3 Ways To Fly Helicopters In GTA - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Fly Helicopters in GTA PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Flying a Helicopter on PlayStation 2, 3, and 4 2 Flying a Helicopter on Xbox, 360, and Xbox One 3 Flying a Helicopter on a PC Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Related Articles References Article Summary Written by Travis Boylls

Last Updated: September 8, 2025 Fact Checked

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This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Travis has been a tech writer at wikiHow for more than 10 years. He has also worked in technical support for Dish Network and AT&T Wireless. He studied graphic design and web design at Pikes Peak Community College. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and video game consoles. Travis has had a fascination with computers and technology that goes all the way back to childhood. He is proficient in all manner of software and computer operating systems. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 354,664 times. Learn more...

Starting from GTA: Vice City to the latest version of the game (GTA 5), players are able to pilot helicopters and fly them around the city. These vehicles are very efficient when you need to get from one point in the city to another without having to go through tight streets and traffic. This wikiHow teaches you how to fly helicopters.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Flying a Helicopter on PlayStation 2, 3, and 4

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  1. Step 1 Press Triangle to board a helicopter. 1 Press Triangle to board a helicopter. You can get inside a helicopter the same way you get inside a car. Stand beside a helicopter and press the Triangle button on your PlayStation controller to board it.[1]
  2. Step 2 Press and hold the R2 button to take off and ascend. 2 Press and hold the R2 button to take off and ascend. It's the right trigger button on the top side of your PlayStation controller. The R2 button takes off and ascends while in flight.[2]
    • On Grand Theft Auto:San Andreas and Vice City for PS2, press the "X" button to take off and ascend.
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  3. Step 3 Use the left analog stick to steer the helicopter. 3 Use the left analog stick to steer the helicopter. Push the left stick in the direction you want the helicopter to go.[3]
    • Steer while holding R2 to keep from losing altitude.
  4. Step 4 Press R1 and L1 to adjust the yaw. 4 Press R1 and L1 to adjust the yaw. This allows you to make sharp turns. The R1 and L1 buttons are the shoulder buttons on the top of your PlayStation controller. Press R1 to turn right, and L1 to turn left.[4]
    • On Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Vice City for PlayStation 2, use R2 and L2 to control the yaw.
  5. Step 5 Press the "X" button to use mounted weapons. 5 Press the "X" button to use mounted weapons. This fires the primary weapon on helicopters that have mounted weapons. You can adjust your aim by steering your vehicle with the left analog stick towards your target.[5]
  6. Step 6 Use the right stick to adjust your camera view. 6 Use the right stick to adjust your camera view. Camera angles can be adjusted while in mid-air, switching from first, second, or third camera view. Just press the right analog stick on your controller to change camera views.
  7. Step 7 Press the right directional button to activate special equipment. 7 Press the right directional button to activate special equipment. Some helicopters have special equipment, such as grappling hooks, magnets, and VTOL. Press the right directional button to activate these modes, or turn the lights on and off.
  8. Step 8 Press L2 to descend. 8 Press L2 to descend. L2 is the left trigger button on your PlayStation controller. This lowers the helicopter. To land, press your finger and hold the L2 button to slowly descend the aircraft to the ground. As you descend, use the left analog stick to steer and help you land the helicopter on the targeted spot.[6]
    • On Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Vice City for PlayStation 2, press the Square button to descend.
  9. Step 9 Press the Triangle button to exit the vehicle. 9 Press the Triangle button to exit the vehicle. Once you are on the ground, you can press the Triangle button to exit the vehicle.[7]
    • You can also press Triangle to exit the vehicle while in mid-air, but this will cause you to fall to your death.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Flying a Helicopter on Xbox, 360, and Xbox One

