Some students got to hear a deafening roar louder than the "We Are ... Penn State" cheer yesterday as they soared over Beaver Stadium and downtown State College in a helicopter.

A civilian helicopter is being used as a recruitment tool at Fall Career Days 2003 at The Bryce Jordan Center this week. Students who express interest in the United States Marine Corps are told they may experience a flight, but even those not interested in a military career can take a ride.

The ride, which lasts three to four minutes, has attracted about 100 people in two days.

C.J. Burdon (junior-meteorology) lined up because the idea of flying appealed to him.

"It's a nice day, I figured I'd like a helicopter ride," Burdon said. "It was the best five minutes I've had all week."

The rides will be offered again today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. near the commuter/student parking lots beyond the Bryce Jordan Center.

Riders are loaded into the helicopter, where they are given a headset with a microphone. The headset can be used to communicate with the pilot and other passengers during the flight.

Josh Black(junior-Russian) enjoyed his ride.

"The ride was great," Black said. "I wanted a nice aerial tour of campus, and I got it. I love flying."

While the ride and the views were popular, many students said they thought the helicopter ride was a unique idea, especially because it was free of charge.

Terri Castaneda (senior-international business and economics) attended the career fair yesterday, and was told about the rides at the Marine Corps booth.

"I've never been on a helicopter before, and it's free, so why shouldn't I go?" Castaneda said. "It's a great experience."

Capt. Justin Ruiz said the main reason the Marines offer the rides is that few people know about the Corps' flight division. He said although few students have participated with the intention of being recruited, many have been educated about the flight programs offered.

"We use this to facilitate awareness that the Marine Corps does in fact have a large pilot population," Ruiz said. "We're trying to get the word out that we have the positions and we need pilots."

Capt. Melinda Rizer pilots the helicopter. She has been flying for 15 years, seven of those as a helicopter pilot. Rizer said although some expressed interest in the Corps during the career fair, they still have a long process ahead.

"We have to decide if they are physically, mentally and morally qualified," she said. "Whether or not they will take all the steps to become officers remains to be seen."

Rizer said that the Corps' small budget has kept many of its programs obscure, which is why the helicopter came to Penn State. She said it is effective in recruiting for summer internship programs.

"We want to stress the message that people should stay in college and get their degrees," Rizer said. "But at the same time, they can take part in this summer program and develop good character-building traits."

Rizer, who said all of her experience in the Marine Corps has been worthwhile, felt there was one thing she wanted to do at Penn State more than anything else.

"I want to fly [with] Joe Paterno," Rizer said. "My dad would be so impressed."