United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
NYC bans all ‘doors-off’ helicopter flights
New York City has permanently banned ‘doors-off’ helicopter flights, city officials announced.
The Economic Development Corporation said it has secured agreement with Saker Aviation Services, the operator of the Downtown Heliport in Manhattan.
The ban comes after a doors-off Liberty Helicopter Tours pleasure flight crashed into the East River in March killing five passengers.
No doors off flights actually leave from the heliport but the agreement makes sure none ever will in the future.
The Liberty Helicopter Tours flight took off from New Jersey and the ban does not affect those that still leave from the neighboring state.
"It is our hope that by officially banning doors-off helicopter flights out of New York City, we will help improve air safety within the five boroughs," said James Patchett, Economic Development Corporation president.
Shortly after the crash the Federal Aviation Administration suspended all doors-off flights where passenger restraints cannot be easily released in the event of an emergency.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.
The Economic Development Corporation is currently drawing up a plan to manage the volume of helicopter tour flights due to long standing noise complaints from resident groups.
Related News Stories:
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled