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If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing New York’s autumn from a new perspective, this is it. Picture yourself soaring high above the Hudson River as fiery reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows ripple across the landscape below. This is more than sightseeing—a Hudson River tour experience transforms fall into an unforgettable aerial adventure.
And when it comes to Hudson River helicopter tours, no one captures the magic of leaf season quite like HeliNY.
Autumn in New York doesn’t just arrive—it sweeps in like a master painter, transforming the Hudson Valley into a vivid masterpiece. Overnight, the bright greens of summer fade into cascades of amber, crimson, and gold, each hillside along the river looking like it belongs on a postcard. From the ground, it’s stunning. But from above, it’s nothing short of extraordinary on a Hudson River helicopter tour.
High in the sky, your Hudson River tour reveals a shimmering ribbon of water winding through an endless quilt of color. The Palisade Cliffs glow in the afternoon light, forest canopies ripple with reds and yellows, and each river bend delivers another jaw-dropping view. This is more than sightseeing—it’s stepping into a fleeting work of art that only appears for a few precious weeks each year.
HeliNY’s Fall Foliage Experience isn’t your average sightseeing loop. It’s a 45-minute journey that blends autumn’s natural beauty with some of New York’s most famous architectural landmarks.
Your flight begins with the Manhattan skyline in all its glory, the sun catching the reflective glass of the city’s tallest towers. You’ll glide past icons like:
From there, your Hudson River helicopter tour takes you upriver toward the Tappan Zee Bridge. As you near the border of Westchester County, you’ll pass over Sleepy Hollow, the legendary home of the Headless Horseman—an autumn thrill all its own.
This special Hudson River tour runs seasonally from September 15 through November, when the foliage is most vibrant. Flights are offered on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.—perfect for catching the midday light or a late-afternoon golden glow.
Your flight departs from Linden Municipal Airport (1101 W Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ 07036), an easy-to-reach location for city visitors and locals. If you’re coming from Manhattan, take NJ Transit from New York Penn Station to Linden Station, NJ, where HeliNY offers a complimentary shuttle to the airport upon request. If you’re driving, you’ll enjoy convenient on-site parking at no cost, making the start of your journey simple and stress-free.
HeliNY adds thoughtful touches that make the journey even more memorable:
These little extras elevate the trip from a “fun helicopter ride” to a “bucket-list experience.”
Pricing starts at $379 per person for both adults and children. Infants under 2 can join free, provided they ride on a parent’s lap.
Check-in begins 50 minutes before flight time, giving you ample time for safety briefings, boarding, and a few photos before takeoff. Once airborne, you’ll enjoy 45 minutes of uninterrupted aerial views—more than double the length of most Manhattan sightseeing flights.
Many helicopter tours focus exclusively on city landmarks. Still, the Fall Foliage Experience lets you have the best of both worlds:
It’s an itinerary that satisfies photographers, history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to be awestruck.
If you can’t make it during leaf-peeping season or want a different kind of adventure, HeliNY offers several other Hudson River tour options:
These options make incorporating a helicopter ride into your NYC itinerary easy, whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week.
From the moment the rotor blades start spinning to the second you touch down, the HeliNY Fall Foliage Experience delivers a rush of color, history, and perspective. You’ll float above one of the world’s most famous rivers, see architectural icons from a privileged angle, and watch nature put on its most spectacular show.
And when you’re back on solid ground, you’ll have more than just photos—you’ll have a memory that will be hard to top.
Seats are limited, the season is short, and the views are spectacular. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or a first-time visitor, this is your chance to experience fall in the Hudson Valley the way it was meant to be seen—from the sky.
Book your spot on HeliNY’s Fall Foliage Experience Hudson River tour and prepare for 45 minutes of autumn magic you’ll never forget.
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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
