In Grand Theft Auto V, Franklin Clinton is one of the main playable protagonists, and as the game progresses, players often wonder about the assets he can acquire including access to a helipad. While Michael and Trevor have straightforward paths to aerial vehicle ownership, Franklin’s helipad situation is a bit more nuanced. Understanding the mechanics behind owning helicopters and where Franklin can store them can enhance your GTA V experience significantly, especially for players who enjoy traversing Los Santos from above.
Franklin’s Property Ownership in GTA 5
The Character Progression System
In GTA V, each of the three main characters Franklin, Michael, and Trevor can purchase properties, own vehicles, and access specialized garages or facilities. However, not all characters have immediate access to every feature. For Franklin, his asset options expand over time, and one of the most commonly asked questions is whether he gets a helipad like the others.
Unlike Michael, who has access to a helipad at Vespucci Helipad, and Trevor, who gains control of Sandy Shores Airfield, Franklin doesn’t automatically receive a personal helipad through the storyline. However, players can still make use of helipads and helicopters with him through certain methods and purchases.
Accessing a Helipad with Franklin
Purchasing Vespucci Helipad
The most straightforward way for Franklin to gain access to a helipad is by purchasing the Vespucci Helipad. This property is located in the southern part of Los Santos, near Puerto Del Sol. Once purchased, it becomes available to all three protagonists, including Franklin.
The Vespucci Helipad is listed for $419,850, and it offers two helicopter pads along with a hangar for storing choppers. This purchase also allows the player to buy helicopters directly from the in-game website Elitas Travel or Warstock Cache & Carry, which are delivered to the helipad for use.
How to Buy the Helipad
To purchase the Vespucci Helipad with Franklin:
- Visit the Vespucci Helipad location on the map.
- Approach the For Sale sign located at the entrance.
- Press the appropriate button prompt to buy the property (typically right on the D-pad for consoles).
- Once bought, you will receive a confirmation, and the helipad will be usable by Franklin.
Using Helicopters After Purchase
After buying the helipad, Franklin can:
- Retrieve any stored helicopters directly from the landing pads.
- Purchase new helicopters that get delivered automatically.
- Land any stolen or borrowed helicopters at the helipad to store them.
This greatly increases Franklin’s versatility in missions, exploration, and urban traversal.
Alternative Methods to Use Helicopters
Stealing Helicopters
If you’re not interested in purchasing a helipad immediately, Franklin can still use helicopters by taking them from various spawn points around the map. Popular helicopter spawn locations include:
- Los Santos International Airport (LSIA): Sometimes helicopters can be found on rooftops or helipads in this area.
- Hospital Rooftops: Certain hospitals have medical helicopters that spawn regularly.
- Noose Headquarters: Located on the east side of Los Santos, though entering this zone can attract heavy police response.
These helicopters, while usable, cannot be saved permanently unless Franklin owns a helipad. Once you leave the chopper or load a different save, the vehicle will typically disappear.
Calling in Helicopter Services
After progressing through certain parts of the game or unlocking special features via the Interaction Menu in GTA Online, players can also call in a helicopter for pickup or transport. This is more common in the online version but adds another dimension to Franklin’s aerial options if used in modded or extended play.
Benefits of Owning a Helipad for Franklin
Fast Travel and Convenience
Having easy access to a helicopter allows Franklin to fly across the map quickly, bypassing traffic and difficult terrain. This is especially useful for collectible hunts, stunt jumps, and exploring hard-to-reach areas like Mount Chiliad or the Alamo Sea.
Support for Missions
Certain missions benefit from helicopter use, especially those involving chases, rooftop access, or quick escapes. Even if a mission doesn’t require air travel, starting it while already in a helicopter can give players a strategic advantage.
Storage and Customization
Owning a helipad gives Franklin the ability to store specific helicopters, which is helpful if you have a favorite model you prefer to use. While customization options for helicopters are limited compared to cars, simply being able to retain the vehicle is a quality-of-life improvement.
Common Helicopter Models for Franklin
Types of Helicopters Available
Once Franklin has a helipad, he can acquire and store a range of helicopters, including:
- Maverick: A balanced and accessible chopper with good speed and control.
- Buzzard Attack Chopper: Ideal for combat situations, equipped with rockets and machine guns.
- Frogger: Sleek and fast, great for casual travel.
- Cargobob: Allows vehicle transport by lifting cars or boats.
Each of these helicopters can be bought or found in the game world and then stored at Franklin’s helipad for future use.
Tips for Using Helicopters Efficiently
Practice Landing Skills
Helicopters can be tricky to control, especially in narrow or elevated areas. It’s recommended to practice takeoffs and landings at open spaces before attempting rooftop landings or mission-critical flights.
Watch Out for Police and Wanted Levels
Flying too close to restricted airspace such as military bases will automatically trigger a wanted level. Always be aware of your flight path and steer clear of high-security zones unless prepared for pursuit.
Use Helicopters to Collect Hidden Packages
Many hidden packages, letter scraps, or stunt jumps are located in remote or elevated areas. A helicopter makes these collectibles far more accessible, saving time and effort compared to using land vehicles.
Franklin may not start with a helipad in GTA 5, but that doesn’t mean he can’t gain access to helicopters and make full use of aerial transport. By purchasing the Vespucci Helipad or creatively finding helicopters around the map, players can open up a whole new way of playing as Franklin. Whether for convenience, exploration, or simply the thrill of flying above Los Santos, owning and using a helipad enhances Franklin’s gameplay in meaningful ways. If you’re aiming for 100% completion or just want a new way to enjoy the city, securing a helipad for Franklin is a worthwhile investment.