Maverick Choppers is a Vegas-based air trip organization that runs flights to the West Rim and also the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Not long ago I experienced the satisfaction of flying them to Grand Canyon West from Las Vegas, NV. Here's a review of my journey:

Maverick is a top quality provider of heli tours. They pride themselves on quality and customer support. I investigated them on several trustworthy travel message boards. Customers unanimously praised their experience. Definitely an excellent sign.

Maverick Helicopters has a lot of great trips to select from, ranging from canyon sunset flights and smooth-water rafting outings to Grand Canyon Skywalk tickets and Valley of Fire flyovers. I reserved an all-inclusive tour called the Wind Dancer. It flies to the bottom part of the Grand Canyon.

One thing that separates Maverick Air Tours from the group is the position of its heliport. It is conveniently located on the south end of the Vegas Strip. Transfer from resort to the heliport takes a few minutes. Plus, by virtue of its location, all Maverick flights include flying above the Las Vegas Strip.

The company's fleet of choppers is comprised totally of EcoStar 130 aircraft. The EcoStar's cabin is 25 % bigger than the average heli's. The additional space means theater-style seats and plenty of leg-and-elbow room. Additionally, it sports a 180-degree wraparound windshield and a Fenestron tail rotor that reduces noise. Travelers get their personal earphones. This lets you plug in to the digital communication system and listen to a excursion narration or talk with the aviator as well as the other travelers.

The trip over was amazing. The West Rim is a 45-minute flight from Maverick's terminal. The flight path takes you directly over stunning Lake Mead, iconic Hoover Dam, and the new Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge. Helis fly at a lower altitude as compared to planes so the bird's eye view you will get of the Dam is extraordinary.

Our West Rim approach was spectacular. I could notice the Grand Canyon glass bridge dazzling underneath the desert sun. The 4,000-foot descent will take you through three periods of geological time before landing. Maverick's dirt landing strip was near the Colorado River. It's humbling to think that this river single-handedly made the Grand Canyon. I got out of my reverie and joined everyone else in the group for a Champagne picnic.

Our pilot offered to direct us regarding the base (we were also free to explore on our own). I chose to go out with him. I'm glad I did so. Otherwise I would have had my head stuck in my guidebook. Maverick also offers a chopper excursion that allows you to prolong a bottom landing with a rafting excursion down the Colorado.

The return flight is terrific. We re-visited Lake Mead as well as Hoover Dam after which deviated north and strafed the Valley of Fire. This area is comprised of vibrant orange sandstone. It's a an unique place and I've never quite witnessed anything like it. One traveler said it reminded him of Moab, Utah.

Our descent took us over the Vegas Strip. This is yet another one of those Maverick perks. We hovered over the skyline. To my left, I observed the the MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood, Paris, the Wynn and much more. Back on the ground, I opted to buy my excursion on DVD. The quality is excellent and helps make the perfect souvenir.

Pick Maverick Helicopters if you are looking for a top quality Grand Canyon helicopter excursion from Vegas. The customer support is five-star. The aircraft are totally modern. And also the quality of the excursion is peerless. Save money by booking their trips on the internet. I did and I know for a fact that I nipped off 20%. A visit to Vegas is not complete without a West Rim helicopter journey. So do it in style. Do it with Maverick.