I didn't even mention the resistance from the noise police! One thing that has changed - and not for the better - is that the local anti-helicopter citizenry has become much more organized. They've succeeded in limiting the number of helicopter tour flights over the city. Wait until they get their teeth into a scheduled service. The linked article even hinted at the impending trouble by quoting the former NYC Parks Commissioner: "People who fly in helicopters to the airport are putting their convenience, the few minutes of time savings, over the happiness and health of millions of their neighbors."
Say whaaaaat? One guy who flies in a helicopter to the airport puts his happiness over the HEALTH of MILLIONS of their neighbors! Jeez, Benepe, speak in hyperbole much? Dear Lord. This is how insane New Yorkers have become. Why did they even quote him, anyway? Benepe is a tree-hugger who used to work for the City but now works for a non-profit - just the kind of guy the anti-helicopter crowd will enlist to help their cause. He'll make some claim that helicopter noise infringes upon the "natural quiet" of NYC's parks - kind like happened out in the Grand Canyon. And some dumb liberal judge will agree. ...As if NYC parks have - or ever had - any natural quiet. But you just wait. The citizen-group opposition to Blade will be fierce.
Oh, and can I take a shoe-selfie on the way to JFK?