Helicopters: The Ultimate Form of Vertical Flight When it comes to modes of transportation, there are various options available. From cars and trains to planes and boats, humans have found ways to travel on land, water, and air. However, there is one mode of transportation that stands out for its ability to hover, take off and land vertically – helicopters. A helicopter, also known as a chopper, is a type of aircraft that is designed to take off and land vertically, as well as hover in one place.