old San Juan against the bright blue Atlantic Ocean. \u00a0The most poignant view of the ride was El Morro. \u00a0The helicopter stood there for a few seconds for us to take in a long look at this symbol of Puerto Rican pride and for those who live away, nostalgia.<\/p>\n Practical Information:<\/strong> <\/em>\u00a0Although my “Made in Puerto Rico” tour was only five minutes long, Puerto Rico Helitours offers longer flights covering other areas throughout the island to include other areas of the island. \u00a0My tour cost $65 which I believe is a great price for such an unforgettable experience. \u00a0I am already thinking of which tour I want to take when I return to the island!<\/p>\n The Verdict:<\/strong> <\/em>\u00a0Imagine your cool older brother and his wife owned a helicopter and you got to take a ride. \u00a0That is how I felt on my tour with Puerto Rico Helitours. \u00a0I saw their energy and generosity not only with me but with the other guests at the hangar. You truly get the feel of family with this locally-owned business. \u00a0In a time where Puerto Rico gets bad press for their current government budget crisis, companies like these bring an air of positivity that the island currently needs. \u00a0Have you taken a helicopter tour before? Where did you go? What did you think? \u00a0Share with us!<\/p>\n<\/a>
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