I think Patrick Day - CEO of NYONAIR is kidding himself of the consequences of his decisions and the resulting accident by posting this on LinkedIn;
Many media have misreported facts associated with the tragic accident that occurred on March 11, 2018. To help correct these misstatements and provide the FACTS to all audiences we’ve addressed them head on below. Safety has always been FlyNYON’s top priority and we will always put that first.
Perception
The harnesses used on the FlyNYON’s flights are illegal.
Fact
Before the accident, there were no rules prohibiting the harnesses previously used on flyNYON flights. However, the FAA has since prohibited the use of harnesses so moving forward, all our passengers will wear FAA-approved three-point seatbelts installed by the manufacturer. at all times.
Perception
A helicopter owned by flyNYON was involved in the accident.
Fact
The helicopter involved in the accident was owned and operated by Liberty Helicopters, not FlyNYON.
Perception
The FAA banned doors-off flights.
Fact
The FAA never banned all doors-off flights. It is completely legal to fly doors off with passengers wearing seatbelts and entirely consistent with all applicable FAA regulations.
Perception
FlyNYON isn’t offering refunds.
Fact
FlyNYON issued refunds to customers who had reservations for flights that we were unable to service following the accident while we awaited guidance from the FAA.
As we have resumed operation of doors-off flights, we are not offering refunds on existing reservations, but rather offering customers the option to take a doors-on flight or extend the redemption period of flight credits.
Perception
Doors-off flights aren’t safe.
Fact
The FAA has determined that doors-off flights using approved seatbelts are safe and operators throughout the country have safely flown doors-off with seatbelts for decades.