After my first helicopter journey as a wheelchair consumer in 2018, I set my sights on future helicopter sightseeing excursions with much more breathtaking views. My newest helicopter tour befell in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and it might be the world’s finest. Unforgettable views of Rio de Janeiro vacationer points of interest together with Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Seashore, Sugarloaf Mountain and extra await.

Making ready for a wheelchair accessible helicopter tour in Rio de Janeiro

Having carried out some preliminary analysis on-line, I made a decision to guide a tour with Rio2Fly, the biggest helicopter tour firm in Rio de Janeiro.

I known as/texted the Rio2Fly group, described that I’m a wheelchair consumer, and would wish assist transferring into the helicopter. They agreed to assist and promised to take care of my energy wheelchair throughout the flight (since it could be left behind).

Rio2Fly operates a wide range of excursions, however I chosen the #Errejota Flight, which lasts about half-hour and takes passengers to many of the metropolis’s high sights. The price of this flight is 799 BRL, or about $155 USD. So far as helicopter rides go, this one really provides great bang on your buck.

Attending to (and transferring into) the helicopter

On the day of my flight, I used to be staying on the Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro resort, one of the accessible inns in Rio de Janeiro, which is situated within the Barra da Tijuca district — solely a couple of 25 minute taxi journey from Rio2Fly’s hangar.

Upon arrival to the hangar, I used to be requested to finish some paperwork and launch types. Whereas I awaited my scheduled flight time of 4:30 p.m., I ordered a drink from the onsite concession stand. When it was time to go, workers led me a brief distance, maybe 200 yards, to the helicopter. The opposite (nondisabled) passengers have been transported to the helipad in a golf cart.

As a result of Rio2Fly makes use of the Robinson R-44 helicopter, which I had ridden twice beforehand, I knew that an accessible switch could be doable.

I requested to sit down within the entrance seat, not just for the higher views, however as a result of there’s extra room to execute a switch. The Robinson R-44’s doorways could be simply eliminated and reattached, and workers did this to supply for a safer switch. The switch was made simpler due to my top adjustable Permobil F3 energy wheelchair, which raised me a full 12 inches and making me primarily degree with the helicopter seat.

Whereas I used to be capable of help in my very own switch from the wheelchair to the helicopter, workers braced me to make sure that I didn’t fall. Sooner or later, I might think about bringing a slide board to supply for a further degree of security, and to make the method simpler on myself and people serving to me. After boarding, the door was reattached, I buckled the seat harness, donned my headset and we have been off!

Time to fly: Gorgeous views from a wheelchair accessible helicopter tour in Rio de Janeiro

Moments after departure from the Rio2Fly base, we have been handled with beautiful views of the Brazilian shoreline, seashores and the South Atlantic Ocean.

The 4:30 p.m. departure time was supreme, because the solar was low sufficient on the horizon to not disturb the view, and a fantastic blue sky served as a backdrop to what many consider is South America’s most lovely metropolis.

The helicopter handed by various the inns I’ve stayed at beforehand, together with the Grand Hyatt, Sheraton Grand and JW Marriott. We additionally flew alongside and over the enduring seashores of Ipanema and Copacabana.

The star of the present, after all, was the enduring Christ the Redeemer statue, which towers over the town of Rio de Janeiro. Cloud cowl barely obstructed the view, however the helicopter pilot circled the statue a number of instances looking for a clearer perspective.

The third move was really the appeal, as I used to be capable of snap a photograph of the statue away from cloud cowl within the foreground. As a result of the highest degree of the statue’s viewing platform isn’t wheelchair accessible (it’s accessed by escalator and a stairway), this was as shut as I might get to Cristo Redentor throughout my journey.

After seeing the statue up shut, it was time to return to base. With the solar starting to set behind the encircling mountains, the shoreline views grew to become all of the extra putting.

Remaining Ideas

My helicopter tour of Rio de Janeiro was really marvelous. I’m an aviation geek, so this possible gained’t be my final time above the clouds in a whirlybird — however this tour was magical, a very memorable expertise that will likely be arduous to beat.

Rio2Fly did a unbelievable job in assembly my accessibility wants. Their willingness to help with transfers from my wheelchair and the care proven by their workers all through the journey permits me to confidently suggest Rio2Fly on your accessible helicopter tour in Rio de Janeiro. Take off and benefit from the view!

If you happen to might take just one helicopter tour in your lifetime, which vacation spot would you choose? Is Rio de Janeiro the perfect helicopter view on the earth? Let me know your ideas within the feedback beneath!