The two helicopter trainers were once real flying helicopters. They were MD-500 helicopters just like the one flown by the Mesa Police Department. Both helicopters were grounded because of problems. They were taken apart and reassembled on a special platform. The main rotor blades and the tail boom were shortened so they would fit into the room.

At this center students will meet with a retired Boeing employee who will teach the students how a helicopter works and how to fly one. Students will sit in the cockpit and take an imaginary flight.

 

The Salk helicopter trainer.	A Desert Sages retiree teaches kids about the helicopter.
The cockpit of the Lowell helicopter.	A closer look at the cockpit.
The Lowell helicopter ready for action.	This is what both helicopters looked like before they came to the Flight Centers.