How to get a helicopter?

[Antar]

Is it possible to get a helicopter in this game, aside from buying it? I went countless times to the helipads at the hospital, to the airport, and even bought a damn helipad near ports, but no helicopter anywhere. Such a shame, loved using helicopter in GTA4, was so much fun...

[The Infamous Cloaker]

Helicopters can spawn near the docks in south east Los Santos

[krashd]

Yes, but they only become more frequent as you progress. When you start the game your chances of seeing one on the ground (or a roof) are slim, but get a bit further in to the game (probably the first heist) and they spawn more often.

The roof of the NOOSE building east of the city is a good bet to find one, as is the police station in Paleto Bay, I believe after the first or second heist Trevor 'acquires' one that becomes his and can be used anytime by any of the three players.

The heliport near the marina in west Los Santos is unpredictable, in GTA Online you are guaranteed to find a heli there but in SP it can be hit and miss.

[Antar]

Thanks for the advice.

I am just before the the big heist on union depository, near end of the game I would say, so I have no idea why I can't get any. I know Trevor has one, so I was with Francis at his airport in the desert, but there was only the bloody stunt plane. Also tried to get one from the army base but always died in the process.

I finally got one by stealing it from the "parachute" mission. But damn it is hard to get a helicopter in this game.

[Harry Mckay]

It's really easy to steal the Buzzard on the roof of the NOOSE base on the east coast in Story Mode. Don't forget to save it if you own a hangar.