PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Santa made a surprise visit to Hasbro Children’s Hospital Wednesday afternoon, but not in his usual sleigh.

Instead, he waved to patients watching eagerly from their windows as he dangled over the capital city from a helicopter.

Santa, who was strapped into a harness, hoisted himself down from the cabin of the helicopter, which circled the hospital a couple of times to make sure no patients missed out on the experience.

He then climbed back into the cabin and continued to wave to everyone as he was flown over to the hospital’s helipad.

Santa’s special ride was made possible by HeliService USA, which appropriately dubbed the mission “Santacopter.”

HeliService USA CEO and Founder Michael Tosi told NewsNation affiliate WPRI that he’s never done anything like this before.

“We had the opportunity to do something really unique,” Tosi said, adding that HeliService USA needed special clearance from the FAA to hoist Santa down from the helicopter. “It was a pretty cool maneuver.”

Tosi, who piloted Santa’s helicopter, said it was heartwarming to see the children’s smiles from the cockpit.

“It was pretty cool because I was able to get close to the hospital,” Tosi said. “It was a lot of fun to see the kids, see their joy and see them waving to Santa.”

“We always love to give back,” he added. “It was a real plasure to get to do it.”

Tosi dropped Santa and Mrs. Claus off on top of the hospital to visit patients and bring them gifts.

Ryan and Corey Welch contributed to this report.