HeliNY SAFETY FIRST Standards

Certifications

At HeliNY, the safety of our passengers is our number one priority! We work hard to provide the safest and most reliable experience along with unmatched performance, comfort, and luxury.

HeliNY has been awarded certification from the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS) – the nation’s most respected safety accreditation program for helicopter tour operators.

Press Release Certification Information

HeliNY has achieved WYVERN Wingman certification, one of the aviation industry’s most respected safety designations.
The certification was granted on December 2, 2025, following a rigorous independent audit validating HeliNY’s
operational excellence, pilot training, maintenance programs, and Safety Management System.

Press Release Certification Information

Safety

HeliNY only flies state of the art Bell 407s and do not fly older helicopter models.

At HeliNY, the safety of our passengers is our number one priority! We work hard to provide the safest and most reliable experience along with unmatched performance, comfort, and luxury.

HeliNY as a helicopter charter company is registered with Wyvern, an independent company that ensures operators, worldwide, are applying best safety and flying practices.

All our procedures, standards, and best practices come from decades of aviation expertise. Our firsthand knowledge translates into ultimate peace of mind for all our passengers!  HeliNY’s Safety Management goes beyond conventional standards by prioritizing audits and risk assessments to consistently demonstrate our dedication to the highest levels of safety. Our commitment to your well-being begins long before you set foot on a HeliNY helicopter.

Maintenance

HeliNY’s Maintenance Team’s priority is safety, and we take extreme measures to make sure our procedures are following our safety culture.

Our team consists of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licensed Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) technicians. Our technicians are also trained at the Bell Helicopter Training Academy for specific specialty training.

All facets of maintenance and repair for your helicopter are done following strict and regular schedules recommended by manufacturer and approved by the FAA.

HeliNY has earned and maintained the highest FAA standards with annual audits.

Fleet

Our helicopters come equipped with safety features such as: Global Position Systems (GPS), Synthetic Vision Display Units and Terrain Warning Avoidance Systems (TWAS). Our new Bell 407GX helicopters are equipped with the latest in noise reduction technology.

Helicopter Flight Services is the only New York-area company moving forward with rotocraft noise reduction technology. All of our aircraft are equipped with Traffic Information Systems (TIS), a big safety feature allowing our pilots to see the New York air traffic at a glance.

In always keeping our fleet up-to-date, we recently acquired new Bell 407 GX and Bell 407 GXi helicopters.

New York Tour Departures New Jersey Tour Departures

The New Yorker Tour

$259 Per Seat

More Details

The Ultimate Tour

$289 Per Seat

More Details

The Deluxe Tour

$389 Per Seat

More Details

Private Flights

$2,200

Contact Agent More Details

Fall Foliage Experience

$379 Per Seat

More Details

NYC Helicopter Proposal – NJ

$3,450

More Details

Private Flights

$2,200

Contact Agent More Details

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.)