VALDOSTA — Sight seeing, pilot training, aerial photography and more are now available at the Valdosta Regional Airport, thanks to a brand new business.

Vertical Solutions, Inc. helicopter services has been in operation for about two weeks here, and has already trained its first new pilot. The company also boasts the youngest certified flying instructor (CFI) in the U.S.

Don Staten and his 18-year-old son, Justin, have been flying fixed wing aircraft for years. Originally from South Georgia, the Statens lived in north Georgia for years before returning this year so that Justin could start his freshman year at Valdosta State University.

“I was fixed wing rated in 2007, and became a CFI this year,” said Justin.

“He did his first solo at 7 hours, and I did mine at 10 hours,” said Don. “He’s a natural at this. I think it’s because of all the computer skills he has. Kids today have so much better hand/eye coordination.”

The father and son pilots can teach others to fly a helicopter, give sightseeing rides for one or two people, assist area law enforcement, or take photographers up for aerial shots.

The pair have been flying helicopters for about a year. Don said it’s been a lifelong dream for him, and “I’m hooked on them. If you train in one, it’s addictive. They’re more fun to fly than a plane because you can fly lower and slower. There’s glass all around you, so you are more aware of the ground, and if you see something, you can stop and take a look.”

Helicopters can set down just about anywhere it’s safe to land, as long as they have the landowner’s permission and are not endangering anyone. Don said helicopters are also much safer to fly. “If it quits, you can safely set it down.”

While most pilots can transition to a helicopter with relative ease, with about 10 hours of flying, Don said the longer they’ve been flying airplanes, the harder it is to teach them. “Their habits are so fixed, and everything works differently. Airplanes want to fly, but you have to make a helicopter fly. Everything is working at the same time, and it requires more dexterity.”

The rate for the service is $325 per hour, which includes the pilot. Licensed helicopter pilots can rent it to fly themselves for $280 an hour.

Vertical Solutions has just one helicopter right now, but the Statens are planning on growing the business and adding more, including a larger one that can take four passengers.

“There are so many applications for this, from checking out forest fires to helping law enforcement with an escapee. The airport said they’ve wanted a helicopter service for years, so they’re glad we’re here too!”