Where to Find Helicopter in GTA 5
Finding a helicopter in GTA 5 is relatively easy, as they spawn at specific locations across the map. Here are some of the best spots to locate a helicopter:
- Los Santos International Airport (LSIA)
- Location: Southwest Los Santos, near the coast.
- How to Access: Head to the airport, and look for helipads on the northern side of the complex. In single-player mode, helicopters often spawn here, but in GTA Online, you might need to be quick or check multiple times as they may be taken by other players.
- Vinewood Police Station
- Location: Downtown Vinewood, near the Vinewood Racetrack.
- How to Access: Climb to the roof of the police station, where police helicopters sometimes spawn. Be cautious—this area is often guarded, and you may attract a wanted level by taking a police helicopter.
- NOOSE Headquarters
- Location: Near Palomino Highlands, southeast of Los Santos.
- How to Access: This high-security area often has Buzzard Attack Choppers, but it’s heavily guarded. If you want a quick escape, you might have to take down some NOOSE agents or evade a wanted level after taking the helicopter.
- Hospital Roofs
- Locations: Major hospitals in Los Santos, like the Central Los Santos Medical Center.
- How to Access: Use a ladder or stairs to reach the rooftop of these hospitals. Helicopters, especially news and medical choppers, often spawn here and are generally easier to access without alerting the police.
- Sandy Shores Airfield
- Location: Sandy Shores, north of Los Santos in Blaine County.
- How to Access: This rural airfield sometimes spawns civilian helicopters, especially in GTA Online. It’s an open area, making it easy to take off without drawing too much attention.
- Vespucci Helipad
- Location: Near Vespucci Beach, right by the water.
- How to Access: Vespucci Helipad is an accessible civilian area with various helicopter spawns, including the Frogger. In GTA Online, you can purchase a helicopter and set it to spawn here for easier access.
How to Fly a Helicopter in GTA 5
Flying a helicopter in GTA 5 takes a little practice, but once you master it, helicopters become one of the best vehicles for getting around quickly. Here’s a basic guide to helicopter controls for each platform:
- Taking Off
- PlayStation: Press R2 to increase the throttle and lift off.
- Xbox: Press RT to take off.
- PC: Press W to increase the throttle.
- Steering and Moving Forward
- Use the left stick on consoles or WASD on PC to move the helicopter forward, backward, or side-to-side.
- To tilt forward (move ahead), push the left stick up on consoles or press W on PC.
- For backward movement, tilt the left stick down or press S on PC.
- Turning Left and Right
- PlayStation: Use L1 and R1 to rotate left and right.
- Xbox: Use LB and RB to rotate left and right.
- PC: Use the A and D keys to rotate.
- Landing
- Slow your descent by easing off the throttle—on consoles, gently release R2 or RT, and on PC, release W. Then press L2 (PlayStation), LT (Xbox), or S (PC) to bring the helicopter down smoothly.
- Advanced Maneuvers
- For faster turns, tilt the helicopter while rotating. Pressing L1/R1 (PlayStation), LB/RB (Xbox), or Q/E (PC) while tilting helps you change directions quickly.
Tips for Finding and Flying Helicopters in GTA 5
- Use the Map: Helicopter spawns are often marked by small helipads or airports on the map, so keep an eye out for these symbols.
- Avoid Crowded Areas: If you’re a beginner, practice flying in open areas to get the hang of the controls without obstacles.
- Use the Helicopter for Quick Escapes: Helicopters are fast and can evade cops more effectively than cars, especially if you gain enough altitude.
- Purchase Helicopters in GTA Online: If you’re an Online player, you can buy helicopters from Elitas Travel on your in-game phone. Purchased helicopters can be stored and accessed from helipads, making them easy to use when needed.
In GTA 5, you can find helicopters at several locations, including Los Santos International Airport, Vinewood Police Station, and Vespucci Helipad. Once you locate one, flying it takes practice but offers incredible benefits for both quick travel and scenic exploration. By mastering the controls, you’ll be able to take off, maneuver, and land smoothly, making helicopters an essential part of your GTA 5 experience.
