Helicopter tour of New York [Archive]

ENG Brit

12th Mar 2006, 23:39

Nice shot of Central Park...pity it didnt look like that this afternoon with 600 BKN and downt to a mile vis at times - a sucky afternoon. Hopefully you'll get better weather later this week, but dont peek out your CT window tthis evening, its horrid.

Liberty Helicopters are pretty good for tours. Suggest West 30th Helipor location (at 12th ave). Newer EC130's for tours plus the odd Astar. Probably get a little more out of a daytime flight than a "night" flight, though sunset might be nice. Sunset is 6pm about now.

Otherwise, New York Helicopters at Wall St/Downtown Mo-Fri and shares W30th location at weekends. At W30 you get to see the corporate guys in the 76's whixch can be a nice sight.

Havent worked for Liberty (Im fractional/corpporatE)), but hear good things and we employ some of their ex pilots so they cant be too bad, lol... :=

supert3d

21st Mar 2006, 17:43

:) Quick note for Dave...

... gratz' on passing your instructor's course AND don't you dare !!! :}

Aser

8th Dec 2007, 00:25

I'll be there next week, any recomendation to visit?
I'm looking at libertyhelicopters for a tour.
The Intrepid Aircraft Carrier museum is under repairs :{
Aviation library/shop/bar etc. ?
Anything you think it's worth.

Regards.
Aser

Flying Lawyer

8th Dec 2007, 04:28

Apart from the numerous famous tourist attractions in one of the most exciting cities in the world:

Staten Island Ferry
Wonderful views of Lower Manhattan, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
It used to be the best value for money trip in New York @ 50c each way, but I think it might even be free now.

Bar at the Rainbow Grill (Rockefeller Center)
Perfect for a relaxing nightcap after a busy day's sightseeing - stunning views of New York at night from the 65th floor bar.
There's also an observation deck.

Marriott Marquis Hotel, Times Square
47 floors up - and the only revolving bar/restaurant in Manhattan, I think. (The Rainbow Grill is 18 floors higher so IMHO the view is even more stunning.)

River Cafe, Brooklyn
Water Street, immediately next to the bridge on the Brooklyn side. Spectacular view of Manhattan across the East River, day or night. Good place for a drink/snack at lunchtime. Dinner isn't cheap but, if you get a window table, IMHO worth it for the view.

Helicopter tour
Simply amazing.

Carnegie Deli
Seventh Avenue, at 55th Street. Famous deli, reputedly the best in America (although IMHO not as good as Nate'n Al in LA.) Good food and a New York experience. Always a long line - no reservations - but worth the wait.
Tips:
#1 Miss breakfast and go for an early brunch before the lunch rush starts.
#2 The portions are absolutely enormous - a 'sandwich' is a full meal - don't over-order.

Christmas decorations at Rockefeller Plaza
Always a fabulous display. The enormous Christmas tree will be lit by now. Lunch at the outdoor cafe watching skaters on the ice-rink is an enjoyable experience even if, like me, you can't skate.

Just walking the streets of Manhattan
I'll never forget the first time I walked amongst the skyscrapers - almost 30 years ago - and I still find it a thrill every time.

Airport to Manhattan
The helicopter shuttle has started again. No idea how much it costs - but what a way to arrive! :)
Otherwise, I recommend taking a taxi or bus from the airport. The view of Manhattan as you approach is very impressive. The subway is quicker, but you'll miss the view.

New York taxis
Know exactly where you want to go before you get in and keep the instruction as simple as possible - preferably just the avenue and cross street. The Manhattan grid layout makes finding your way around easy but, for some reason, many NY taxi drivers don't seem to find it so.

Have a wonderful time. :ok:

FL

heli_spy

8th Dec 2007, 07:53

Some top notch recommendations there from Flying Lawyer and a big +1 on the River Cafe.

Also worth a visit is the Spotted Pig pub (314 W 11th St #1) in the West Village. Superb food (actually Michellin rated so my wife tells me), good value and a great atmosphere.

Don't forget the Empire State Building as well, but get there very early to avoid the massive queues.

Aser

8th Dec 2007, 09:48

Thanks a lot guys! :ok:

JTobias

8th Dec 2007, 10:31

Liberty Helicopters are excellent

leee

8th Dec 2007, 10:45

Carmines restaurant , http://www.carminesnyc.com/ . but you'll need to book.