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  1. Step 1 Press the "Y" button to board a helicopter. 1 Press the "Y" button to board a helicopter. You can get inside a helicopter the same way you get inside a car. Stand beside a helicopter and press the "Y" button on your Xbox controller to board it.[8]
  2. Step 2 Press and hold the RT button to take off and ascend. 2 Press and hold the RT button to take off and ascend. It's the trigger button on the top right side of your Xbox controller. Keep your finger on this button until you reach the desired altitude.[9]
  3. Step 3 Use the left analog stick to steer the helicopter. 3 Use the left analog stick to steer the helicopter. Use the left analog stick to go left or right, forward or backward.
    • Steer the vehicle while holding RT to keep moving without losing altitude.
  4. Step 4 Use RB and LB to control the yaw. 4 Use RB and LB to control the yaw. These are the right and left shoulder buttons on the top of your Xbox controller. This allows you to perform sharp turns.[10]
  5. Step 5 Press "A" to fire mounted weapons. 5 Press "A" to fire mounted weapons. This fires the primary weapon (if it has one) the helicopter has equipped. You can adjust your aim by steering your vehicle with the left analog stick towards your target.
    • For Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for Xbox, press the "B" button to fire weapons.
  6. Step 6 Use the right analog stick to control your camera view. 6 Use the right analog stick to control your camera view. Camera angles can be adjusted while in mid-air, switching from first, second, or third camera view. Just press the right analog stick on your controller to change camera views.
  7. Step 7 Press the right directional button to activate special equipment. 7 Press the right directional button to activate special equipment. Some helicopters have special equipment, such as grappling hooks, magnets, and VTOL. Press the right directional button to activate these modes, or turn the lights on and off.
  8. Step 8 Press LT to descend. 8 Press LT to descend. It's the left trigger button on the top of your controller. To land, press your finger and hold the LT button to slowly descend the aircraft until you reach the ground. As you descend, use the left analog stick to steer and help you land the helicopter on the targeted spot.[11]
  9. Step 9 Press "Y" to exit the vehicle. 9 Press "Y" to exit the vehicle. Once on the ground, press the "Y" button to exit the vehicle.[12]
    • You can also exit the vehicle while in mid-air, but this will cause you to fall to your death.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Flying a Helicopter on a PC

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  1. Step 1 Press F to board a helicopter. 1 Press F to board a helicopter. You can get inside a helicopter the same way you get inside a car. Stand beside a helicopter and press the F button on your keyboard to board it.[13]
  2. Step 2 Press and hold W to take off and ascend. 2 Press and hold W to take off and ascend. Keep your finger on this button until you reach the desired altitude.[14]
  3. Step 3 Use the mouse to steer the helicopter. 3 Use the mouse to steer the helicopter. You can control the helicopter by dragging your mouse in the direction you want to go. Slide your mouse forward to go forward.
    • You can also use the number pad on the right-hand side of your keyboard to steer your helicopter.
  4. Step 4 Use A and D to control the yaw. 4 Use A and D to control the yaw. This allows you to perform sharp turns. Press the "A" button on your keyboard to adjust the yaw left. Press the "D" button to adjust the yaw right.
  5. Step 5 Press the left mouse button to use the mounted weapons. 5 Press the left mouse button to use the mounted weapons. Military and police helicopters are equipped with mounted firearms like machine guns and missiles. You can adjust your aim by steering your vehicle with the mouse or number pad towards your target.[15]
  6. Step 6 Press V to change your camera view. 6 Press V to change your camera view. Camera angles can be adjusted while in mid-air, switching from first, second, or third camera distance view.
  7. Step 7 Press E to activate special equipment. 7 Press E to activate special equipment. Some helicopters have special equipment, such as grappling hooks, magnets, and VTOL. Press the "E" button to activate these modes, or turn the lights on and off.[16]
  8. Step 8 Press S to descend and land the helicopter. 8 Press S to descend and land the helicopter. To land, press and hold the "S" button on the keyboard to slowly descend the aircraft. As you descend, use the mouse or number pad to steer and help you land the helicopter on the targeted spot.[17]
  9. Step 9 Press F to exit the helicopter. 9 Press F to exit the helicopter. After you are on the ground, press "F" on your keyboard to exit the vehicle.
    • You can also exit the vehicle in mid-air, but this will cause you to fall to your death.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question How do you go forward? Acyclist Acyclist Top Answerer This guide is for default controls: Once you're in the air, move the left analogue stick forwards (XBOX and Playstation) or press the up arrow on the keyboard (PC). Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 58 Helpful 8
  • Question Do they have riots and looting in the game? Belle K. Belle K. Top Answerer In the most recent game GTA V, they have looting like stealing from stores and banks but not riots. Although you are able to kill civilians, cops and military folk. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
  • Question How do you change to first person camera while inside a car? Evan Leopard Evan Leopard Community Answer If you are on Xbox, then press the Double Square, or Share button, If you are on Playstation, Press the large, black, square button in the center of your controller. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
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References

