Hi Guys,

Finally I had a chance to try the helicopter service between Helsinki and Tallinn, with the tempting summer price EUR 49 one way.
The Finnish Copterservice Ltd operates the route between the capital cities with two Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters, two pilots and max 12 passengers on board, max cruise speed 306km/h. The route is operated up to 14x daily, the flying time is 20 minutes.

http://www.copterline.com/page54_en.html



18th August 2008Helsinki EFHE 12:00 - EECC Tallinn 12:20
Copterline Agusta Westland AW139 OH-HCR
Seat 2B

Our little trip started in my neighbourhood in the Southern-Helsinki, not far from the heliport:


In both cities the Copterservice terminals are located next to the city centers by the sea. Outside the Helsinki terminal looks more like a little bus station, but it has everything needed: a check in area, a security screening and a passenger lounge, with free (modest) refreshments.
The check in was very fast, there were only three passengers on this flight. I had only my back bag with me, which I could take to the cabin. I was told the maximum luggage weight is 10 kg/person.

The Helsinki EFHE passenger lounge:



Here you can try the seat:


My boarding pass:


A very comfortable seat:



...with a generous leg room:


The leather seat was very comfortable and the cabin felt spacious, atleast when only a couple of passengers onboard. The four-point seat belt was a bit complicated at first, but we got help from the friendly officer who guided us from the terminal.
The take-off and the whole flight was very smooth. The only problem was the unpleasant noise, earplugs were available in the terminal but unfortunately I didn't take them. Somewhere in the middle of the flight the pilot gave an announcement but it was impossible to hear anything.
Later my travel companion told she had felt a little nervous, she couldn't help thinking how the Copterline Sikorsky crashed into sea outside Tallinn in 2005 and all 12 passengers plus two pilots were killed. Anyway, this flight felt really comfortable and safe.


Great views through the large blue-shaded windows, the Gulf of Finland:




Approaching the Tallinn harbour, a Tallink ferry from Helsinki:


Two large cruise ships visiting Tallinn, a common view in the Baltic sea harbours in summer:


Landed at Tallinn EECC:


After the landing we had our pre-ordered taxi waiting next to the landing site, no customs needed. Overall, my very first helicopter ride was a really good experience, a great way to travel between Helsinki and Tallinn, just don't forget those earplugs!

Greetings,
**Andaman**

P.S Tallinn views:





[Edited 2008-08-20 02:49:14]