Lee...

serf

8th Dec 2007, 13:23

The transfer from Manhatten to Newark was $170 in the summer - S76 - only 2 pax, we were going to take the tour but the aircraft looked very cramped with full pax!

Oh, and you clear security at the heliport, go direct to the departure lounge, and next see your baggage when you arrive back in Europe.

007helicopter

8th Dec 2007, 15:15

:) handy thread as I am there in January

Serf is the transfer also with Liberty? could not see on the liberty web site and sounds a good idea..

serf

8th Dec 2007, 15:20

The transfer was with us helicopters, they have 2 sites in Manhatten, one on the East River at 34th next to the UN and the other at the bottom still on the East river.

007helicopter

8th Dec 2007, 15:26

Thks serf, here is the link if anyone else interested http://www.flyush.com/

serf

8th Dec 2007, 15:31

Thats the fellas, the service was very good. We flew from E34th to Newark, this gave a good view of everything on the way and only takes about 10 mins.

nige the learner

9th Dec 2007, 23:29

Thnaks Aser.

That's my week sorted !

Nige:)

407 Driver

10th Dec 2007, 05:24

Aser, I just got back from a week in NYC, it was a blast. Don't be afraid of the NYC subways, they are safe, cheap and very efficient. We stayed out at Columbia University on 121st, and rode the subways all over town. we did most of the tourist things. The Empire State building is higly over-rated, and takes a long long time in line ups to reach the top. The Staten Island Ferry is free, and well worth the trip over, great views of the lower Manhattan skyline. The area around Pier 17 at the foot of Wall St is nice, sit and drink Margeuritas and watch the tour helis come and go. You can also watch a line of corporate 76's and AB 139's in the AM and PM.
We went to several Broadway shows, but i'm not sure that they are still running now? There a lot of great museums to see, we spent one full day at the Museum of Natural History...Wow.
Have a great time ! !

jimma

10th Dec 2007, 06:41

I did a helicopter tour with Liberty in October and it was well worth the money. Had excellent views up the Hudson, over the Statue, Ellis Island and Manhatten. A good 13 minute flight in an A-Star. It is a shame about the Intrepid, wanted to see it as missed it in 2005, looks very strange as it is not there!

I can also highly recommend the subways, used them all the time as it is only $2 per ride to go where ever you want. One thing that is definetly worth it, is walking into Manhatten over the Brooklyn Bridge as you get fantatic views of the skyline. Also, if you want to do tours, the Grey Line buses (which are actually red) make good value, 48 hours pass to do all tours, uptown, downtown, Brooklyn, night loop, is about $50 and you can get on and off as much as you like.

If you like your food, I can definetly recommend a visit to Juniors on West 45th between Broadway and 8th Avenue, they make the best cheesecake I have ever tasted.

serf

10th Dec 2007, 07:09

If you are there for a week, get a 7 day ticket for the subway, $24 unlimited use and covers the buses, which are also handy and easy i.e the number 34 runs on that street end to end and then turns around!

Aser

10th Dec 2007, 09:26

Intrepid Museum's Grand Re-Opening - Intrepid Museum officials announced the plan for Intrepid’s return to Pier 86 and the Museum’s grand re-opening celebration.
The aircraft carrier Intrepid will return home to Pier 86 on Manhattan’s west side on Friday, September 26, 2008 – the birthday of the Museum’s late founder, Zachary Fisher.

:{

I'll take the flight tomorrow (can't wait!) :D

johndeblanco

11th Dec 2007, 20:57

Used the ushelicopter service last Friday,they`ve got a great deal on currently,$99 for the 8 min flight !

They use Sikorsky S76 twins ( our one was a bit of a rattly thing and did nothing to convince my wife to fly with me in the Robby !)

34th St terminal should be considered a confined area with only about 2 rotor dia clearance forward of landing site and an immediate drop in the river behind (did`nt prevent three heli`s landing though !)

Don`t think they operate weekends though .

You`ll have a blast in the big apple, lot`s to see n do , have a great time.

Johndeblanco

Bronx

1st Jan 2008, 05:05

So how was it for you Aser?

Aser

4th Jan 2008, 01:20

It was great!

