If you’re trying to check off unforgettable NYC tourist spots in just half an hour, there’s one thrilling, efficient, and totally jaw-dropping way to do it: from the sky.
Forget navigating crowds in Times Square or trying to squeeze into a packed subway car. The best helicopter tours of New York offer a front-row seat to the city’s iconic skyline—no traffic, no stress, and zero obstructions. And when it comes to doing it right, HeliNY is your go-to for luxury, safety, and cinematic views.
Let’s break down why a helicopter ride belongs on your NYC bucket list—and why 30 minutes is all you need to experience the best helicopter tour over New York’s most iconic sights.
New York is packed with world-famous landmarks, and many travelers race around the city trying to check off as many NYC tourist spots as possible. From the Statue of Liberty to Central Park, from the Empire State Building and the Highline to the George Washington Bridge, its magic stretches both tall and wide.
But if you’re only seeing it from the ground, you’re only getting half the story.
Taking to the skies gives you a complete panoramic perspective—and makes you feel like you’re in a movie montage. In just 30 minutes, you’ll cover more legendary NYC tourist spots than most travelers do in three days.
Whether you’re in town for a special occasion, a whirlwind weekend, or love crossing off big experiences, a helicopter tour over Manhattan is the best helicopter option for seeing New York quickly, comfortably, and memorably.
HeliNY has been offering premium helicopter experiences for decades, and they’ve perfected every detail of what makes an air tour feel extraordinary. Their tours lift off from two prime locations: the Downtown Manhattan Heliport and Linden Airport in New Jersey. So whether you’re staying in the city or coming in from out of town, it’s easy to hop aboard.
What makes HeliNY the best helicopter operator? It’s not just the postcard-perfect views. It’s the professionalism, hospitality, and elevated experience from the moment you check in to the moment you touch back down.
When you’re ready to take off, HeliNY makes the process smooth and straightforward. After booking online, you’ll arrive approximately 30–50 minutes before your scheduled flight time for check-in, a safety briefing, and locker access. Then you’ll board a modern Bell helicopter, don your headset for live pilot narration, and experience NYC like never before. Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:
With every tour, you can expect friendly staff, a seamless check-in process, clean facilities, and comfortable, unobstructed views from your seat. Just show up, buckle in, and prepare to be amazed.
Let’s talk safety—because when you’re up in the air, it matters more than ever. HeliNY operates a state-of-the-art fleet of Bell 407 helicopters, renowned for their smooth ride, quiet engines, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that provide every seat with a phenomenal view.
But what truly sets HeliNY apart as the best helicopter tour operator in the region is its elite safety credentials. In 2025, HeliNY was awarded the TOPS Certification for Excellence in Helicopter Tour Safety, a prestigious designation from the Tour Operators Program of Safety. This certification exceeds FAA requirements and encompasses third-party audits, rigorous pilot training standards, and a company-wide safety culture.
Translation: you’re in excellent hands.
Still unsure if a helicopter ride is the right way to take in the NYC tourist spots?
Here’s what others think: HeliNY has a 4.6-star rating on Google, a 4.8-star rating on TripAdvisor, and a near-perfect 4.8 out of 5 on Viator. That kind of glowing feedback doesn’t come easy—but it does come from consistent, unforgettable experiences.
From proposals to birthdays to once-in-a-lifetime vacations, travelers love how professional, friendly, and seamless HeliNY makes every flight.
Looking for a truly unforgettable gift?
HeliNY offers gift cards that can be used toward any tour or charter. It’s a perfect present for birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, graduations—or anyone who dreams of flying over NYC tourist spots in the best helicopter around.
You can purchase online, personalize your gift HERE. Give someone the thrill of seeing New York like never before.
You don’t need to spend days zig-zagging through boroughs to say you’ve “seen it all.” In just 30 minutes, the best helicopter tour with HeliNY will show you the Big Apple from angles you’ll never forget.
Whether you’re snapping photos, celebrating a significant milestone, or simply living your best travel life, this is the kind of experience that sticks with you.
So next time you’re planning your itinerary, think beyond street level. NYC tourist spots look even better from above.
Ready to fly?
Visit heliny.com/tours or helinycharters.com to explore your options and book a seat aboard the best helicopter ride in New York.
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.)
