$8 Million Helicopter Museum Set for June 23 Grand Opening; Unique Helicopters Displayed at New Family Attraction.

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. -- Helicopter Headquarters, a new $8 million interactive facility devoted to the history of flight as told through displays and more than 10 different full-size helicopters, is scheduled to open June 23.

"We are thrilled to share our family's love of helicopter aviation with the many families that visit Pigeon Forge each year," said Dan Haynes, General Manager "We've assembled a fascinating display that will amaze, intrigue and educate guests of all ages in a fun and engaging setting that is unlike anything the city has seen before."

The 25,000-sq.-ft. facility is home of Halson's Helicopter Museum which traces the history of helicopter aviation as visitors explore the aircraft's role in history, from world conflicts to Hollywood. The Chinese flying tops and Leonardo DaVinci's Airscew, both forerunners to the modern day helicopter, are displayed alongside today's most modern aircrafts including the Bell Jet Ranger and the Comanche. A special display is devoted to Igor Sikorsky, Arthur Young, Frank Piaseki and Stan Hiller, four of helicopter aviation's leading pioneers. The spotlight then focuses on the helicopter's role in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War where helicopters were first used for medical evacuation and reconnaissance missions. The aircraft eventually was used in troop delivery and ultimately as an offensive weapon in Vietnam in the 1960s. The museum guest experience is enhanced by actual radio communication between pilots on combat missions. The military helicopters featured include the OH-13 (Bell 47), The UH-1 (Huey) and the Cobra attack helicopter. On the second floor, Helicopter Headquarters takes visitors to Hollywood for a look at some of television and the silver screen's most memorable helicopters. Visitors will get an up-close view of the helicopter made famous in the popular 1980's television series "Airwolf" starring Jan Michael Vincent. Also on display is a 10-foot-long movie prop used in the filming of Terminator 3 starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Families will especially enjoy the museum's interactive displays that allow visitors to step inside and sit at the controls of a Schweiser 269 an actual full-size helicopter. Other scaled down models on display include Piasecki H-21, Hughes 500, .Blackhawk and Sikorsky S-76.

Adults and children alike will enjoy the excitement of creating their own in-flight experience with the aid of the modern technology. Helicopter Headquarters is home to the Cybercopter Sims, the only three helicopter simulators of their kind in the world. Developed by the same engineer who built and supplied the state-of-the-art flight simulators found in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the Cybercopter simulators feature the most advanced technology available today. Visitors will take the controls of their choice of helicopter as this simulated experience allows them to "fly" without ever leaving the ground. They can choose their mission from free flight through the virtual landscape to going head-to-head in an aerial dogfight against a family member or friend also, they can even team up with both Cybercopters and fight a mutual opponent.

Helicopter Headquarters also is home to Scenic Helicopter Tours, which was founded by the late Hal Haynes in 1983. An aviation enthusiast and pioneer in helicopter touring, Haynes enhanced the concept of aerial touring to the Smoky Mountain area more than 20 years ago. Today, his son Dan Haynes continues his father's legacy by sharing the family's passion for aviation with others. Helicopter Headquarters also features a helicopter-themed snack bar and "The Chopper Shop" retail shop featuring a full line of apparel and everything will be helicopter-related toys and models, and works of art along with remote-controlled helicopters.

Helicopter Headquarters is located at traffic light 2B on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission for Halson's Helicopter Museum is $17 for adults and $12 for children ages 4-12. Scenic Helicopter Tours also operates seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, please call 865-453-6929 or visit www.helihq.com.