Frequently Asked Questions

About Garden State Helicopters

Garden State Helicopters is the premier helicopter flight school and helicopter tour company for the tri-state area. Located at Lincoln Park Airport in North Jersey, Garden State Helicopters is an easy 35-minutes away from New York City.

Our strategic location provides students with every opportunity to develop the fundamental skills needed to pilot. Our close proximity to complex airspace allows our students to comfortably get acquainted with radio communication in controlled airspace.

Likewise, our highly trained and skilled pilots are adept at giving our customers the most memorable helicopter tour experiences around. Relax and let our pilots do with flying as you take in gorgeous views of the NYC skyline while making memories that will last a lifetime.

Photo Flights and Tours

There’s isn’t a more spectacular way to see New York City than from up high! A helicopter view of “The City that Never Sleeps” is sure to fulfill your every New York City fantasy — whether you’re on vacation or are a native New Yorker — by giving you the view of a lifetime.

Our New York City Tour departs from Lincoln Park Airport and flies over MetLife Stadium (home of the Giants and Jets) on its way into NYC. We enter the Hudson River corridor south of the George Washington Bridge and then head south along the New Jersey coastline, where you will get views of Hoboken, Colgate Clock, downtown Jersey City, and Ellis Island. We then circle the Statue of Liberty and fly northbound up the Hudson in order to see downtown New York City as we take in views of the Freedom Tower, Battery Park, 9/11 Memorial, Chelsea Piers, and the Intrepid before returning to Lincoln Park.

FAQ’s About NYC Helicopter Tours

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are required for all helicopter flights and can be made by calling (862) 200-0785 or emailing info@GardenStateHelicopters.com for more information about tours and bookings. We are conveniently located at 425 Beaver Brook Road, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035. We will operate our New York City tours out of the Westchester County Airport on a limited basis, with limited availability. Please contact us for further details.

How many passengers can safely fly in one helicopter?

Our helicopters can safely seat up to 6 passengers plus one pilot. Children are also welcome! Any child under 24 months of age is welcome to ride on someone’s lap at no charge. Children 24 months and older require an individual full-fare seat. Heliport fees also apply to adults and children under 2 years of age.

Are cameras and smartphones allowed on the tour?

Photos are encouraged! Cameras and smartphones are allowed on our tours. However, Samsung Note 7 smartphone devices are not allowed, since they have been banned by the FAA in 2015. Our trained and skilled pilots will be your best guide in helping you to get the most breathtaking photos you can take while flying in a helicopter.

Are there ever flight delays or interruptions?

We do experience delays during our busy season from June through December, if there are government air restrictions due to high profile visits to New York City, inclement weather, extreme heat or cold or windy days, and holidays.

Garden State Helicopters has the right to alter, upgrade, or terminate any or all scheduled flights due to weather, security, act of God, or for any other reason that we deem necessary. Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances can interfere with departures that are running on-time. Prices, flight duration, routes, fees, departure location, and hours of operation are subject to change without notice. We at Garden State Helicopters sincerely thanks you for your interest and patronage.

Do I need to bring a photo I.D. with me for a helicopter tour?

All guests are required to bring a valid form of photo identification. United States residents must bring a valid form of government-issued photo identification. Non-US residents must bring a valid government-issued passport.

Please only bring a photo I.D. and the credit/debit card you used to book your reservation. Purses and backpacks are not allowed on the helicopter. You will, however, be able to store these items in a locker for a nominal fee.

Does the tour fly over Central Park?

Per an agreement with City Hall, all tour helicopter companies are restricted from flying over water. By restricting these types of flights, it has adjusted all tourism flight paths to run along the water and not over it.

What is your refund policy?

Garden State Helicopters requires at 48 hours advance notification in a written email for cancellation. Refunds can take up to 30 days to be processed. Email info@GardenStateHelicopters.com to cancel your reservation or for any questions or concerns.