Helicopter Course

Learn how to ace the Helicopter Course in Grand Theft Auto V! Get tips on controls, speed, and navigating tricky checkpoints for Gold.

Alright, so you've decided to tackle the Helicopter Course in Grand Theft Auto V. This isn't like flying planes at all; helicopters have their own unique feel, and it can be pretty wild at first. To snag that Gold medal, you'll need to be quick but also super precise, knowing exactly when to nudge the nose down for speed and when to ease off to nail those checkpoints.

Seriously, pay close attention to the arrows in the checkpoints. You've got to look ahead and get a feel for how the helicopter moves so you can make adjustments *before* you even reach the marker. It's a bit unwieldy sometimes, so give yourself time to get used to it.

Preparation and managing your altitude are key here. If you keep the nose dipped, you'll drop like a stone, so keep that accelerator button mashed to stay airborne. If you need to change height, just ease off the control stick for a moment to let the heli level out. Then you can pitch it up or down and adjust your altitude as needed.

You'll also want to get comfy using the rear rotor control along with the main stick. This combo lets you make much tighter turns, which is crucial for dodging buildings or other obstacles.

The big headaches are the bridges, especially when checkpoints force you right through the middle supports. Slow it down a bit and keep the nose steady. Honestly, try to avoid going *under* bridges if you can – it gets super tight in there, and one wrong move can ruin your whole run.

The toughest part is definitely when you enter the city and have to weave through skyscrapers. Don't yank the helicopter around too much. Keep your eyes glued to where you're going and anticipate the next checkpoint so you're not making frantic, last-second corrections. If you see a sharp left turn coming up, give yourself some extra height because the next checkpoint is often perched on top of a tall building.

Finally, you'll need to adjust your altitude to match the checkpoints on the way back to the helipad. You have to land it perfectly – landing even a few feet off won't count, and you'll waste precious time. If you do miss the mark, don't panic. Just gently lift off a tiny bit and nudge it into the right spot. But hey, nailing it on the first try feels way better!

Medal Times

• Bronze: 03:45
• Silver: 03:15
• Gold: 02:40