Here are some pics from the helicopter tour.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h263/aser_martinez/new%20york/th_PC120044.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h263/aser_martinez/new%20york/PC120044.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h263/aser_martinez/new%20york/th_PC150274.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h263/aser_martinez/new%20york/PC150274.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h263/aser_martinez/new%20york/th_PC150276.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h263/aser_martinez/new%20york/PC150276.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h263/aser_martinez/new%20york/th_PC150287.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h263/aser_martinez/new%20york/PC150287.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h263/aser_martinez/new%20york/th_PC150300.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h263/aser_martinez/new%20york/PC150300.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h263/aser_martinez/new%20york/th_PC150314.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h263/aser_martinez/new%20york/PC150314.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h263/aser_martinez/new%20york/th_PC150318.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h263/aser_martinez/new%20york/PC150318.jpg)

Regards
Aser

206Fan

4th Jan 2008, 01:46

Nice pics :ok:

Is that a low fuel warning light on in the 350?

120torque

4th Jan 2008, 12:05

Just wondering -- Did you nudge the pilot and remind him of settling with power as well as a bright amber warning light ?

Feel a bit sorry for the pilot though - all of a sudden he has a guy in the back taking photos of a slightly worse for wear approach that are then posted on rotorheads!

Nice photos all the same!

Aser

4th Jan 2008, 12:17

I remember staring at the yellow light... :E it was "bleed valve" and we were really warm :ok:

007helicopter

4th Jan 2008, 17:07

Aser - Thanks, wetted my appetite for when I go in April

PO dust devil

4th Jan 2008, 20:55

At the power settings in the pictures, I would have been worried if the bleed valve light was not illuminated. You couldn't have been warm because of that. Maybe you were simply flush with latin excitement?

DD

Aser

4th Jan 2008, 23:54

dust: we were warm because of the heater on...

bolkowoff

5th Jan 2008, 21:59

Some cool pics Aser. What a city! Hope you went to The National History museum, as I agree with 407 Driver, it's definately one of the best places to go and see over there, that's a bit of advice for you 007Heli... for when you go in April. You'll need to set aside a full day for it, though. Unfortunately the Manhattan skyline will never be quiet the same!:(

Thridle Op Des

6th Jan 2008, 13:35

If you have a few more hours to spare, the Cradle of Aviation Museum is a do-not-miss. It's up in Long Island next to the the now defunct Roosevelt Field (is a shopping mall:rolleyes:). If you are into anything built by Grumman - including the LEM then it's a real treasure trove. A lot of the curators are ex-Grumman employees and worked on the exhibits during their R&D and construction phase.

TOD

midniteblues

6th Jan 2008, 18:02

Been a while since I've flown the Astar but I seem to remember the bleed valve light was green. Used to fly with the pitot heat off sometimes and that was a yellow light. The fuel gauge seems to show enough fuel in the tank to keep that light out. Perhaps it was the " person taking a flash picture in the cockpit at night while the pilot is on approach" light. No, that should be a red light i think......;).
Anyway, glad you had a good time. The Cradle of Aviation museum is good, but a little further down the Long Island Expressway is the American Airpower musuem with a bunch of flyable WW2 fighters/bombers and the themed restaurant called the 56th Fighter Group. They are both located at Republic Airport.
Cheers

jeroen himself

6th Mar 2008, 10:38

Hi,
Do any of the NYC heli tours operate jet/long rangers?

We'll be there in April and it would be a nice opportunity to combine the experience of seeing NYC from the sky with the experience of being in one of those :)

Thanks
J

NYhelipilot

6th Mar 2008, 15:19

New York Helicopter Charter fly jet/long rangers (www.newyorkhelicopter.com (http://www.newyorkhelicopter.com))

Helicopter flight services (www.heliny.com (http://www.heliny.com)) have a 407 (and maybe 206B/L varieties)

Zip helicopter tours fly jet/longs and 407s (www.zipover.com (http://www.zipover.com))

I have personally flown with Helicopter flight services. A bit cramped sharing the back with 3 Germans, but of course it's fun, it's a helicopter!

007helicopter

8th Mar 2008, 16:55

NYhelipilot do you know anyone that will rent a Jet Ranger or a R44 with safety Pilot in NYC I looked at the web sites you gave and could not see these companies do.

I am there 29th March until the 8th of April and would like to do some flying but do not have an FAA license so assumed I could do it with an instructor.

Thanks if any ideas

Duncan

NYhelipilot

8th Mar 2008, 22:52

Helicopter Flight Training out at Islip does have R44s (www.helicopterflighttraininginc.com (http://www.helicopterflighttraininginc.com)). Not sure if their B206 is finished yet. They might be able to help.
The Long Island Railroad has a stop nearby the airport (Ronkonkoma), and you can walk to their location in 10-15 mins. It is about 50 miles from Manhattan though, and to get to Manhattan, a transit through JFK/LGA class B is required.

Pegasus in Linden might also be able to help (www.pegasusflight.com (http://www.pegasusflight.com)). Their website does show a R44 for tours. Getting there might be challenging. There is a NJ Transit station in Linden but I'm not sure how far from the airport it is.

All the best. Hope you can find what you're looking for.

007helicopter

9th Mar 2008, 14:46

Thanks NYH I have contacted them both and they are getting back to me what they can offer, both can be got to by Train

Cheers

Duncan

jeroen himself

15th Apr 2008, 13:54

@NYhelipilot:

We have flown with Zipover a couple of days ago, one of their +/-18 minute flights and it was mind blowing on so many levels. I secured the front seat for myself so I could shoot some fine video. I forgot the pilots name, but he was a young dude who obviously enjoyed his work a lot and knew tons abou the area.

Plus he made a nice sharp u-turn over central park :)

I also dig they way you guys communicate with ATC, calling waypoints 'the lady' and such.

So thanks for the tip, it was truely awesome. :)

J

jackjack08

27th Dec 2009, 14:01

Just looking for a bit of advice - visiting NEW YORK in March 2010 and would like to do a pleasure flight around the sights for 6 persons - any reccommendations who to use ? :ok:

JTobias

27th Dec 2009, 22:33

Liberty Helicopters.
I have used them and they are great.
I think they were the Company involved in the recent mid-air too (I thought I would tell you before someone else does).

I'm going to NY in 4 weeks and I will be using them again.

Joel

MikeNYC

28th Dec 2009, 04:45

I fly with Liberty Helicopters frequently for aerial photography missions, and highly recommend them. Great group of people, nice aircraft, always been satisfied. They've got a good setup for tours, VIP charters, and photo/video work.

birrddog

28th Dec 2009, 14:27

Wings Air also operate out of NYC.

I fly with them and can confirm their aircraft are well maintained, the pilots experienced and the outfit is professionally run.

jackjack08

29th Dec 2009, 08:29

Thanks to all who replied. Happy New Year to all...:ok:

JTobias

7th Feb 2010, 22:19

Dear All,

I just wanted to update the Ppruners about a recent (and very positive) experience of mine.

I answered a post on this thread and mentioned that I would be visiting New York in February. Shortly afterwards I received a PM from a user who invited me on a trip around Manhattan in a Schweizer 300cbi.

I was delighted and accepted the invitation. I have just returned from New York and have to say that I was treated to a 2 hour trip around New York by an individual whom I had never met before and extended courtesy, hospitality and generosity. Furthermore, he refused to take any contribution from me and I only hope that he visits the UK soon so that I can repay his generosity
It just shows what a great community the heli community can be.

I have written about my experience on my blog here (http://www.jetbox.aero/).

Whilst writing I should also say that Liberty helicopters were fantastic, I also took a ride around Manhattan with them. However, you may wish to consider Wings Air too.

Joel :ok:

toptobottom

17th Feb 2010, 16:04

JT - I'm in NY towards the end of next month and hope to do a heli tour of Manhattan (I'm not just fishing for your contact's details either!). Anybody got any fresh views on the best company to deal with?

SilsoeSid

14th Feb 2011, 11:42

Hi All,

My brother is off to New York later this week and was hoping to take an aerial sightseeing trip 'around the bay'. Having looked into it, the going price seems to be around $150 for 12 minutes! :eek:

Is this a realistic price? Surely you can't see much in that time and any longer starts to make it prohibitively expensive. I was hoping to get a good steer not only for a reasonable price for a reasonable length of trip, but any heads up on recommended operators would be appreciated also.

I'm assuming that rotary would be the most practical way of getting to sightsee New York from the air, however if a fixed wing option is available any help there would also be appreciated. (He has a SEP fixed PPL if it makes any difference.)

