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If you’re a content creator or travel vlogger looking to capture next-level visuals of New York City, it’s time to take your footage to the skies. Urban air videos shot from helicopters aren’t just cinematic; they’re immersive, unforgettable, and algorithm gold. From sweeping skyline shots to close-ups of the Statue of Liberty, NYC is one of the most compelling backdrops for creators on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Enter HeliNY, a premier helicopter tour company with routes highlighting New York’s most iconic sights. Whether you’re filming a travel vlog, a proposal, or a visually-driven montage, HeliNY’s Bell 407 helicopters and curated tours help you tell a story that soars.
This guide covers everything you need to know to film stunning urban air YouTube videos on your next HeliNY tour, including equipment tips, route selection, filming strategies, and more.
Every story needs the right setting. Here’s a breakdown of HeliNY’s tours to help you choose the flight that fits your content:
Perfect for short-form content or teaser clips, this 12–15 minute route takes you past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Freedom Tower, and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. It is excellent for fast-paced edits and “WOW” reaction shots.
This tour is a 17–20-minute flight covering all of Manhattan, from the Statue of Liberty to the George Washington Bridge. With sweeping skyline views and over 20 landmarks captured in a single continuous route, it’s perfect for creators looking to film dynamic, cinematic urban air videos from multiple angles, all in a single flight.
The Deluxe Tour is a top-tier 25- to 30-minute helicopter flight over New York City that covers over 20 major landmarks. The extended route is perfect for cinematic edits or “day in the life” travel episodes.
This mid-length route hugs the Hudson River, offering unbeatable shots of the Empire State Building, The Vessel, Central Park, and the entire West Side skyline. It is ideal for long-form vlogs that include commentary and smooth transitions.
A visual dream: Times Square, skyscraper lighting, and bridges glowing against the night sky. Make sure your camera handles low light well—these urban air videos pop on social feeds.
Custom routes to the Hamptons, Hudson Valley, Connecticut, and more allow you to create a unique creator experience. They’re great for filming full-day-in-the-life travel content or brand collaborations.
You don’t need a Hollywood rig to film like a pro, but you need to be ready.
Gear tips:
Pro Tip: Clean your lens before takeoff. There’s nothing worse than realizing your skyline shot has a smudge in the corner.
HeliNY flies Bell 407 helicopters, which offer floor-to-ceiling windows—ideal for creators. Every seat has a panoramic view.
For best video coverage:
A 10-minute aerial video without narration or context won’t hold attention. Here’s how to turn raw footage into a compelling YouTube story:
Add graphics, motion text, and jump cuts to keep your viewer engaged.
As creators, we want the footage to be smooth—but we also want to feel safe. HeliNY is one of the few helicopter tour companies in the U.S. to earn the TOPS Certification for Excellence in Helicopter Tour Safety. This recognition goes beyond FAA requirements and includes:
You’re in expert hands with over 80,000 combined pilot hours, a modern Bell 407 fleet, and departures from Downtown Manhattan or Linden Airport.
With over 78,000 passengers flown annually, HeliNY is more than just a tour company; it’s a trusted partner for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Just ask the internet:
Reviewers love the friendly staff, the views, and the surprisingly smooth ride.
Urban air YouTube videos aren’t just about incredible shots of New York—they’re about showing your audience something they’ve never seen before. From sky-high story arcs to cinematic reveals, helicopter footage adds polish and drama to your content.
So next time you’re in NYC, skip the observation deck—and bring your camera to the clouds.
Book your tour at HeliNY.com, and let your next story take flight.
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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
