Homepage » Experiences » Seasonal Tours
When you think of spring break, beaches and road trips might come to mind. But what if you literally ditched the ordinary this year and went sky-high? Imagine soaring above New York City’s glittering skyline, the Hudson River winding below, and the Statue of Liberty waving up at you from 1,000 feet in the air. A helicopter ride with HeliNY isn’t just another one of your spring break activities; it’s the kind of experience that redefines what adventure means.
New York City is an all-season destination, but there’s something genuinely magical about springtime here. The weather warms, cherry blossoms bloom in Central Park, and energy fills the streets. Whether visiting with family, friends, or a significant other, a HeliNY helicopter tour adds an unforgettable layer to your itinerary.
You could spend hours navigating subways or taxis to see the city’s landmarks. Or, you could take to the sky and see them all in 15 minutes flat—from the Statue of Liberty to One World Trade Center and beyond. It’s the perfect way to kick off your spring break adventure with something unforgettable.
HeliNY is one of the most trusted names in helicopter sightseeing. For over three decades, they’ve been helping travelers experience the best views of the Big Apple, from quick skyline tours to fully customized private charters. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, HeliNY’s lineup of flights offers something for everyone:
Each flight offers panoramic views that will have your camera (and your social feed) working overtime.
Looking to make this spring break the most luxurious one yet? HeliNY’s Private Charters deliver the ultimate VIP experience. Departing from either the Downtown Manhattan Heliport or Linden Airport in New Jersey, these flights are designed for travelers who want flexibility, privacy, and sophistication.
HeliNY’s charter flights can whisk you to destinations like the Hamptons, Atlantic City, or even Cape Cod. Each trip combines comfort and breathtaking scenery. This kind of spring break activity makes for a story worth retelling for years.
There’s nothing quite like watching New York come alive from above. The helicopter’s smooth glide gives you a bird’s-eye view of the city’s landmarks: the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Central Park, the Chrysler Building, and the shimmering expanse of the East River.
While traditional sightseeing tours might give you a street-level perspective, a HeliNY tour lets you see how the city connects—where the skyscrapers meet the rivers and where neighborhoods blend into history. It’s not just an activity; it’s an entirely new way to feel New York.
One of the most impressive aspects of flying with HeliNY is the company’s unwavering commitment to safety. Every aircraft in their fleet is a Bell 407 helicopter, known for its reliability, comfort, and advanced technology. Each helicopter has features like Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Terrain Warning Avoidance Systems (TWAS), and Synthetic Vision Displays—ensuring precision navigation and peace of mind.
Before every flight, the helicopters undergo rigorous safety checks, and all pilots are experienced professionals trained specifically for the unique airspace above New York City. This dedication to passenger safety has earned HeliNY top-tier ratings and glowing reviews from travelers worldwide.
HeliNY proudly holds a 4.6-star rating on Google, 4.8 stars on TripAdvisor, and an impressive 4.8 out of 5 on Viator—a testament to its professionalism, hospitality, and exceptional flying experience.
A HeliNY flight is the rare spring break activity that appeals to everyone. Families love the excitement of seeing familiar landmarks from new angles. At the same time, groups of friends can turn the experience into a memory that defines their trip. Kids light up when the blades whirl and the helicopter gently lifts off.
It’s the perfect way to add variety to your spring break itinerary, especially if you’ve already done the usual walking tours, museums, or boat rides. Plus, it’s surprisingly accessible: tours are available daily, with flights departing from convenient Manhattan and New Jersey locations.
No trip to New York during spring break is complete without epic photos, and a helicopter ride guarantees them. You’ll capture stunning aerial shots of the skyline, bridges, and waterways from takeoff to landing. Expert tip: Try booking a late-afternoon flight to catch the golden hues of sunset glinting off the skyscrapers.
Whether you’re posting on Instagram, sharing on TikTok, or creating a highlight reel for your trip, your aerial footage will stand out from the crowd of typical spring break activities.
HeliNY makes it simple to plan your flight. You can choose from pre-set tours or customize your own private charter. Each flight accommodates up to six passengers, making it great for couples, families, or small groups traveling together.
Bookings can be made directly through HeliNY’s website, and gift cards are also available—making it easy to surprise someone special with the gift of flight.
If you’re looking for a creative way to surprise your loved ones this spring break, HeliNY gift cards are the answer. They’re redeemable for any tour or private charter, allowing the recipient to choose their adventure, whether a quick skyline flight or an exclusive getaway to the Hamptons.
It’s more than just a gift; it’s an invitation to see the world from a new perspective.
At the end of the day, spring break is about creating memories that last. While others will spend the week in crowded spots doing the same old things, you’ll be crossing a major item off your bucket list—flying over one of the most iconic cities in the world.
HeliNY’s combination of luxury, safety, and awe-inspiring views makes its helicopter rides one of the most unique and rewarding spring break activities. Whether visiting New York for the first time or rediscovering it from above, this experience offers the perfect blend of thrill and serenity.
So this year, make your spring break one to remember. Book your HeliNY tour, grab your camera, and prepare to see New York City from the best seat in the sky like never before.
First Name*
Last Name*
Email*
Phone*
Message*
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
