Copter ride gives a bird’s eyeview

Appala Naidu (56) is a daily wage-earner from Palasa in Srikakulam district. He had but one dream: to fly. He came to Rajahmundry for the Godavari Maha Pushkaram with Rs. 7,000 in his pocket, his entire savings from a life of labour. Little did he know that the Pushkaram will make his dream come true at long last. During his trips to the bathing ghats, he chanced upon a notice board advertising Pawan Hans’ helicopter joyrides over the river. The ride costs a pretty penny for a daily wager like him: Rs. 1999 for a 10-minute flight.
He jumped at it. “I thoroughly enjoyed myself. This is enough for my life,” he exulted as he got off the bird on Thursday.
Mr. Naidu was one of the 108 people who signed up the joyride in Pawan Hans’s six-seater helicopter, which started its operations on Wednesday. On the very second day, the helicopter rides have proved popular with the pilgrims who, after having performed their rituals, are looking for some excitement. There were 110 bookings till afternoon on Wednesday and the number was expected to go up to 180 by evening.
Mr. Maneesh Rokade, deputy general manager of Pawan Hans, said the response has been good on day one and two. The copter service has permission to to operate up to three choppers depending on the number of riders. Until the number reaches 200 Pawan Hans will operate just one chopper. The ride starts from the GIET Engineering College in Rajanagaram, which is about 14 km from Rajahmundry. The APSRTC has arranged buses to take pilgrims to Rajanagaram.