Helicopter Ride
As part of a new recruitment drive for prospective students to the Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, we are offering visitors a free ride in a helicopter to see the sights of Aberystwyth from the air. They get a six minute ride and their friends and family can pay a small fee to join in as well.
This week was the first visit day with the helicopter and we couldn’t have asked for better weather, a nice sunny frosty morning with no wind……perfect. There were a few spare places which were offered to staff and not one to turn down an oportunity I decided to have a go.
I had a few concerns: I don’t like heights and can get travel sick. Also 6 minutes didn’t seem like a very long time for £15 (yes, it;s only the prospective students who get it ifor free!). Anyway, off we set and after a safety talk from the friendly groundstaff we were all aboard. They placed us in the helicopter by weight so no choice over who had the front seat….I’m glad it wasn’t me! Then we were off, over Morrisons and around the side of Pen Dinas to the sea. Down the coast with lovely views of Borth, the Llyn Peninsular, Ireland with snow on all the hills. Up to about 1000ft, travelling at 90 miles an hour apparently, a quick wave to Morgan at nursery by the cliff railway before we came back over the campus then to the landing site.
6 minutes was plenty of time. Not rushed at all and lots to see. I was in the middle seat in the back and didn’t think I’d see much but had brilliant views on all sides. Well worth it and a good trip had by all.
I would highly recommend it and hope the students making the trip here think it is worth it. I’m sure once they have been to Aber there will be no keeping them away, afterall Alan and I came to Aber in 1994/1995 and we’re still here and not planning on going anywhere soon!
http://www.aber.ac.uk/biology/prospective/intro.html
http://www.helicharterwales.com/index.htm
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6 minutes was plenty of time. ! Maybe for you – for people in the area it’s a dredful imposition on our enjoymnet of this otherwise peaceful area – the noise of helicopters is not what we moved here for – so why ask others to come and spoil it for us!
Sorry to hear you feel like that. Personally I think anything to attract prospective students is a good idea, it’s what Aberystywth thrives on. I’m sure a day of helicopter noise is preferable to fewer students meaning fewer jobs, fewer shops, etc.
I know for a fact my son’s nursery was well entertained watching hte helicopter fly overhead all morning.
Maybe it is a little bit noisy but no more than the general traffic noise around town and only for a morning.
It’s also a pity you don’t feel confindent in your views and feel you have to remain anonymous.