Thanks in anticipation,
SS

bolkow

14th Feb 2011, 11:49

dont know what kind of aircraft they operate but suspect if they can fill them at those price levels the laws of supply and demand will determine the going rate. It sounds quite stiff for 12 minutes sthough. At those rates a jet ranger could turn in quite a few hundred per hour. In fact $3000 per hour if my math is correct. Jeeze you could hire your own 212 for that kinda money!

SilsoeSid

14th Feb 2011, 11:52

Hoping to update thread: http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/213037-helicopter-tour-new-york.html

Agreed bolkow, seem excessively pricey.

RVDT

14th Feb 2011, 13:13

Maybe they actually PAY the pilot!

150 Bucks might only get you a reasonable feed in NYC!

bolkow

14th Feb 2011, 13:29

somehow I doubt the cleared amount from the $3000 per hour or any significant amount of it actually makes its way into the pilots pockets. But I'll grant you, its a lovely thought!

rotornut

14th Feb 2011, 13:38

Check out these rates at Niagara Helicopters. I'm told the actual time in the air is about 8 minutes.
Niagara Falls Helicopter Tours - Sightseeing Flights Over The Falls (http://www.niagarafallstours.net/?event=offer.detail&offerId=7823&startDate=02/01/2011&endDate=02/28/2011)

MikeNYC

14th Feb 2011, 14:12

SilsoeSid, for the same $150 or so your brother could rent a 172 from a nearby field (Linden, Caldwell, or Republic) and fly around NYC on his own time. While the heli tour will provide him with the narration, if he rents a plane he'll get a lot more time and similar views. Flying around NYC isn't as challenging as one might think, and in my opinion preferable to a helicopter tour.

toptobottom

14th Feb 2011, 17:58

Just checked out Liberty Tours and you get 15 minutes for $150 - BARGAIN!! There are still some great deals to be had if you just know where to look :E

darrenphughes

14th Feb 2011, 18:43

Flying around NYC isn't as challenging as one might think, and in my opinion preferable to a helicopter tour.

Are you serious??? Yeah, not that challenging if you're flying up the river in a fixed wing not making the mandatory radio calls like the rest of them.:ugh:

If you're gonna rent, I strongly recommend taking a local flight instructor or pilot with you who knows the river. Then there's the online SFRA course which helps a little, but only gives you the handful of mandatory reporting points, and none of the multiple other points that we actually use. It also doesn't give you any info on the routes the tour choppers fly. Without that local knowledge you'll have the local drivers screaming at you, and probably Newark and LaGuardia as well. It happens all the time, the towers will call us up on the river, asking if we can get a tail number for them of the dumbass that just busted bravo or a game TFR, or wandered up the east river.

Nobody has any business flying up and down that river for the first time on a sightseeing trip with no local knowledge(and that online course is not local knowledge).

krypton_john

14th Feb 2011, 19:44

Yeah, it's not going to kill the budget to fly with a local CFI and there would be many local knowledge benefits over and above safety.

MikeNYC

14th Feb 2011, 22:12

Darren-

I was going to advocate a flight in the Bravo, as I've done many times. If you've got a heli chart, following instructions at 1500' or 2000' is not difficult. I had no intention of suggesting a flight in the SFRA for someone that's not familiar with the area at all. The view from 1500' is not much different from on a helicopter tour...and there's a lot more bang for your buck.

darrenphughes

15th Feb 2011, 17:09

Ok gotcha, I guess I jumped to some conclusions on that one. It's just that we're all sick of these "missiles" coming up the river at us not making calls.

Wizzard

15th Feb 2011, 18:21

A while ago a friend of mine was on vacation in NY and asked at his hotel regarding a helo tour, the receptionist suggested that instead of the tour my friend took the helicopter shuttle to JFK when he was returning to UK which means that you get to see the sights (some of), miss the traffic and the real bonus was that he checked in his bags at the heliport and saw them again on arrival back at LHR! Not sure if it was much cheaper than the tour but he seemed well pleased with the result.

MikeNYC

15th Feb 2011, 18:34

Wizzard - that was with US Helicopter, a company that sadly closed in September of 2009. To the best of my knowledge, there aren't any shared helicopter airport shuttles in operation at this time. USH was a good deal, with flights from $99-$159 depending on season, in nicely outfitted S-76's.

Darrenphughes - yeah, it can be a mess in the SFRA at times...given the choice, I'll take positive control in the Class B. BTW, I met you about a year ago at KJRA I believe.

As Krypton_john said, a local CFI is a great option and there are plenty of options in the area.