Cancellation Policy - HeliNY Tours
Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your flight, please contact our office in advance by phone or email:(212) 355-0801

Blackout/No-Refund Policy – ​​To ensure fairness to all customers, we implement a no-refund policy during blacklist periods, as demand is extremely high on these dates, and canceling a booking could affect the ability of others to book. Furthermore, HFS makes arrangements in advance with its internal staff and multiple suppliers and partners before the peak demand period, therefore we cannot process refunds during blacklist periods.

  • Blackout/Embargo Period (2026):
    • April 14 – May 31
    • June 15 – September 15
    • November 20 – January 5

If you need to cancel or reschedule during these periods, we will issue a flight voucher, which must be used within 12 months from the date of purchase. Changes must be made at least 72 hours before the scheduled flight departure to avoid additional charges.

Standard cancellation terms (outside of blacklist dates)

  • Orders cancelled more than 72 hours before flight departure are refundable, but a credit card refund processing fee will be deducted.
  • Orders cancelled within 72 hours of departure are non-refundable.

Event Ticket Guarantee

We partner with Allianz Travel Insurance, a leading global travel insurance brand, to offer Allianz Ticket Protection. This insurance covers 100% of your ticket cost if you are unable to attend an event due to covered illness, injury, traffic accident, unexpected travel issues, or other reasons. Millions of people choose us each year to protect their event tickets, travel plans, registration fees, and more. You also gain access to award-winning 24/7 professional assistance with any travel-related issues.

Learn more
Get a free quote

Applicable terms, conditions, and exclusions. The plan is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company or Jefferson Insurance Company. AGA Service Company is the licensed manufacturer and administrator of these plans. The plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Please contact AGA Service Company at 800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or customerservice@allianzassistance.com.

Amendment Terms

  • 72–24 hours before departure: Non-refundable, but a fee of US$50 per person will be charged for changes made within 12 months of the original purchase date.
  • Within 24 hours of departure: Non-refundable, but a fee of US$100 per person will be charged for changes made within 12 months of the original purchase date.

Force majeure policy

HeliNY assumes no liability for unforeseen circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to presidential or governmental actions, severe weather conditions, national or regional emergencies, or mechanical failures that may affect your flight. In such cases, we will make every effort to reschedule your flight; no refunds will be given. Customers may choose to reschedule their flight within 12 months of the original purchase date or transfer their ticket to another person. Special circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis; in such cases, please contact our booking team directly at info@heliny.com.

No-Show Policy – ​​No refunds for no-shows. Subject to seat availability, one-time rebooking is permitted within 12 months of purchase for a fee of US$100 per person.

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HeliNY Earns Prestigious TOPS Certification for Excellence in Helicopter Tour Safety

Recognition from the Tour Operators Program of Safety underscores HeliNY's aviation safety and operational excellence leadership

Heliny Helicopter
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

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HeliNY Earns WYVERN Wingman Certification, Setting a New Benchmark for Safety at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport

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.)