  1. ↑ https://gamesual.com/guides/how-to-fly-helicopter-in-gta-5/
  2. ↑ https://gamesual.com/guides/how-to-fly-helicopter-in-gta-5/
  3. ↑ https://gamesual.com/guides/how-to-fly-helicopter-in-gta-5/
  4. ↑ https://gamesual.com/guides/how-to-fly-helicopter-in-gta-5/
  5. ↑ https://gamesual.com/guides/how-to-fly-helicopter-in-gta-5/
  6. ↑ https://gamezo.gg/how-to-fly-a-helicopter-in-gta-5/
  7. ↑ https://gamezo.gg/how-to-fly-a-helicopter-in-gta-5/
  8. ↑ https://gamezo.gg/how-to-fly-a-helicopter-in-gta-5/
  9. ↑ https://www.eurogamer.net/gta-vice-city-helicopter-locations-how-to-fly-8043
More References (8)
  1. ↑ https://www.eurogamer.net/gta-vice-city-helicopter-locations-how-to-fly-8043
  2. ↑ https://www.eurogamer.net/gta-vice-city-helicopter-locations-how-to-fly-8043
  3. ↑ https://gamezo.gg/how-to-fly-a-helicopter-in-gta-5/
  4. ↑ https://www.sportskeeda.com/gta/how-fly-helicopter-gta-5-pc
  5. ↑ https://www.sportskeeda.com/gta/how-fly-helicopter-gta-5-pc
  6. ↑ https://www.sportskeeda.com/gta/how-fly-helicopter-gta-5-pc
  7. ↑ https://www.sportskeeda.com/gta/how-fly-helicopter-gta-5-pc
  8. ↑ https://www.sportskeeda.com/gta/how-fly-helicopter-gta-5-pc

About This Article

Travis Boylls Written by: Travis Boylls wikiHow Technology Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Travis has been a tech writer at wikiHow for more than 10 years. He has also worked in technical support for Dish Network and AT&T Wireless. He studied graphic design and web design at Pikes Peak Community College. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and video game consoles. Travis has had a fascination with computers and technology that goes all the way back to childhood. He is proficient in all manner of software and computer operating systems. This article has been viewed 354,664 times. 27 votes - 67% Co-authors: 8 Updated: September 8, 2025 Views: 354,664 Categories: Grand Theft Auto Article SummaryX

1. Press Triangle, Y, or F to enter a helicopter. 2. Press the right trigger or W to take off and ascend. 3. Use the left analog stick or mouse to steer the helicopter. 4. Use the left and right shoulder buttons or the A and D buttons to control the yaw. 5. Use the left analog stick or V to control the camera view. 6. Press X, A, or the left mouse button to fire the primary weapon. 7. Press the right directional button or E to activate special equipment. 8. Press the left trigger button or S to descend and land the helicopter. 9. Press Triangle, Y, or F to exit the helicopter. Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Travis Boylls Written by: Travis Boylls wikiHow Technology Writer 27 votes - 67% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 8 Updated: September 8, 2025 Views: 354,664

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