Papillon Choppers is the largest supplier of Grand Canyon helicopter excursions. The organization offers journeys to the West Rim and the South Rim. I've traveled Papillon to both places. Here's my no-nonsense report on my West Rim getaway.

I reserved the most comprehensive trip Papillon offers. It incorporated a descent to the bottom, a 30-minute Grand Canyon smooth-water float getaway, and passes to the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge.

The excursion features free resort pick up and drop off. My driver came by exactly as scheduled as well as got me to the heliport early. I picked a morning flight for optimum visibility. I also upgraded my chopper to an EcoStar 130. It is a larger aircraft and features theater-style seating. Additionally it is a smoother, quieter journey and comes with wraparound windows.

I hit the sky along with five other thrilled passengers. Maximum occupancy in helis is six people. I'm 6'-4" and had plenty of leg room. I wasn't squishing my fellow passenger as well. Each of us had our own personal headset. It can be used to listen to a pre-recorded excursion narration (interpreted into 10 languages!) or chat with your aviator and other passengers.

The flight took us above magnificent Lake Mead, the iconic Hoover Dam, and the brand new Hoover Dam Bypass. Helis fly at a lower altitude compared to airplanes. The aerial sights were extraordinary. Our pilot was kind enough for taking "long way" over Hoover Dam before making a beeline to the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon West was before us. Our pilot enthusiastically told us to prepare for the 4,000-foot descent to the base. Unreal. It was basically a canyon carve among cliffs, buttes, and spires. 10 minutes later we landed at the base. My bundle included a brunch (delicious!). I walked along the Colorado River as well as boarded one of the huge pontoon rafts.

This is really a smooth-water float tour. That implies there are no rapids. I'm happy I brought sunscreen plus a hat. It had been hot plus I'm light-skinned. The raft trip was incredibly tranquil. The view from the water is magnificent. My guide was a walking field guide regarding the canyon plus had been the first to detect one of the region's uncommon Big Horn Sheep.

On board our Papillon Heli, we made the ascent to the top (similarly thrilling as the descent) and got out on the landing strip near the Grand Canyon Skywalk. I'm a big fan of the glass walkway. Everyone's got an opinion about this attraction. I for one cherished it and think you cannot leave Sin City without experiencing it.

There had been a bit of a crowd. I turned up my iPod and time flew. The glass deck, the sections of which are reported to have cost more than $250,000 each, takes you 70 feet beyond the border of the rim! It's completely safe. The bridge was engineered to aid 800 individuals in the course of an earthquake with 100 MPH winds! I viewed down. My stomach tightened. Below some 4,000 feet was the Colorado I had just rafted (it appeared like a ribbon).

On the journey back to Las Vegas, we had another chance to view the Lake as well as the Dam. The climate was beautiful that day and out came the cameras. All round, this Papillon Helicopter's journey receives two thumbs up. You get a real sense that you've "done" the canyon, which, amazingly, was accomplished in simply 1 day! If you are considering flying the West Rim, definitely consider going with Papillon.