HIBBING—One of the best ways to unearth a new interest or love of something is to give it a try.
That’s the thought process behind discovery flights—experiences Lake Superior Helicopters was offering at Range Regional Airport (RRA) on Saturday.
Those interested in taking to the skies had the option of flying in either a Cirrus SR-22 airplane or a Robinson R-44 Raven 1 helicopter. It was the first time Lake Superior Helicopters offered discovery flights at RRA.
“The purpose of this event was to engage future pilots and invite them into the world of aviation,” said Jenna Whiting, marketing intern for Lake Superior Helicopters. “Taking part in an exciting and memorable adventure offers a fresh perspective and a new way to experience the world.”
From buckling in to putting on a headset, to going through a thorough safety check and feeling the whisk of the wind once in the air, passengers got to see and feel the impact of a helicopter adventure.
Tour Pilot and CFI Flight Instructor Andy Post of Lake Superior Helicopters shared details of what he was doing as well as how the helicopter was handling. He has long had a passion for flying and enjoys sharing it with others, he said. His reward is seeing and hearing how passengers react.
During a quick ride with Post, we saw Hibbing Taconite, the City of Chisholm from afar, the City of Hibbing from above and much more. It was fun sighting landmarks and trying to orient oneself from that bird’s eye view. Plus, it was interesting to see how to operate and maneuver the aircraft.
Whiting said the one-day event was well received.
“The feedback was overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “After each discovery flight, the enthusiasm was palpable. Everyone left with broad smiles and a sense of awe, clearly thrilled by the experience.”
Lake Superior Helicopters offers pilot instruction, aircraft and facilities. One can become a professional pilot with them in under two years of training. Part of the aim of the one-day event was to highlight the program and attract new interest.
“The event was a great success,” said Whiting. “The team spent an entire day engaging with new students and were thrilled to see a growing interest in flying. The positive interactions and high level of enthusiasm from the participants were clear indicators that the event achieved its goals and made a significant impact.”
RRA Executive Director Barrett Ziemer jumped at the chance of RRA hosting discovery flight day.
“We were very excited to get the call and event offer from Eric Monson with Lake Superior Helicopters,” he said. “I took my first flight at HIB in 1991 and would like nothing better than to support an operator who would be willing to reintroduce flight instruction at HIB.”
Discovery Flights are available year-round at Lake Superior Helicopters’ Duluth location. For more about the professional pilot program, see www.lakesuperiorhelicopters.com/professional-pilot-program.
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