Gang rivals in Denver share chopper flights to change world view

(CBS) DENVER - Gang members in Denver are being given a lift, to see the world a different way.CBS Denver reports that a group called Gang Flights is taking gang members - sometimes rivals - on helicopter rides across their city, so they can see just how small their neighborhood turf wars really are.

Jeff Puckett is the chopper pilot for Gang Flights.

"We're not doing this because we want something back," Puckett told CBS Denver. "The only thing we want back is for you (gang members) to enjoy yourself and see your city with new eyes."

Rev. Leon Kelly, Executive Director of the Open Door Youth Gang Alternative Program, says Gang Flights is helping gang members really see the big picture.

"To try to allow our kids who say that they are willing to live and die for their hood to really see how small their hood really is in the scope of things," Kelly said.

"Gangs aren't really what they make themselves out to be," former gang member Ryan Ballez said. "They put you where I just came from, in jail. Ruin your life doing that, so don't."

Ballez has been in and out of jail for gang-related offenses for a good portion of his teen years.

He's been along for the chopper ride with Gang Flights, and says turf wars seem small from up above..

"Yeah, you can't really tell different neighborhoods at all. Barely," Ballez said.