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Every November, New York City becomes a stage for one of the world’s most inspiring sporting events—the New York City Marathon. With over 50,000 runners and over a million spectators filling the streets, the city buzzes with energy all weekend. Whether you’re here to run, cheer, or enjoy the atmosphere, marathon weekend is one of the most exciting times of the year to experience the Big Apple.
While the race itself is Sunday’s highlight, Saturday is your best chance to elevate the weekend with an unforgettable experience: a NYC helicopter tour. With all of HeliNY’s tours operating from multiple locations on Saturday, you can take to the skies and soak in panoramic views of the city just before it transforms for the world-famous marathon.
The NY marathon route covers all five boroughs, beginning on Staten Island and winding through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx before finishing in iconic Central Park. It’s a journey that reflects the diversity and spirit of New York City.
By Saturday, anticipation has already taken over. The Expo at the Javits Center, pre-race runs through Central Park, and bustling neighborhoods filled with international visitors create an energy unlike any other weekend in the city. It’s the perfect time to explore, and what better way to do that than with a bird’s-eye view?
A NYC helicopter tour during marathon weekend isn’t about watching the race itself—it’s about embracing the spirit of New York when it’s at its most alive. From the sky, you’ll see the neighborhoods and landmarks that set the stage for the marathon, from the Hudson River bridges to the skyline that runners will pass beneath the following day.
HeliNY’s flights give you an unmatched perspective of Manhattan’s fall colors, the Statue of Liberty standing proud in the harbor, and Central Park—the backdrop for the marathon’s famous finish line. It’s the ultimate way to connect with the city before Sunday’s big event.
On Saturday, the day before the marathon, all of HeliNY’s tours are available. Here’s what you can choose from:
A shorter but spectacular option, this 12-15 minute tour flies you along the Hudson River. You’ll spot the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, One World Trade Center, and sweeping Midtown and Central Park views. Perfect for first-time flyers or those short on time.
The 17-20 minute Ultimate Tour goes even farther for those who want it all. In addition to Manhattan’s landmarks and the Hudson River, you’ll see the Palisades of New Jersey and expansive views beyond the city limits. It’s the best option if you’re looking for an actual once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A longer 25–30 minute ride that expands on the Skyline route. The Deluxe Tour carries you north over Harlem, Yankee Stadium, and the George Washington Bridge while including downtown highlights like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. It’s the most complete way to experience the city in one flight.
Whatever you choose, every seat offers incredible views—and every tour brings you closer to the excitement of marathon weekend.
An unforgettable flight starts with peace of mind. HeliNY operates a fleet of state-of-the-art Bell 407 helicopters, known for their reliability, comfort, and exceptional visibility. Each aircraft is meticulously maintained and undergoes rigorous safety checks before every flight.
Equally important, the pilots are highly trained professionals with years of experience navigating New York’s complex airspace. From the moment you arrive at the heliport, HeliNY’s staff ensures you feel safe, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the ride.
November offers some of the most breathtaking views of New York. Central Park and nearby neighborhoods shimmer in reds, oranges, and golds, strikingly contrasting the city’s modern skyline. The crisp autumn air and clear skies often make for excellent flying conditions, ensuring sharp photo visibility.
Pair those views with the marathon weekend energy, and you have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable helicopter experience.
The New York City Marathon is more than just a race. It celebrates perseverance, community, and the city itself. Adding a NYC helicopter tour with HeliNY to your marathon weekend will allow you to experience Central Park and the skyline in a way that ground alone can’t capture.
Whether you choose the Skyline, Deluxe, or Ultimate Tour, you’ll carry home memories of the marathon and the breathtaking experience of seeing New York from above.
So this November, don’t just join the crowds—elevate your weekend and celebrate the city in the most unforgettable way possible.
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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
