This mission has you flying a helicopter over the city and is a good way to get used to the very unique handling. The helicopter handles very differently to the planes and can be quite tricky to get to grips with. To get the Gold, you must be speedy but careful, knowing when to dip the nose and when to let up to make the checkpoints.

If ever there was a time to pay attention to the arrows in the checkpoints, this is it. It is imperative you keep your eyes ahead because you must make adjustments to the helicopter in advance of the checkpoints and, because it is quite unwieldy at times, it may take you a little time to get it right.

Preparation is the key as well as adjusting altitude. If you keep the nose dipped you will lose altitude so keep your finger pressed down on the accelerator button to maintain height. If you need to go a bit lower or higher, let go of the control stick so the helicopter levels out again. You can then pitch the helicopter in whatever way you like and adjust the height as needed.

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Full speed ahead! Tilting the nose as far as it can go and keeping the “accelerator” button held down allows you to sustain altitude while flying at speed (left). Do not risk flying under this bridge unless you are really comfortable with the controls (right).

Get used to using the rear propeller at the same time as moving the control stick because doing so allows you to make much tighter turns and can avoid buildings or other obstacles.

The major things to watch out for are the bridges, particularly when there are checkpoints that make you go through the support struts. Ease off the speed a little and keep the nose steady as you make your way through. It is better not to go under the bridges when you can as it can get very tight in there and could cause you to mess up the whole thing.

The hardest point in the course is when you enter the city amidst the skyscrapers. You will be flying through a path strewn with them so try not to jerk the helicopter too much. Keep your eyes ahead and prepare for the next checkpoint well in advance so you don’t have to make any last minute adjustments. When you come to a tight left turn, make sure to gain a bit of altitude because the next checkpoint is on top of a very high structure.

Lastly, you will need to adjust altitude to match the checkpoints on your way back to the airport. You will be lead back to the helipad and you must land it perfectly so no landing a few feet outside or it won’t count and you’ll waste time. If you do land too far away, just gently fly up a tiny way and move to the desired spot but it is better to get it right first time!.