From the wooden ramp on Pedra Bonita, 520 metres above the forest, you and your tandem pilot take three running steps and Rio unfolds beneath a fabric wing: Tijuca's green, Christ the Redeemer on his peak, the sweep of coastline, then a landing on São Conrado beach in front of applauding sunbathers. Flights last ten to fifteen minutes and mornings give the smoothest air. Book a licensed pilot through the association at the landing zone, and pay the photo supplement without hesitation.
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