Pilots

76287

Combined Flight Hours

375

Certifications

Years with HeliNY

COMMITTED TO THE AIRCRAFT, FOCUSED ON YOU!

When it to comes to safety at HeliNY, our pilot training initiative exemplifies our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety. Our pilots bring extensive experience from military, flight instruction, logistics, and even rescue operations backgrounds when they join our team.

HeliNY’s pilots are an exceptional group of aviators, with over 30% proudly serving with us for more than seven years. They embody the highest levels of professionalism and expertise, bringing extensive training and experience to their assigned aircraft. Each pilot is meticulously prepared to operate safely and efficiently across diverse terrains, environments, and situations. Exceeding industry standards in every aspect, HeliNY pilots set the benchmark for skill, safety, and dedication.

Pilot Safety

When it to comes to safety at HeliNY, our pilot training initiative exemplifies our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety.

Our pilots bring extensive experience from military, flight instruction, logistics, and even rescue operations backgrounds when they join our team.

We entrust our highly skilled team with critical decisions regarding weather conditions, and operational considerations.

HeliNY regularly monitors the weather for conditions that may go below VFR minimums, ceasing operations when it is unsafe to fly.

Our pilots are required to fill out a Flight Risk Assessment before each flight.

Pilot Experience

- All HeliNY pilots receive annual proficiency check rides.

- Minimum 1,000 hours of rotorcraft helicopter time as a pilot in command.

- Must have a commercial rotorcraft helicopter and instrument rating.

- Previous experience in Part 135/Part 91 or corporate aircraft.

- A valid 1st or 2nd Class Medical Certification.

Pilot Team

HeliNY Earns Prestigious TOPS Certification for Excellence in Helicopter Tour Safety

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

HeliNY Earns WYVERN Wingman Certification, Setting a New Benchmark for Safety at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport

News provided by: HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.) Dec 08, 2025, 21:30 ET

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.)

Pilots

COMMITTED TO THE AIRCRAFT, FOCUSED ON YOU!

Pilot Safety

Pilot Experience

Pilot Team

Oyvind Vataker (“OV”)

Clive Roberts

Jeffrey D. Mackenzie

Michael Holland

Leo Krautheim

Sawyer C. Mahan

Lars Andersen

Sebastien Pochari

Nicholas Veiga

David Linville

Jacob Kuehn

Olivia Tosi

Mario Adame

Tyler Worden

Matthew Cornelius

HeliNY Earns Prestigious TOPS Certification for Excellence in Helicopter Tour Safety

HeliNY Earns WYVERN Wingman Certification, Setting a New Benchmark for Safety at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport