Taking to the sky in style

Taking to the sky in styleScenic flights at Langstrand a hit Bateleur Helicopters from Swakopmund made many people's dreams of flying come true this festive season. Flying in a helicopter or plane is prohibitively expensive for most Namibians, but the dream of flying lives in the hearts of many.

For children, flying for the first time can be the experience of a lifetime - something that parents who are able to, such as Andre Augustyn, treat their children to.

“It was amazing, I want to do it again,” seven-year-old Lehan Augustyn said as he, his younger brother Vian and their dad stepped out of a helicopter at Langstrand on Wednesday. Scenic flights along Long Beach (Langstrand) and the surrounding dunes are offered by Bateleur Helicopters from Swakopmund. A 20-minute trip for three people costs N$880 per person.

Four-year-old Vian said, “I was a bit scared but then it got interesting as we flew higher.”

The Augustyn family live in Swakopmund and Andre decided to treat his sons this holiday season.

He said it is important that children are exposed to a variety of things so that they can choose careers or just hobbies.

“I want my sons to experience flying while young so that they do not have a fear of heights.

It is also good for Lehan, who aspires to be a pilot,” Andre said.

Andre said some parents are reluctant to expose children to some things in life, but as long as they are safe, he won't hesitate to introduce them to things out of the ordinary.

“I am the kind of father who chooses to expose my kids to anything that is to their benefit.”

He acknowledged that flying in a helicopter could be risky, but decided to do it with the boys because “life itself is risky”.

The trio flew 500 feet high at a speed of 100 kilometres per hour.

Swakopmund resident Yolande Weber, 32, flew for the first time at Langstrand on Wednesday.

“I do not fear flying; I just never made time for flying. I was a little anxious at first, but it passed and I enjoyed the trip,” she said.

Helicopter owner Gunter Heimstadt said he enjoys seeing the smiles on his customers' faces as they return to earth.

“It is good to see Namibians and tourists enjoying the flights,” he said.

According to Heimstadt, a helicopter such as his costs between N$6 and N$8 million.

“A business like this can have a running cost of N$5 000 an hour,” he told Nampa.

-Nampa



PAULUS SHIKU