Open-Cockpit Gyrocopter Flight over the Seven Rila Lakes

See the mountains from above on a gyrocopter flight over the Seven Rila Lakes and take your first steps in flying. The open-cockpit AutoGyro MTO-Sport combines panoramic views, with no windows between you and the scenery, with an introductory lesson guided by an instructor. Choose an Adventico voucher to give the experience to someone close to you or enjoy it yourself.

Lakes, waterfalls and mountain peaks from the air

Your flight departs from Sapareva Banya Airfield in Kyustendil Province and lasts 45–60 minutes. The route reveals the Seven Rila Lakes and many more of the surrounding mountains' landmarks: Goritsa and Skakavitsa waterfalls, the striking Otovishki Rid and Zeleni Rid ridges, the lift and ski slope at the Rila Lakes, and Panichishte.

The sights also include Kalin Reservoir and Malyovitsa Peak. You can see the plateau where followers of Peter Deunov have performed their mystical dance for many years. Together, these views bring lakes, waterfalls, high mountain landscapes and a place of spiritual tradition into a single scenic flight.

An open cockpit and an introduction to flying

You fly in an open-cockpit AutoGyro MTO-Sport made by Germany's AutoGyro, described by the operator as a world leader in gyrocopter manufacturing. With no windows interrupting the view and seats arranged in tandem, you enjoy a broad outlook in every direction. The operator highlights this combination as offering a distinctive viewing experience compared with other aircraft.

Flights are conducted by licensed instructors. Alongside enjoying the scenery, you have the opportunity to discover how a gyrocopter is flown and take your first steps at the controls with their guidance.

The operator describes the gyrocopter as the safest type of aircraft, citing a simpler and more reliable construction, continuous rotor autorotation and high manoeuvrability among its advantages over aeroplanes and helicopters. This is how the operator presents the aircraft, not a guarantee of risk-free flying; the flight depends on suitable conditions.

What is included

• A 45–60-minute flight and introductory lesson for one person.
• An experienced pilot-instructor.
• The necessary flight equipment.
• A pre-flight briefing and guidance throughout the flight.

The experience takes place individually. If you select several participants, each person takes their flight separately rather than flying together in a shared passenger cabin.

Choose a video keepsake

You can add video recording to your flight. You receive an edited film with selected footage and a music soundtrack, rather than just raw camera recordings.

If you choose this extra, the operator sends a download link for the finished video to the email address supplied for the experience within two weeks of the flight date. If your link has not arrived within that time, contact the operator on 0700 20 200 or send them a message.

Flying season, altitude and preparation

Flights operate on weekends from the beginning of May until the end of October, departing from Sapareva Banya Airfield. The experience is weather-dependent. Contact the operator before your flight to confirm the weather conditions.

The flight reaches an altitude of 2,900 metres, so dressing for an open cockpit matters even when it feels warm on the ground.

• Bring sunglasses.
• Wear suitable warm clothing that protects you from the wind.
• Arrive at the airfield 10–15 minutes before your reserved time.

Who can take part and the cancellation condition

• The minimum age is 12.
• The maximum participant weight is 110 kg.
• Participants under 18 need parental consent.
• The operator states that cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the reserved flight time. This is the operator's service condition, not a general cancellation condition for Adventico vouchers.

Give a different perspective on Rila

Choose an Adventico voucher for an open-cockpit gyrocopter flight over the Seven Rila Lakes, with optional video recording. Your gift combines mountain scenery with a first taste of flying. Buying a voucher does not instantly confirm a booking for a particular date and time: the flight is arranged separately, subject to the operating conditions and suitable weather.