Heli sightseeing NYC
#1
Posted 06 April 2013 - 12:38 AM
POPULAR
Robinson R44 N441EK inside the hangar.
Several Bell news choppers
A look at our ride for today, Robinson R22 Beta II N778MR. This machine is powered by a four-cylinder Lycoming OV-360, delivering a whopping total of 145 horsepower. Which isn’t that much more than a lawnmower, when you think about it. Is it too late to kiss the ground?
Now that we’ve squeezed inside and strapped in, let’s get comfortable! The bubble canopy on the R22 offers excellent all-around vision. If you’re used to flying in a traditional fixed-wing airplane like a Cessna 172, one of the first things you notice is the absolute bare minimum of instrumentation. This is truly a VFR machine.
A few minutes later and we’re off! One unmistakable feature of the landscape around Linden is the huge number of distinct white storage tanks. These tanks are part of the Bayway Refinery, which is the second largest oil refinery on the east coast producing approximately 230,000 barrels of oil every day.
Overhead the New Jersey Turnpike. Flying any lower and you could recreate the opening credits of The Sopranos.
As we fly towards Manhattan, we cross a number of major waterways including the Kill Van Kull, a major shipping channel which separates New York and New Jersey. Looking north offers a view of the Port of Bayonne.
Various boats
The ‘Teardrop Memorial’ in Bayonne, New Jersey. This ten storey sculpture was a gift from Russia to the United States following the September 11 attacks.
Lady Liberty in the early morning hours. The first boatload of tourists doesn’t depart the mainland until 08:30 AM and we’ve managed to sneak into the air just in time to beat them.
The Staten Island Ferry passes in the opposite direction. Did you know that riding on the ferry is free? Now you’ve ran out of excuses for not visiting your friend Eric Long!
Lower Manhattan. The rather-bizarre reddish-brown water was the result of sediment run-off from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.
Downtown Manhattan Heliport, aka Wall Street Heliport.
Pier 11 / Wall St, a seaport which is used by four different ferry companies. Plenty of commuters heading to work on this particular Monday morning.
The South Street Seaport, looking a little more intact than depicted in a Crysis 2 multiplayer map.
Passing over the Brooklyn Bridge
A little farther up the East River, past the Williamsburg Bridge
#1 United Stations Plaza
The iconic art-deco styled Chrysler Building
Wall to wall skyscrapers.
Guggenheim Museum
Cleopatra’s Needle, a granite Egyptian obelisk which dates to 1450 BC. It was first installed in Central Park in 1881.
More to follow?
#2
Posted 06 April 2013 - 07:46 AM
#3
Posted 06 April 2013 - 10:31 AM
POPULAR
Belvedere Castle, situated in Central Park and built way back in 1869.
The R22 might not be powerful, but we seem to be moving quicker than most ground traffic in Manhattan.
Times Square
The upper floors of the Empire State Building, including the observation deck
Columbus Circle
The Dakota, a historic apartment building situated near Central Park. It is perhaps most widely known for being the former residence of John Lennon and the location of his murder.
Couldn’t resist this shot, which seemed aptly fitting. The New Yorker Hotel. Wonder what the nightly rate is for a room with one of those balconies.
MSG. No, not the delectable ingredient found in chinese food, but rather Madison Square Garden. It’s seen here undergoing significant roof work as part of a $1 billion renovation.
Intrepid Museum
Concorde G-BOAD
Some interesting traffic flying down the Hudson VFR corridor. N3193G “Yankee Lady” was in town attending the Wings & Wheels Expo at Teterboro.
A backlit Lower Manhattan
Jersey City, New Jersey – a stone’s throw across the Hudson River
A dizzying perspective of new cars awaiting shipment from the Port of Newark.
Speaking of Newark … We’ve called EWR TWR and been approved to cross the airfield as we make our way south back towards Linden.
Anyone call for a cab?
Edited by Cactus, 06 April 2013 - 10:31 AM.
#4
Posted 06 April 2013 - 11:04 AM
POPULAR
Back on solid ground, alive and without having dropped any cameras!
#5
Posted 06 April 2013 - 12:02 PM
Great photos Superb camera!!
Aharon
#6
Posted 06 April 2013 - 03:22 PM
#7
Posted 07 April 2013 - 02:41 PM
#8
Posted 07 April 2013 - 06:48 PM
Aharon, on 06 April 2013 - 12:02 PM, said:
The entire flight was around one hour in total. The R22's endurance is around three hours at 80 knots cruise, though your comfort inside its small cockpit might last considerably less. What you lose in comfort, you gain in affordability and pure enjoyment. It's literally a personalized tour - just you and the pilot, seeing exactly what you've asked to see. There's also the thrill and adrenaline from not having any doors to separate you and the outside world!
#9
Posted 08 April 2013 - 08:24 AM
Regards,
Aharon
#10
Posted 08 April 2013 - 01:11 PM
NYC is quite awesome. However, I never toured it via helicopter. After seeing these pics, I would love to find a way to do so!
#11
Posted 08 April 2013 - 03:32 PM
#12
Posted 08 April 2013 - 11:00 PM
#13
Posted 11 April 2013 - 12:43 AM
Really nice photos, great captures! NY is beautiful!
#16
Posted 16 April 2013 - 09:05 PM
Went to New York on new years eve and going next week... will try to get that tour as well
#17
Posted 19 April 2013 - 10:00 PM