Air Tour of Sedona by Red Rock Helicopter Tours

In July 2008, Nate Hansen and his two sons flew with Red Rock Helicopter on a tour of the Sedona’s majestic red rock formations and ancient ruins. Nate is a well known writer in Sedona and sent this letter to Larry Brunner, owner of Red Rock Helicopter describing his sons and his experience. Enjoy reading ab out their trip.

Letter by Nate Hansen

August 4, 2008

Larry Brunner

Red Rock Helicopter

Sedona Airtours

Dear Mr. Bruhner,

Coming from a person who loves living by the seat of his pants, I find it difficult to describe how enjoyable it was to take a helicopter trip with Red Rock Helicopters of Sedona Airtours. But despite my lack of sufficient words, I think it’s important to share my feelings with you and your company on how it not only affected me positively but my eldest sons who joined me as well.

As a resident of the Verde Valley who works in Sedona, I empathize with people who think there isn’t anything for the average citizen to do. I understand that it appears we live in a seasonal area catering to tourism but it’s no excuse not to take full advantage of all the various adventures at peoples’ fingertips. I’ve seen the biplanes, the helicopters, the Jeeps, and the Hummers, all chocked full of people anxious to see destinations locals know by heart, but not until I boarded a helicopter with one of your finest pilots (also a Hansen) did I understand why.

Seconds into our flight, before lifting off Airport Mesa, I asked myself why people booked tours I found typical and called cliché. Moments later, my heart lifted and filled with euphoria. I could feel my eyes growing larger and smile broadening, and this all came from somebody who served as an U.S. Army flight medic aboard a UH-60 Blackhawk. Minutes into the flight, en route to Boyton Canyon and places I’ve only seen by ground, I understood clearly why people came to Sedona and specifically flew high above. The red rocks, as we continue to praise them, is a spectacular site when seen at any angle, but discovering their beauty and mystique from the sky adds an entirely new perspective. I can only compare it to what I know not of, and that’s ascending to heaven.

During the flight over Boyton Canyon, Secret Canyon, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, Broken Arrow, Bear Mountain, Red Canyon and all the intrinsic dwellings hidden between, I wanted to ask my sons how they were doing. I wanted to check up on them ensuring they were having a good time, but with one glance backward seeing them both leaning into a window and scanning the flora and fauna below I knew I need not say a word. When the flight was over, I didn’t care to hear anything; their smiles were enough. Then again, considering they’re my children, there’s no such thing as quiet.

My middle son, Jessen, is always the talkative one. To find him in a lull of speech is rare, if not impossible. Incredibly, from the time we were buckled into place and the rotors were well underway, he was quiet. Some might think it was fear, but I knew better. He was reflective to the point of admitting to me afterwards he never imagined the difference of some sites seen from the air. Eloquently as one can be as a twelve-year old, he finished the remaining days of his vacation asking aloud what I thought things looked like from above. It’s this type of thinking I hope he carries with him through life, keeping an open mind and never take things at face value.

My oldest son, Jordan, will be a sophomore this year. His ambition beyond high school is to make it into the U.S. Air Force Academy where he hopes to graduate and become an aviator. Being in a helicopter for the first time not only granted him the sensation of flight, but the luxury of knowing if being a pilot was what he truly wanted in life. Since the flight I can happily say, he has kept his head in the clouds steadfast to learn. Though I would support my son no matter what he chose to do (within reason), I can’t thank you enough for not only being a company giving tours but honing a pursuit for happiness and desire. For Jordan, the flight wasn’t just a summer tour with dad, it was an education and a gift he will cherish forever. It may just be the start of a wonderful relationship with the skies.

All in all, I want to thank you for an amazing time. I found the opportunity to take what people consider a tour with their family and discovered it to be almost a necessary part of living in this region. From the second I stepped into Sedona Airtours’ doors until buying a souvenir at check out, my sons and I were treated and respected like family. I will never again of making the mistake of looking skyward and thinking of commercial business but instead wholesome entertainment and quality fun. Thank you so very much for all you’ve done and continue to do.

Yours truly,

Nate Hansen