SCENE 01 / HELICOPTER FILMING
Helicopter Filming
Large-scale aerial cinematography with gyro-stabilized camera systems across New York.
Helicopter filming delivers dramatic aerial perspectives with the payload capacity, flight endurance, and altitude range that drones cannot match. In New York, helicopters equipped with gyro-stabilized mounts capture sweeping vistas over Manhattan's skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Hudson Valley and Hudson River, the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains, and the Hamptons and Long Island shores.
We coordinate helicopter filming with FAA-certified aviation operators and experienced aerial cinematographers across New York. Our team handles Federal Aviation Administration flight authorizations, NYPD Online Services Portal permits, National Park Service approvals for Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island waters, Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment coordination, and safety planning — so your production captures breathtaking NYC footage while meeting the highest aviation standards.
Capabilities
Complete Helicopter Services
From epic establishing shots to high-speed chase sequences, our helicopter teams deliver cinema-quality aerial footage for large-scale productions.
01
Cinematic Aerials
- Epic establishing shots
- High-speed chase sequences
- Extended aerial takes
- Long-range travel shots
- Large-scale landscape coverage
Sweeping Perspectives
02
Camera Systems
- Gyro-stabilized mounts
- Cineflex & Shotover systems
- ARRI & RED cinema cameras
- Long-range zoom lenses
- Real-time video downlink
Cinema Quality
03
Aviation Compliance
- FAA flight authorization
- NYPD permits & airspace coordination
- NOTAMs & flight plans
- Full aviation insurance
- Safety documentation
Fully Licensed
04
Safety & Coordination
- Experienced film pilots
- Ground safety teams
- Air-to-ground communication
- Weather monitoring
- Emergency protocols
Safety First
On Location
Cineflex and Shotover aerials across Manhattan and the Catskills
Here is how the work lines up. Helicopter filming in New York delivers the payload capacity, flight endurance and altitude range that drone work cannot match — key for extended takes over Manhattan's skyline, long-range coverage along the Hudson River corridor, sweeping passes over the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, and chase sequences through the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains, the Hamptons, the Finger Lakes and Niagara Falls.
We coordinate aircraft and pilots through FAA Part 91 and Part 135 ops including Helinet's New York rotations, Aerial Filmworks, KISN Helicopter Services and the partner facilities at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, the East 34th Street Heliport and Liberty Helicopters' commercial fleet at JRB. Gyro-stabilised Cineflex Elite, Shotover F1 and GSS 520 mounts carry ARRI Alexa Mini LF, RED V-Raptor and Sony Venice 2 cinema packages on long-range zoom glass.
NY aerial DPs with credits on Uncut Gems' Manhattan plates, the Marvel/DC New York-set features, the recent Bond second-unit work and the Apple TV+ slate anchor the op pool, with real-time video downlink, NOTAM filing and air-to-ground communication managed from start to finish.
Authorisation is the single largest factor in a successful NYC helicopter shoot. Our team handles the FAA flight clearances, the NYPD Online Services Portal permit application with its standard thirty-day lead time, the MOME Made in NY coordination, the National Park Service approvals for Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island waters and Governors Island airspace, and the Port Authority paperwork for flights touching the LaGuardia, JFK and Newark Liberty Class B perimeters.
The standing Temporary Flight Restrictions over Times Square, the UN during General Assembly session, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route and the diplomatic protection zones around Trump Tower and the consulate corridors all carry exclusion zones, so flight paths are designed around them from the first scout. Hudson Valley, Catskills and Long Island corridors extend the operating territory, with Sikorsky, Hudson Valley and East Hampton Airport tower coordination handled in advance.
Lead times run four to six weeks for standard NYC operations and longer where the storyboard touches the most restricted Manhattan airspace, with the 30% New York State Film Tax Credit plus the 10% NYC uplift applied to qualifying aerial-unit spend through the Empire State Development application and the IATSE Local 600 cinematographer documentation through final audit.
FAQ
Aerial Cinematography Expertise
When should I choose helicopter over drone filming?
Helicopters are ideal for extended aerial takes over Manhattan, high-speed sequences, shots requiring heavy cinema cameras, long-range coverage across New York State, and situations where drones cannot operate due to FAA restrictions over most of Manhattan airspace, stadiums, and national landmarks. For quick setups and lower altitudes, drones may be more cost-effective.
What camera systems do you use for helicopter filming?
We operate gyro-stabilized systems including Cineflex and Shotover mounts, which can carry ARRI, RED, and other cinema cameras. These systems provide rock-steady footage even during dynamic flight maneuvers and allow remote camera control.
Can you film over Manhattan?
Yes, with proper authorization. Manhattan has extremely restricted airspace, but we can obtain FAA permits and NYPD permits via the NYPD Online Services Portal with 30 days advance application. We coordinate with FAA, NYPD, and MOME to secure necessary approvals for shoots over the skyline, bridges, and harbour.
What types of helicopters do you use?
We work with various helicopter types depending on your requirements—from smaller aircraft for tight urban maneuvers to larger helicopters for heavy camera systems and extended flights over the Catskills and Adirondacks. Aircraft selection depends on shot requirements, locations, and payload needs.
How do you handle air-to-ground coordination?
We use professional radio communication systems for real-time coordination between helicopter crew and ground teams. Directors can communicate with pilots and camera operators, and we provide video downlink for live monitoring of aerial shots.
How far in advance should we book helicopter filming?
We recommend 4-6 weeks minimum for NYC helicopter operations to allow time for FAA authorizations and the 30-day NYPD permit application. Shoots over the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, or historic landmarks typically need longer lead times.
Related Services
Productions in New York that need this often pair it with Aerial Drone Services, Car Filming, and Vehicle Mounting for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Camera & Cinematography and Drone Videography.
On Set
Need Helicopter Filming?
Tell us about your aerial requirements and we'll coordinate experienced helicopter teams.