PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Flights between Manhattan and JFK to start again
Old 8th February 2006 | 12:46
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ENG Brit
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 30
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From: New York
There is alot of talk about this forthcoming service here in the NY area. The owners seem well financed and have a few experienced airline executives in their management team. They'll be based in Bridgeport, CT and fly into Wall St/JRB where they'll be based for the work day, and later move in at E34th heliport.

As a local pilot who flies for a competitor, I hope I speak for many when I wish them well and hope their service continues to improve investment in NE heliport facilities and fosters increased interest in travel by helicopter - that would benefit the industry and us all.

In the process, I also hope that in their effort to maintain their "scheduled" service, there is no tendency to push the limits to get the job done. I've heard (nearly, but not quite from the horse's mouth) that their flight minimums are 300/1 to JFK. Most operators work with at least 500/2 or higher. 300 ft, albeit a minimum is not conducive to the anti-noise campaign most operators try to work with. On those IFR days, any helicopter at 300ft or thereabouts will draw the wrath of the numerous NY area anti-helicopter groups, not withstanding the safety aspect over congested Brooklyn/Queens. Hopefully, it will be infrequest times this theory will be tested, but once you authorise it...

Also, many will await the first instance when someone slips through TSA screening at JRB (or 34th) and see how the TSA reacts - this may well be the thread by which they hang.

First aircraft is being painted and nearing delivery. If you are willing to live/commute to CT, have suitable experience and think $67,500 is appropriate and workable for you as a NY corporate pilot - apply and have fun.

For more info, see the NY Times article from Feb 6. You need to register first.
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