If you want jaw-dropping, scroll-stopping photos of New York City, nothing beats a helicopter tour. It’s one of the few experiences that lets you see Manhattan from an entirely new angle, soaring up and down the Hudson River, with panoramic views stretching from New York Harbor to the George Washington Bridge. And when you fly with HeliNY, you get crystal-clear, unobstructed photo opportunities from a stable, safety-focused fleet of Bell 407s.
Whether you’re shooting with a DSLR or your phone, here are the very best photo ops you’ll get along the Hudson River, plus insider tips to help you make every second count.
The number-one reason people book a tour with HeliNY is for the once-in-a-lifetime view of the Statue of Liberty. And from a helicopter, this isn’t just a quick glance, it’s an actual cinematic moment.
What makes this angle special:
From the Hudson River approach, you get a sweeping, face-to-face perspective. As the helicopter descends and banks around New York Harbor, you’ll see the torch, the crown, the waterfront, and the pedestal with Ellis Island in the distance. It’s a clean, wide shot with minimal obstructions, perfect for anyone who wants the definitive Statue of Liberty photo.
Must-capture moments:
Right after Lady Liberty, you’ll glide past Ellis Island, a landmark that looks completely different from the air. The symmetrical architecture, red-brick roofs, and waterfront placement create a naturally balanced photo.
Best composition:
Shoot Ellis Island slightly angled, with Lower Manhattan beginning to rise in the background. It creates a layered, powerful historical perspective.
Before you pick up your camera and take to the sky, here’s a quick overview of HeliNY’s most popular flight options so you can choose the experience that matches precisely what you want to see from the Hudson River.
A fast-paced 12–15 minute flight that hits NYC’s top highlights without eating up your schedule. You’ll soar past icons like One World Trade Center and the Brooklyn Bridge, making it the perfect option when you want a thrilling helicopter experience in a short, power-packed loop.
HeliNY’s fan favorite. This 17–20 minute journey takes you from the Statue of Liberty up through Midtown, showcasing the Empire State Building, Central Park, and all the major skyline landmarks that define New York City. It’s the classic “see it all” flight.
A generous 25–30 minute aerial adventure that builds on the Ultimate Tour with extended flight time. You’ll get deeper views across Manhattan, surrounding boroughs, and additional waterfront scenery — perfect if you want the fullest possible NYC sightseeing experience from the sky.
A romantic 25–30 minute private charter crafted for unforgettable proposals. Picture sweeping skyline views, intimate moments in the sky, and optional touches like champagne or customized signs to help set the stage for a memorable “yes.”
Launching from Linden Municipal Airport, this 25–30 minute flight traces a stunning path along the Hudson River, offering panoramic views of 23 iconic NYC landmarks — from the Statue of Liberty and Freedom Tower to the Chrysler Building and the George Washington Bridge. It’s one of the most comprehensive ways to take in the entire skyline at once.
When choosing a Statue of Liberty helicopter tour, you want a company that prioritizes safety, smooth flying, and excellent visibility. HeliNY checks every box, and then some. HeliNY holds certification from the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS), the industry’s most respected safety accreditation. We follow rigorous requirements for:
This designation puts HeliNY among an elite group of operators committed to the highest safety standards.
HeliNY flies modern Bell 407 helicopters, known for:
This stability is essential for crisp photos and steady video.
HeliNY’s reputation is backed by real passengers:
Guests routinely praise the team’s professionalism, the smoothness of the flights, and the unforgettable views.
If you want even more time in the sky, or a custom route, HeliNY offers personal charters from Manhattan and New Jersey. These flights are ideal for special occasions, content creators, or anyone who wants a more personalized aerial experience. (Details at helinycharters.com/personal-charters.)
HeliNY gift cards are a perfect choice for birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, graduations, or holiday surprises. They’re flexible, easy to redeem, and can be used toward any tour — including your future Statue of Liberty helicopter adventure.
A Statue of Liberty helicopter tour isn’t just another sightseeing activity — it’s an unforgettable way to experience New York’s most iconic scenery from a totally fresh perspective. From Lady Liberty’s torch to the sweeping skyline walls of Midtown, every moment delivers a new, breathtaking photo op.
Fly with HeliNY, and you’ll enjoy world-class safety, a top-tier fleet, and views you can’t get anywhere else. Grab your camera, hop on board, and discover the magic of New York City from the sky.
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.)
