Homepage » Experiences » Expert Tips
Few things in travel rival the moment New York City opens up beneath you. The harbor glitters, skyscrapers slice into the sky, and landmarks you’ve seen a thousand times suddenly feel brand new. For those chasing the best helicopter experience, it’s not just about getting airborne; it’s about choosing the right tour that balances budget, time, and the kind of story you want to tell when you land.
HeliNY, the city’s most trusted operator, makes that choice simple. With decades of experience, a modern fleet of Bell 407 helicopters, and rave reviews (4.8 stars on TripAdvisor and 4.6 stars on Google), we’ve earned their reputation as the go-to for anyone looking for the best helicopter tour New York offers.
Walk the avenues and you feel the city’s pulse. Look up at the towers and you feel small. But when you lift off in a helicopter, suddenly it all makes sense—the city unfolds like a grand map, with every bridge, park, and island revealing how this iconic puzzle fits together.
It’s perspective, thrill, and, yes, indulgence. But sometimes, the only way to appreciate a city is to rise above it.
HeliNY has designed its lineup so that you’ll find something tailored to your time and budget, whether you want a quick 15-minute thrill or a 45-minute seasonal showcase. Here’s how each tour feels from the passenger seat:
Short, sharp, unforgettable. You skim past the Statue of Liberty, hover near Ellis Island, and sweep around the southern tip of Manhattan. Fifteen minutes is all it takes to tick off the icons and still have time for lunch in Battery Park.
This entry-level flight proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to feel like you’ve scored the best helicopter moment of your trip.
If there’s a “crowd favorite,” this is it. You still get Liberty and Lower Manhattan, but the route stretches north, gliding past Hudson Yards, the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Chrysler Building, and finally, Central Park spread out like a green quilt.
It’s easy to see why many travelers call this the best helicopter tour New York offers; it’s the highlight reel in one sweeping arc.
Think of this as the extended director’s cut. You’ll trace the city further, see more landmarks, and feel like you’ve had the time to linger with the skyline.
This longer ride feels like a luxury for photographers and skyline purists without the private-charter price tag.
HeliNY’s New Jersey departure point is a blessing for those driving in; easy access, free parking, and a route that still delivers the icons: the bridges, Central Park, and the west side of Manhattan, all laid out in sharp detail.
It’s a smart option if you’re exploring beyond Manhattan or want the convenience of skipping downtown traffic.
The skyline is impressive by day and intoxicating by night. Times Square blazes, bridges twinkle, and Manhattan glows like a constellation.
This isn’t just sightseeing, it’s a mood. Romantic, cinematic, and unforgettable. If you’ve already seen the city from the ground, this tour redefines it.
Autumn in New York has always been poetic. From above, it’s electric. Reds and golds burst along the Hudson River as you climb north, with the skyline shimmering behind you.
At 45 minutes, it’s HeliNY’s longest seasonal flight, and arguably the best helicopter choice if you visit in October or November.
Sometimes the moment is too big to share. HeliNY’s private charters transform the helicopter into your personal sky lounge for proposals, anniversaries, or milestone birthdays. Pick the route, cue the champagne, and let Manhattan play backdrop to your story.
It’s indulgent, yes, but also unforgettable.
A quick word about what’s happening behind the scenes. HeliNY operates a fleet of state-of-the-art Bell 407 helicopters, widely regarded for their stability and passenger comfort. Each aircraft undergoes rigorous checks before every flight and comes equipped with GPS, synthetic-vision displays, and terrain-awareness systems. Add in pilots who have logged countless hours in New York’s busy airspace, and you get the confidence to relax, put on your headset, and enjoy the ride.
Don’t just imagine the view, make it yours. HeliNY makes booking easy, with flights departing daily from both Downtown Manhattan and Linden, NJ. Whether you’re chasing a quick thrill, a romantic night flight, or a private celebration in the sky, there’s a seat waiting for you. Reserve your spot today and experience the best helicopter tour New York has to offer.
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
