Industry Rallies Against New York City Helitours Ban

Some 100 employees at the New York City helitour companies rallied on the steps of city hall this morning in opposition to proposed municipal legislation that would outlaw air tours over the city. The rally was held just before the New York City Council's hearing on legislation (Intro. 858 and 859) that would ban helicopter sightseeing tours.

“If this outrageous legislation passes, hundreds of people will immediately be out of a job and New York City will lose the $50 million in economic output that the helicopter sightseeing industry provides," said Sam Goldstein, deputy director of the Helicopter Tourism and Jobs Council. “The helicopter sightseeing industry is a vital segment of New York City’s $60 billion tourism industry and we are here today to fight for it. We will not allow special interests to put an entire industry out of business for no good reason.”

Brian Tolbert, manager of the Downtown Heliport, added, “The air-tour industry has always been a responsible corporate citizen and has made many concessions over the years, including reduced hours, higher quieter flight paths and route changes. And unlike all other types of helicopters, no air-tour helicopter flies over land.” Approximately 278,000 people took a New York helitour last year, according to the Helicopter Tourism and Jobs Council.