MOSES LAKE — Dan and Lyliane Couture expect to receive their Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter around May 1 to use for their new sightseeing business.

Riverside Helicopters will operate from the Grant County International Airport throughout the year, Dan noted.

It will be a unique business for the area, as the nearest similar businesses are in Spokane and Seattle, he said.

“We’re looking forward to the concert season,” he noted. “Anyone who goes (to the Gorge) will see me flying around,” he says.

There are many places to see in the area that people don’t know exist, such as the Ancient Lakes.

“They wouldn’t have a clue,” he said. “You can’t see them from the ground.

Dan also mentioned the local topography and sites to see, such as Crescent Bar and Sunland Estates.

Many sites are “a piece of cake,” to show customers, the Quincy native added.

Other uses include flights for people who want to survey land, such as realtors and developers, and hunters scouting for deer in the fall.

“It will give them a different perspective,” he said.

There’s enough diversity in the area to make the business work, with the Gorge concerts, Grant County Fair, Quincy Farmer Consumer Awareness Day and Springfest in Moses Lake, Dan explained.

“It’s going to be fun,” he remarked. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The Coutures thought of the business idea in October when they took their personal plane to Spokane for lunch at Felts Field.

As they were eating, helicopters kept flying in.

The couple asked how much a ride cost and took one. On the way home, they came up with the business idea.

Dan obtained his helicopter pilot’s license. He also works for the Grant County Mosquito Control District.

Lyliane is an airplane pilot and a member of the business. She is also an attorney.

They plan on hiring a part-time employee to help with refueling and to give customers safety briefings.

“This is a part-time business, not something we’re going to hang our hats on,” he explained. “If we end up with $1 in the black, we’ll push forward ?with  it.”

The helicopter seats three passengers.

Children who are about five or six years old may be allowed on the helicopter but must be accompanied by an adult.

The age range is negotiable and children have to be able to understand directions.

He described the business as different from a charter because passengers aren’t dropped off at a location for activities like shopping.

They plan on expanding the business to become a charter operation in 2010.

For more information, call 509-760-4244.