Bert Solivan
Bert Solivan is passionate about travel and discovering new experiences. A native New Yorker, he has explored the world while keeping his roots in the city he calls home. As the former General Manager of Great Value Vacations, a premier vacation package tour operator, Bert has long believed in making unforgettable journeys accessible to travelers. He now resides in the New York Metro area, where his love for adventure continues to inspire both his work and everyday life.
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
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
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.)