When exploring New York City, most visitors stick to the classics: strolling through Central Park, catching a Broadway show, or taking the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. But if you really want to experience the city in a way that feels unforgettable, there’s one adventure that stands out above the rest—a helicopter tour of NYC. And not just any flight: a sunset helicopter tour offers a perspective on the skyline that most locals have never seen.
In this guide, we break down what makes this experience so special, what to expect when you fly with HeliNY (one of the top operators in the city), and why a sunset ride might just become the highlight of your trip.
New York is a city that was built to be seen from above. The skyscrapers, bridges, and waterfront create an urban landscape unlike anywhere else. From the ground, you’ll catch glimpses of landmarks here and there, but from the air, the entire city unfolds like a living map.
A helicopter tour of NYC isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about perspective. Flying past the Empire State Building, circling the Statue of Liberty, and gliding over the Brooklyn Bridge is more than checking off boxes on a tourist list. It’s a moment of pure awe.
Now layer in the sunset: warm orange, blush pink, and rich purple streaks stretching across the sky as daylight fades over the Hudson. That’s the unforgettable charm of a sunset helicopter tour.
Booking a sunset helicopter tour with HeliNY is surprisingly simple. The experience usually begins at one of their convenient departure points, either the Downtown Manhattan Heliport or their location in Linden, NJ. After a quick safety briefing, you’ll be escorted to the helicopter and settled into your seat—each one offering floor-to-ceiling views thanks to the design of HeliNY’s Bell 407 fleet.
The moment the rotors lift, you’ll understand why so many travelers call this the highlight of their visit. As evening approaches, the city glows differently. Glass skyscrapers reflect the warm light, while landmarks like One World Trade Center, Times Square, and Yankee Stadium begin to twinkle in the dusk.
A typical sunset tour lasts 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the package. That may sound short, but trust me—the memories last forever.
On a NYC helicopter tour, you’ll cover more ground in minutes than you could in a full day of walking. Popular sights include:
The combination of city lights and fading daylight makes a sunset helicopter tour magical.
While a handful of operators are in the city, HeliNY has earned its reputation for safety, professionalism, and customer service. With decades of flying experience, it operates a modern fleet and prioritizes passenger comfort.
Here’s why travelers trust HeliNY for their helicopter tour of NYC experience:
If you’re ready to book a sunset helicopter tour, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:
When planning a sunset helicopter tour, timing is everything. The golden hour looks slightly different depending on the season, and HeliNY makes it easy to catch the perfect glow.
This seasonal flexibility means you’ll always have a chance to capture the city in its most magical light, no matter what time of year you visit.
A sunset helicopter tour isn’t just for tourists. It’s also an incredible option for New Yorkers celebrating milestones—whether a birthday, engagement, or anniversary.
Imagine surprising your partner with a private flight over the glittering skyline, popping the question as the sun sets over the Hudson. HeliNY even offers proposal packages that include champagne toasts and personalized touches.
Even if you’re not celebrating something specific, a helicopter tour of NYC is the kind of experience that makes any trip feel extraordinary.
One of the first questions people ask is: Is it worth the price?
While a sunset helicopter tour is undoubtedly a splurge compared to a subway ride, most guests say it’s absolutely worth it. The cost depends on how long you fly and whether you choose a shared or private tour. However, the value becomes clear when you compare the price to what you’d spend on a Broadway ticket or fine-dining meal. This isn’t just entertainment. It’s a memory that stays with you forever.
If you want to see New York City in its most dazzling light, nothing compares to a sunset helicopter tour. From the way the skyline glows to the feeling of soaring high above iconic landmarks, this experience goes far beyond typical sightseeing.
Booking with HeliNY ensures a safe and professional ride and a chance to customize your adventure with private charters and luxury add-ons. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong New Yorker, a helicopter tour of NYC at sunset is the story you’ll tell for years to come.
So next time you’re in the city, don’t just look up at the skyscraper. Fly alongside them.
Recognition from the Tour Operators Program of Safety underscores HeliNY's aviation safety and operational excellence leadership 1HeliNY - helicopter sightseeing, charter, and medical transport services NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, November 5, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- HeliNY, New York City's premier provider of helicopter sightseeing, charter, and medical transport services, is proud to announce that it has been awarded certification from the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS)—the nation's most respected safety accreditation program for helicopter tour operators. This distinction marks a significant milestone in HeliNY's commitment to safety, pilot training, and operational integrity. HeliNY is the sole helicopter operator in the New York metropolitan region holding this elite certification. TOPS is an independent nonprofit organization that sets the gold standard for air tour safety—surpassing even FAA requirements. Earning the designation requires compliance with a comprehensive set of safety benchmarks covering pilot qualifications, maintenance programs, risk management systems, and overall safety culture. Certified operators must also undergo annual third-party audits to ensure full compliance and continuous improvement. “We congratulate HeliNY for passing our stringent air tour certification process and becoming a member operator,” said Christopher Young, Executive Director at the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS). “All of our member operators voluntarily hold themselves to a much higher safety standard than other industry operators, and we are thrilled to welcome HeliNY into this organization.” "Being recognized by TOPS is a tremendous honor," said Paul Blodgett, CEO of HeliNY. "It reinforces our belief that unforgettable experiences start with uncompromising safety. As the largest sightseeing helicopter operator in the New York metro area, maintaining the highest levels of safety training and oversight is not just our responsibility—it's our identity." Since 1994, HeliNY has served the New York City metro area with a state-of-the-art fleet of Bell helicopters, operating from two key departure points: the Downtown Manhattan Heliport and Linden Municipal Airport in New Jersey. With over 80,000 collective pilot hours and 78,000 passengers flown annually, HeliNY has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted names in urban air tourism. The achievement of TOPS Certification provides an additional layer of confidence for passengers who choose HeliNY for sightseeing tours, private charters, regional getaways, or medical transportation—knowing their experience meets the industry's highest safety and operational standards. Key Standards Required for TOPS Certification - Annual independent safety audits - Implementation of proactive Safety Management Systems (SMS) - Pilot training and maintenance programs that exceed federal regulations - Transparent reporting and continuous safety enhancement To learn more about the Tour Operators Program of Safety, visit topssafety.org. About HeliNY Founded in 1994, HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.) is the largest sightseeing helicopter operator in the New York metropolitan region. The company provides world-class sightseeing tours, private charters, and medical transport services from Manhattan and New Jersey. Known for its modern Bell 407 fleet, experienced pilots, and exceptional service, HeliNY delivers a range of unforgettable flight experiences—from scenic skyline tours to luxurious regional escapes. Learn more at heliny.com. About TOPS The Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS) is the leading independent safety certification for helicopter tour operators across the United States. Through rigorous standards, transparent audits, and a collaborative approach to risk management, TOPS ensures that participating operators maintain the highest levels of safety, maintenance, and operational excellence. Learn more at topssafety.org. Bert Solivan HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.) berts@heliny.com
Highlighting HeliNY’s Strong Safety Culture and Commitment to Exceptional Guest Experiences NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — HeliNY, a leading helicopter sightseeing, charter, and medical organ transport operator in the New York metro region, today announced it has achieved WYVERN Wingman certification, one of the aviation industry’s most respected safety designations. The certification was granted on December 2, 2025, following successful and ongoing collaboration in the Flight Leader Program, which validates HeliNY’s operational excellence, pilot training, maintenance programs, and Safety Management System. HeliNY is the first helicopter operator at the Downtown Manhattan Skyport (JRB) to meet the heliport’s newly enhanced safety standards, which took effect on September 1, 2025. Located at Pier 6 on the East River, JRB requires all operators to undergo an annual third-party safety audit, the results of which are provided to Downtown Manhattan Skyport. These results may also be shared with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). In its certification notice, WYVERN stated: “We congratulate HeliNY for demonstrating compliance with the WYVERN Wingman Standard. Their validated SMS and strong participation in the Flight Leader Program reflect a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.” Paul Blodgett, CEO of HeliNY, said: “We are deeply proud to achieve WYVERN Wingman certification, and we extend our sincere thanks to the WYVERN team for their partnership and the meticulous audit process. This recognition—coming just weeks after our TOPS certification—underscores our unwavering commitment to operating at the highest levels of safety and professionalism. As the first operator at the JRB to meet these enhanced safety standards, this achievement marks a major milestone for our company and offers every guest added confidence when they fly with us.” This milestone follows HeliNY’s November certification from the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS), marking two significant safety achievements this quarter. About HeliNY Founded in 1994, HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.) is the largest sightseeing helicopter operator in the New York metropolitan region. The company provides world-class sightseeing tours, private charters, and medical transport services from Manhattan and New Jersey. Known for its modern Bell 407 fleet, experienced pilots, and exceptional service, HeliNY delivers a range of unforgettable flight experiences—from scenic skyline tours to luxurious regional escapes. Learn more at heliny.com. About WYVERN WYVERN is an ISO-9001-certified global leader in aerospace safety-risk management. Founded in 1991, the company delivers industry-leading audits, certifications, coaching, and safety-intelligence solutions that help organizations elevate performance and strengthen safety culture. WYVERN’s Wingman Standard and Flight Leader Program are trusted worldwide as benchmarks of aerospace excellence. To learn more about the WYVERN Wingman Certification, visit https://www.wyvernltd.com/wingman-and-certifications-2025/. Media Contact Bert Solivan, HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.), 1 201-679-2289, berts@heliny.com, https://heliny.com/ SOURCE HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.)
