Tucson's would-be pilots have another option for getting airborne.
Sonoran Wings Flight Training Centre at Tucson International Airport is adding helicopters to its fleet, which previously included only fixed-wing aircraft.
The aviation school brought on two Robinson R22 helicopters in mid-February and will add a Robinson R44 helicopter soon, said Jerry Williams, the school's general manager. Williams said he has wanted to add helicopters since the school opened in 2003.
The school, certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, offers numerous pilot certifications as well as an aircraft-controller academy, and the addition of helicopters makes the school's course offerings complete, he said.
"This makes us a full-service aviation center. If you want to learn something about aviation and flying, we've got it all," Williams said.
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The Robinson R22 is a small, two-seat helicopter primarily used for training and photo flights, and it costs about $280,000.
One of the school's new Robinson R22s was used to take the aerial photograph of the giant heart formed at the "Tucson Has Heart" event at Hi Corbett Field last month.
The larger Robinson R44 seats four people and will cost about $350,000.
The school also added a helicopter simulator to use in training pilots on the ground.
Williams said the school also will offer helicopter sightseeing tours and photography flights.
For more info
Sonoran Wings Flight Training Centre • Online: www.sonoran-wings.com • Call: 807-5900.