Question to NYC chopper pilots

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Lownslow79

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Lownslow79
Hi,
Travelling past NYC we plan to do the "SFRA" 1000-1300 foot VFR route along Hudson (123.05) and East river (123.075).

We also plan to book ahead and land at 6N5 heliport for the night. We have a Bell 505.

So my question is: When coming in from the north on East River (123.075), following the route flying at let's say 1200 feet; at what frequency do we request to make the descent for landing at 6N5?
My understanding is that it's controlled airspace below 1000' , so I would guess that we should call up LaGuardia tower on 126.05 for clearance to descend below 1000' for landing?
After clearance then I presume we contact heliport at 123.075?

Want to plan this ahead 100% so we don't end up hovering or doing something stupid adding the risk of getting rear-ended.

Thanks for all advice!
 
If you're above 1100 you'll be in the bravo and on with LGA. Tell them you'd like to descend into the east river exclusion. Once you get the frequency change to 123.075 follow the procedures in the SFRA training. You call east 34th on the same frequency and say you are inbound to land and will be assigned a spot.

You should take the online (free) training for the NYC SFRA procedures.

I also highly recommend joining ERHC (erhc.org) where you can get access to detailed procedures and information for each of the heliports.
 
Paul V said:
If you're above 1100 you'll be in the bravo and on with LGA. Tell them you'd like to descend into the east river exclusion. Once you get the frequency change to 123.075 follow the procedures in the SFRA training. You call east 34th on the same frequency and say you are inbound to land and will be assigned a spot.

You should take the online (free) training for the NYC SFRA procedures.

I also highly recommend joining ERHC (erhc.org) where you can get access to detailed procedures and information for each of the heliports.
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Thanks Paul! Will also join that organization you mentioned!

The following day once the steaks are digested we plan to fly up to Connecticut, do you reckon the odds would be against us for getting clearance to climb high from Manhattan and fly VFR up to CT? It's just cause it's one of the busiest airspaces on the planet I think it's impossible, but until a week ago I thought sightseeing Manhattan VFR as a private pilot would be impossible as well..
 
I wouldn’t do it that way. Lots of approach and departure traffic around. There are published helicopter routes that get you in and out very easily. My recommendation would be to take off from 34th heading north and switch over to LGA tower and either

1) ask for a westbound transition from north tip Roosevelt island over Central Park with punch out to the Hudson exclusion. They’ll likely give you 1500 ft and drop you just before you get to the Hudson after which you descend to 1000 ish ft and turn northbound following the SFRA procedures. Or…

2) ask for the transition eastbound overhead la guardia, throgs route with a punch out to the East. They’ll likely give you 1500’ again. The main landmarks are north tip Roosevelt island, LGA tower (directly over the top), and the south stanchion of the throgs neck bridge (make sure you fly over the south stanchion). After the throgs neck bridge LGA will likely drop you and you can proceed VFR.

Be sure to study the helicopter route chart.

if you’re worried about the airspace being busy ask for FF from approach or LGA (if they aren’t too busy).

also, if E 34th is busy when you are flying in you may have to hold at 700’ before getting in. Make sure you call them in advance to arrange parking and get set up for the fees. Make sure you check the fees too so you aren’t surprised. Parking is EXPENSIVE.
 
Paul V said:
I wouldn’t do it that way. Lots of approach and departure traffic around. There are published helicopter routes that get you in and out very easily. My recommendation would be to take off from 34th heading north and switch over to LGA tower and either

1) ask for a westbound transition from north tip Roosevelt island over Central Park with punch out to the Hudson exclusion. They’ll likely give you 1500 ft and drop you just before you get to the Hudson after which you descend to 1000 ish ft and turn northbound following the SFRA procedures. Or…

2) ask for the transition eastbound overhead la guardia, throgs route with a punch out to the East. They’ll likely give you 1500’ again. The main landmarks are north tip Roosevelt island, LGA tower (directly over the top), and the south stanchion of the throgs neck bridge (make sure you fly over the south stanchion). After the throgs neck bridge LGA will likely drop you and you can proceed VFR.

Be sure to study the helicopter route chart.

if you’re worried about the airspace being busy ask for FF from approach or LGA (if they aren’t too busy).

also, if E 34th is busy when you are flying in you may have to hold at 700’ before getting in. Make sure you call them in advance to arrange parking and get set up for the fees. Make sure you check the fees too so you aren’t surprised. Parking is EXPENSIVE.
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Thanks again for your time, will look into the details you provided. As far as I could tell parking is 250 + 25 USD handling? Sounded a bit cheap considering all the wealth, have AOPA screwed up?
 
From what I can see a bell 206 is listed as $285 landing fee and $200 / hr parking and $250 overnight parking. Not sure if they’d charge a 505 at the same rate. I’d definitely call in advance to arrange it.
 
Paul V said:
From what I can see a bell 206 is listed as $285 landing fee and $200 / hr parking and $250 overnight parking. Not sure if they’d charge a 505 at the same rate. I’d definitely call in advance to arrange it.
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Holy cow, I called and left a message. That's a pretty sobering price list you provided there. My pal is still considering it like a bucket list thing, but it's way too excessive for my blood. Where did you find those prices?
 
when you sign up for a ERHC membership you'll get access to the backend of their website where they have heliport procedures and prices for the 3 NYC heliports (JRA, JRB, 6N5) as well as the sudo private heliport at Kearny (65NJ). Another way to do it on a budget would be to fly a practice approach to JRA or JRB for the experience. If the skids don't touch the ground it should be free. You can then land at one of the nearby airports. My personal recommendation would be KHPN and to go to Million Air (https://www.millionair.com/locations/hpn/) for the overnight portion. Million Air is a fantastic FBO. You can drive into the city or take the train from there. KLDJ is also an option but it's a small airport under the EWR bravo in a not so good area (not a fan). KCDW would be a good option as well but isn't as fancy as Million Air at HPN.
 
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