Happy Valley is well known for its surrounding natural beauty. Its rolling hills and mountains, lined with luscious green trees that crowd the mountainsides. Its numerous lakes and streams are some of the most pristine you will find. Even when the weather is stormy, it’s a wonder to see the clouds roll in over the mountains in the distance.
Most of the residents and visitors are used to looking up at the mountains and standing alongside the lakes and streams. Yet, while we are constantly engaged with the beauty, perhaps we take it for granted because it’s always the same view.
Well, what if you could have a different view? A view where you would be looking down and not up at this splendid central Pennsylvania haven. And a view where you wouldn’t simply see one area, but all of it at once.
Well, you’re in luck. There are three different companies in the Centre County region that take guests up, up and away through theskies over Happy Valley and deliver astonishing views. In addition, these three companies, Skydive Happy Valley, The Sky’s the Limit Ballooning and Pine Bottom Aviation, offer a diverse selection of ways to soar through the sky.
Skydive Happy Valley
If you’re looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush, look no further than Skydive Happy Valley. You’ll get a birds-eye view of LionCountry when you and your instructor jump out of the plane at about 10,000 feet. The adrenaline rush kicks in as you hit terminal velocity (125mph) during 35 seconds of freefall before your chute opens and steers through the sky for 5 minutes before landing.
Skydive Happy Valley’s instructors are certified by the United States Parachute Association and have combined experience of more than 9,000 jumps. For a fee, your skydive be recorded, so you can share your experience with friends and family.
There are certain restrictions that must be followed. Skydive Happy Valley’s website states that participants must be at least 18years of age and weigh no more than 235 pounds. Skydive Happy Valley is based out of the Mifflin County Airport, just 30 minutes from the StateCollege Area. For more information visit SkydiveHappyValley.com
For those who are looking for a more tranquil way to get a birds-eye view of the Valley, The Sky’s
The Limit Ballooning is the perfect option. Gather your closest friends and family and step into the basket of a hot air balloon. Then enjoy the slow lift up off the groundand ascent into the Happy Valleyskies more than 3,000 feet above ground.
The Sky’s The Limit offers trips to the sky year-round with the exceptions of several weather conditions. Balloons do not fly in rain, fog, snow or wind above six miles per hour according to The Sky’s The Limit’s website.
At The Sky’s The Limit, its name says it all. There is no limit as to where you may soar through the skies. There is also no telling where you may end up once the balloon rises and begins to float majestically through the wind stream of Happy Valley. But don’t worry, to ensure a return to the premises, a recovery vehicle follows underneath the balloon and transports the guests back after the ride is over.
The flights last for one hour but the entire trip can take three to four hours. The balloons travel anywhere from two to 15 miles depending on wind speed and direction. Safety precautions are always in procedure before the flight. According to its website, before each flight, the pilot will call for a full weather briefing to determine any weather patterns that could be dangerous. Also, the website says no more than four people can ride in the basket at the same time. Paballoonrides.com
Pine Bottom Aviation
The third way to see Happy Valley from Above is by Pine Bottom Aviation’s helicopter tours.
Buckle up inside an R44 Raven II Helicopter and settle in for one of Pine Bottom’s 30-minute tours that leave from the Altoona/Blair County Airport.
Pine Bottom has been providing helicopter tours since 2006, and during that time has provided 135 charter services and tour flights as well as supporting the local aerial photography and film market.
There’s three members on staff including one certified flightinstructor pilot with 15 years of experience. Guests can choose wherever they would like to fly but popular spots to fly over include Raystown Lake, and the Blue Knob Ski Resort Area. Tours can be extended for additional times if the passengers choose to do so.
As is the case with Skydive Happy Valley and The Sky’s the Limit, weather is a factor in the availability of flights. The helicopters offer a maximum capacity of three people per flight.
Owner Dan Lipko, says often what customers enjoy the most about the tours is: “being able to view the Raystown region from a low level spectacular view afforded from a helicopter.”
To reserve a space, guests should schedule a tour at least one to two weeks in advance.For more information about Pine Bottom Aviation’s charter helicopter rides or tours, visit pinebottomaviation.com
For more information go to: Happy Valley
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