Crossword Genius

Getting here requires a few flights — starts on awfully tense trip in chopper (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

attic

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'getting here requires a few flights' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'starts on awfully tense trip in chopper' is the wordplay.
'starts on' suggests taking the first letters.
The first letters of 'awfully tense trip in chopper' is 'ATTIC'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for attic that I've seen before include "top-flight accommodation" , "Athenian - garret" , "High level of" , "Loft room" , "Athenian Greek" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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