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If you’re visiting New York City and looking for that one experience you’ll be talking about for years, nothing compares to a helicopter ride in NYC. Forget standing in long lines at crowded attractions—this is about seeing the city in a way few ever do: from the sky.
Over the years, travelers worldwide have shared their excitement after taking a helicopter tour of NYC, and the verdict is clear: it’s one of the most unforgettable adventures you can add to your itinerary. HeliNY makes it easy to take to the skies in style, whether you’re here for a few days or weeks.
Travelers rave about their helicopter tour in NYC because of the sheer number of landmarks you can cover quickly. While the specific route depends on the tour you choose, here are some highlights:
HeliNY’s routes are designed to give you picture-perfect angles of these sights, so your camera roll will thank you.
New York is a city of icons—the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park—but even if you’ve seen them all on foot, nothing prepares you for the view from above. From the moment the rotors start spinning, you feel the adrenaline buzz. Then, as you lift off, Manhattan’s skyline unfurls beneath you like a living postcard.
Tourists often say a helicopter ride in NYC feels thrilling and surprisingly peaceful. There’s the excitement of soaring over skyscrapers, but also the calm of watching the city glide by below, the Hudson River shimmering in the sunlight.
With HeliNY, you’re not just booking a ride—you’re securing a curated experience with professional pilots, a well-maintained fleet, and a team that knows how to make first-time flyers feel comfortable. The cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows, so every seat has a clear view.
Many first-time visitors to New York wonder if a helicopter ride in NYC is worth the cost. Based on what travelers say—and our 4.6-star rating on Google and 4.8 stars on TripAdvisor—the answer is a resounding yes.
Guests consistently describe the experience as “the best way to see the city,” “an unforgettable highlight,” and “a bucket-list must.” Some even admit they booked on a whim and walked away saying it was the most memorable part of their entire trip.
Reviewers also praise how smooth and comfortable the flights feel, especially with HeliNY’s experienced pilots at the controls. Many mention how much they enjoyed the commentary, with pilots pointing out hidden gems and sharing fascinating history about landmarks as you soar above them.
With thousands of glowing reviews and a reputation backed by travelers worldwide, HeliNY delivers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that truly lives up to the hype.
HeliNY has various tour options, letting you choose the one that best matches your schedule, budget, and must-see landmarks.:
Whether you want a quick thrill or a more leisurely journey, a helicopter tour of NYC is perfect.
Tourists who’ve flown with HeliNY often share these helpful tips:
With so many options for a helicopter ride in NYC, why do travelers keep choosing HeliNY? We’ve been soaring above New York since 1994, earning the trust of locals and visitors alike with our impeccable safety record and unmatched professionalism. Our state-of-the-art Bell 407 helicopters are meticulously maintained, and the friendly crew goes above and beyond to ensure every moment in the sky feels safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
Another plus? HeliNY offers two convenient departure locations: the Downtown Manhattan Heliport—perfect for those staying in the city—and the Linden Airport in New Jersey, an excellent choice for visitors driving in from surrounding areas. Both locations are easy to reach, and Linden even offers free on-site parking—rare in the New York region. Whether coming from Midtown, Brooklyn, or across the river, getting to your flight is stress-free.
Many visitors turn their helicopter tour in NYC into a celebration. Birthdays, anniversaries, and proposals take on a new level of romance and excitement when they happen 1,000 feet above Manhattan. HeliNY even offers private tours to customize your route, add champagne toasts, or time your flight for a sunset over the skyline.
Booking with HeliNY is straightforward—you can reserve your spot online, choose your tour length, and even add special extras before checkout. Since tours often sell out, it’s best to lock in your time as soon as you know your travel dates.
And don’t worry if you’re nervous—it’s perfectly normal. Many first-time flyers say their jitters vanish the moment the helicopter lifts off and the views take over.
If you’re coming to New York and want a travel memory you’ll cherish forever, a helicopter ride to NYC is a must. From sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty to gliding over Central Park, you’ll see the city in full glory.
Whether you choose a quick city loop or a more extended helicopter tour in NYC, HeliNY ensures the experience is seamless, safe, and spectacular. You’ll leave with incredible photos, videos, a huge smile, and a story to tell for the rest of your life.
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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.)
