4 Things to Know Before Going On A Private Helicopter Ride in NYC

There are many ways to experience the vibrancy and dynamism of New York City, but none of them compare to the thrill of taking a private helicopter ride over the Big Apple and seeing the famous Manhattan skyline from above.

FlyNYON, an aviation company based in Kearny, New Jersey, has been providing helicopter rides over New York City for almost a decade. Founded in 2012 by its CEO, Patrick K. Day, a third-generation military veteran and aviator, FlyNYON is renowned for how it combines years of industry expertise and innovative business thinking with the power of social media, technology, customer care, and direct-to-consumer marketing. As a result, FlyNYON has flown over 250,000 passengers since its founding and is regarded as one of the top aviation brands in the field.

FlyNYON specializes in providing professional aerial photography services, and prides itself on offering the best crowdsourced and private helicopter rides in NYC. It caters to all who wish to capture the grandeur of New York City’s skyline, from professional photographers looking to expand their portfolios, to influencers and regular people looking to snap that perfect aerial shot of Manhattan. Passengers are welcome to bring their own cameras onto the helicopter or rent one at the NYON Terminal. Its doors-off flights, in particular, are designed to allow passengers a fully unobstructed panoramic view of the city below.

Of course, not everybody is comfortable with going on a doors-off flight, which is why FlyNYON also offers traditional doors-on helicopter rides throughout the New York City airspace. And just like the doors-off flights, passengers are able to customize their flight path, thereby allowing them to capture stunning aerial shots of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, from the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty, from their best vantage points.

But regardless of what kind of flight prospective clients prefer, there are a number of things to consider before embarking on a helicopter ride over New York City.

First, it is important to choose the time of day of your flight wisely. Though FlyNYON strives to deliver the best customizable flight experience based on their passenger’s preferences, they nonetheless recommend that first-time aerial photographers choose a morning or midday flight, as there will likely be more light to capture the iconic sights from the air. More seasoned aerial photographers, on the other hand, might enjoy the challenge of trying to capture the city lights at sunset or even later in the night.

Second, no two flights are the same. Variables such as the weather, the seasons, and the time of day can affect flight conditions such as visibility, making each ride a truly unique experience. But this also means that there is a risk that the weather may turn too foul for a flight to take place at the scheduled time. But rest assured, if that happens, FlyNYON will make a Go or No Go call four hours prior to the scheduled departure time. Passengers can also purchase weather insurance to receive a refund for their flight in the event of a cancellation due to weather.

Third, it’s important to dress for the weather. It’s always a good idea to wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing when going on a helicopter ride. Pants or shorts are recommended when going on doors-off flights in the summer - loose clothing is not recommended, as can be very windy up in the air. If you’re flying in the colder months, then wearing layers will provide the best protection against the elements. FlyNYON recommends “dressing like you’re going skiing,” including wearing warm gloves, socks, and a beanie.

And finally, don’t forget to bring the right gear. This will depend on each passenger’s taste and preferences, and what you’re looking to capture. If you wish to take selfies of yourself and your friends, then a wider lens, such as a 16-35, is recommended. If you wish to capture footage of yourself, your friends, and that which is around you, then a 24-70 lens would be preferable. And if you wish to capture the intricate details of the Brooklyn Bridge or the green expanses of Central Park, then a 70-200 lens would perhaps work best. But ultimately, the right camera is the one that you feel most comfortable shooting with.

Then, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the best aerial experience NYC has to offer.