Gramma Kay's Bucket List

Is one item shorter...

"I want to ride in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon. Will you come with me?" asked my sainted mother.

How could I say no?

So on Sunday, February 15th, 2015, Mom and I boarded our "once-in-a-lifetime" helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. We flew with Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters. They're an extremely efficient and confidence-inspiring outfit that seem to go out of their way to hire First Peoples. I recommend them highly.

The helicopter was a Eurocopter EC130. It was very comfortable and the view from the front seat  was awesome! Our Canadian acquaintences (two farming couples from Ottawa, eh!) in the back seat seemed very impressed as well.

Our pilot's name was Logan. He looked to be about 18 years old, but he has over 2000 hrs in rotors and has been flying commercial for four years (at Papillon for two). He trained and was an instructor pilot at Guidance Aviation, here in Prescott, rather than at Embry-Riddle.

The flight was mostly level, with one 1,000 foot climb at the North Rim, and a couple banking turns. Logan only warned us not to fall out on one of them.

My pictures from the helicopter are no better than those you've seen a thousand times. The treat was to be over the canyon...

The very best part of the whole day was listening to my 78 year mother giggle like a giddy school girl about her flight.

I love being her son...