How to Use a Chopper in GTA Online

Last Updated: May 21, 2015

Choppers are one of the most efficient vehicles to use on Grand Theft Auto 5 Online. It allows gamers to quickly get from one place to another without the trouble of going through streets and traffic, yet slow enough to enjoy the scenery of the game. Helicopters are a lot of fun to ride but may take some time to get used to.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Chopper in GTA 5 Online (PS3)

1
Board a chopper. Helicopters can be found on airports, hospitals, and building helipads all around the city. Once you see one, approach it and press the triangle button on your controller to get in.
2
Take off. To lift off from the ground, press and hold the R2 button on the top of the controller. Keep pressing this button until you reach your desired altitude.

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3
Steer. While in midair (and while still pressing the R2 button), use the left analog stick to go forward or backward, left or right, towards the direction where you want to go.
4
Make sharp turns. If you want to make a sudden left or right turn, press the L1 or R1 buttons respectively, and your chopper will make a sharp corner turn.
5
Shoot weapons. If the helicopter you’re flying has built-in weapons (such as military helicopters), you can shoot missiles or fire guns by pressing the X button.
6
Change camera views. While flying, you can switch from first, second, or third camera views by pressing the right analog stick.
7
Land. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, press and hold the L2 button to slowly descend. Use the left analog stick while the chopper is descending to help you steer to your desired landing spot.

Image titled Use a Chopper in GTA Online Step 7

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Chopper in GTA 5 Online (Xbox 360)

1
Get in a Helicopter. Choppers can be found all around the city—on airports, hospitals, and building helipads. When you find a chopping, approach it and press the Y button on your Xbox 360 controller. This will have your character board the chopper.
2
Take off. To lift off from the ground, press and hold the Right Trigger (LT) button on the topside of the controller to take off. Keep pressing this button until you reach your desired altitude.
3
Steer. While in midair (and while still pressing the Right Trigger [LT] button), use the left analog stick to go forward or backward, left or right, towards the direction where you want to go.
4
Make sharp turns. If you want to make a sudden left or right turn, press the Left Bumper (LB) or Right Bumper (RB) buttons respectively, and your chopper will make a sharp corner turn.
5
Shoot weapons. If the helicopter you’re flying has built-in weapons (such as military helicopters), you can shoot missiles or fire guns by pressing the A button.
6
Change camera views. To switch between the first, second, or third camera views while in midair, simply press the right analog stick.
7
Land. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, press and hold the Left Trigger (LT) button to slowly descend. Use the left analog stick while the chopper is descending to help you steer to your desired landing spot.

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Community Q&A

Question

How do I turn off passive mode GTA 5?

Community Answer

Go to your interaction menu, scroll all the way down and there should be an option that says, "disable passive mode." Click it and there you go.
Question

I bought my own buzzard, and it has built-in weapons, but when I press X it just switches weapons. Any ideas?

Community Answer

Because you have an Xbox. The button X is for PlayStation; you'll need to press A.