I'm afraid of helicopters but I recently rode in a Sikorsky S-76 from New York to New Jersey. It was actually a really fun and easy way to travel.

Taylor RainsJul 20, 2023, 15:58 IST

Taylor Rains/Insider

I recently experienced my first helicopter ride during a demo flight with the private charter company HeliFlite.
Despite my somewhat irrational fear of helicopters, I thought the Sikorsky S-76C felt safe and cozy.

I've been fascinated by airplanes since I can remember, so much so that I studied aviation in college and made an entire career out of the passion.

Now, as an aviation reporter and avid traveler, I've flown on dozens of different commercial jets and private aircraft — but I'd never been on a helicopter before.

Recently, private aviation company HeliFlite invited Insider on a demo flight to see how ultra-wealthy people like C-suite executives and celebrities travel.

This meant I'd be flying in a helicopter. Fortunately, Heliflite boasts an incredible safety record, and, despite my nerves, I found it to be a fun and cozy experience. Here's what it was like.

New Jersey-based HeliFlite operates a 13-strong fleet of dual-engine helicopters throughout South Florida and the Northeast.

Taylor Rains/Insider

HeliFlite works like a private jet company, but with a lot more route flexibility as helicopters can land in harder-to-reach places like city centers and private golf courses.

HeliFlite

HeliFlite works like a private jet company, but with a lot more route flexibility as helicopters can land in harder-to-reach places like city centers and private golf courses.

Those with the means can fly within a 250-mile radius of HeliFlite's bases in New York City, Miami, and Palm Beach — all of which are hotspots for leisure and business.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Those with the means can fly within a 250-mile radius of HeliFlite's bases in New York City, Miami, and Palm Beach — all of which are hotspots for leisure and business.

To get a better idea of how these flights work, I was invited to ride on one of the company's dual-engine Sikorsky S-76C helicopters.

Taylor Rains/Insider

My planned route was from New York’s West 30th Street VIP Heliport to HeliFlite’s base in Kearny, New Jersey, which is just across the Hudson River.

Taylor Rains/Insider

There was a small lobby inside a somewhat hidden building overlooking the helipads. I had to knock on the door and provide my tail number to enter.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Right around the 10:30 a.m. scheduled departure time, an agent retrieved me from the lobby and escorted me onto the ramp.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Inside were six plush leather loungers complete with seat belts, cupholders, life jackets, and giant windows to enjoy the view.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I particularly enjoyed the candies and champagne stored in the drawers, as well as the quietness of the cabin.

Taylor Rains/Insider

By the time we were ready to take off, I was feeling a lot more calm given the professionalism of the two pilots and the comfort of the cabin.

Taylor Rains/Insider

For background, I have a degree in aviation management and worked in the safety departments of a few US carriers between 2016 and 2020.

The author standing with an Allegiant Air jet in Las Vegas during her time with the company.Taylor Rains/Insider

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, helicopters crash at a higher rate than aircraft, reporting a statistic of 9.84 accidents per 100,000 hours of flying.

Izvestia

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, helicopters crash at a higher rate than aircraft, reporting a statistic of 9.84 accidents per 100,000 hours of flying.

Most helicopter accidents are due to pilot error, like the crash of an S-76B that killed Kobe Bryant in January 2020.

The wreckage of Bryant's helicopter.Mark J. Terrill/AP

While Bryant's 2020 accident involved the same family of aircraft that I flew on, the S-76 series does have an overall solid safety record.

Andrew D. Bernstein/NBA Classic/Getty Images

And, helicopters are statically much safer than cars — especially on Heliflite, which always staffs two pilots at the controls.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, former US Marine Corps helicopter pilot Jack Cress told USA Today in January 2021 that the S-76 is highly respected in the industry, saying it is the "helicopter of choice" for many elites.

Donald Trump's personal Sikorsky S76 helicopter.Aero Asset and Jet Edge Partners

Moreover, former US Marine Corps helicopter pilot Jack Cress told USA Today in January 2021 that the S-76 is highly respected in the industry, saying it is the "helicopter of choice" for many elites.

With all of this considered, my nerves settled quickly after takeoff.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I was thrilled to get an entire view of the New York City skyline, including the One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The entire experience was shockingly short — but that's the point. What could have taken over 45 minutes by car in rush hour traffic only took 15 from start to finish via helicopter.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The entire experience was shockingly short — but that's the point. What could have taken over 45 minutes by car in rush hour traffic only took 15 from start to finish via helicopter.

The pilots were also very professional when directing us on and off the plane, making sure we were clear of any hazards, particularly the propellers.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Granted, you can only go short distances, and there is no flight attendant.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Overall, I'm glad I was finally able to fly on my very first helicopter. And, HeliFlite was a great introductory experience.

Taylor Rains/Insider

While HeliFlite is geared towards high-net-worth people, it was actually a good glimpse into what regular commercial flyers can expect when eVTOLs enter the market.

Archer's Aviation's Midnight eVTOL aircraft.Archer Aviation

Like HeliFlite helicopters, eVTOLs could allow people to hop from city centers to major airports in minutes by air rather than hours by car — and they could become a major threat to helicopters in the air taxi market.

Inside the passenger cabin of the Embraer-backed EVE eVTOL.Eve Air Mobility

Like HeliFlite helicopters, eVTOLs could allow people to hop from city centers to major airports in minutes by air rather than hours by car — and they could become a major threat to helicopters in the air taxi market.

Startup manufacturers like Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation are on track to certify large eVTOLs in the next couple of years, and airlines are already placing orders.

United Airlines

Though, like helicopters, people might have hesitancies when it comes to safety on eVTOLs. However, United Ventures president Michael Leskinen says people shouldn't worry.

The motor of Archer's first fully-built Midnight eVTOL.Archer Aviation

Though, like helicopters, people might have hesitancies when it comes to safety on eVTOLs. However, United Ventures president Michael Leskinen says people shouldn't worry.

Archer and Joby have both told Insider the flights will be competitive with ride-share options like Lyft and Uber, meaning they'll cost much less than a private helicopter.

Joby Aviation's S4 2.0 eVTOL.Delta Air Lines

Archer and Joby have both told Insider the flights will be competitive with ride-share options like Lyft and Uber, meaning they'll cost much less than a private helicopter.

While this will slightly bridge the gap between the middle class and the ultra-wealthy, private charters will still have the luxury and privacy airline eVTOLs can't offer.

A Blade Bell 407 helicopter, which competes with HeliFlite.Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

While this will slightly bridge the gap between the middle class and the ultra-wealthy, private charters will still have the luxury and privacy airline eVTOLs can't offer.

Shorter hops from any Manhattan heliport to metropolitan airports like LaGuardia, Teterboro, and White Plains will start at $2,300.

HeliFlite

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I'm afraid of helicopters but I recently rode in a Sikorsky S-76 from New York to New Jersey. It was actually a really fun and easy way to travel.

New Jersey-based HeliFlite operates a 13-strong fleet of dual-engine helicopters throughout South Florida and the Northeast.

HeliFlite works like a private jet company, but with a lot more route flexibility as helicopters can land in harder-to-reach places like city centers and private golf courses.

Those with the means can fly within a 250-mile radius of HeliFlite's bases in New York City, Miami, and Palm Beach — all of which are hotspots for leisure and business.

To get a better idea of how these flights work, I was invited to ride on one of the company's dual-engine Sikorsky S-76C helicopters.

My planned route was from New York’s West 30th Street VIP Heliport to HeliFlite’s base in Kearny, New Jersey, which is just across the Hudson River.

There was a small lobby inside a somewhat hidden building overlooking the helipads. I had to knock on the door and provide my tail number to enter.

Right around the 10:30 a.m. scheduled departure time, an agent retrieved me from the lobby and escorted me onto the ramp.

Inside were six plush leather loungers complete with seat belts, cupholders, life jackets, and giant windows to enjoy the view.

I particularly enjoyed the candies and champagne stored in the drawers, as well as the quietness of the cabin.

By the time we were ready to take off, I was feeling a lot more calm given the professionalism of the two pilots and the comfort of the cabin.

For background, I have a degree in aviation management and worked in the safety departments of a few US carriers between 2016 and 2020.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, helicopters crash at a higher rate than aircraft, reporting a statistic of 9.84 accidents per 100,000 hours of flying.

Most helicopter accidents are due to pilot error, like the crash of an S-76B that killed Kobe Bryant in January 2020.

While Bryant's 2020 accident involved the same family of aircraft that I flew on, the S-76 series does have an overall solid safety record.

And, helicopters are statically much safer than cars — especially on Heliflite, which always staffs two pilots at the controls.

Moreover, former US Marine Corps helicopter pilot Jack Cress told USA Today in January 2021 that the S-76 is highly respected in the industry, saying it is the "helicopter of choice" for many elites.

With all of this considered, my nerves settled quickly after takeoff.

I was thrilled to get an entire view of the New York City skyline, including the One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty.

The entire experience was shockingly short — but that's the point. What could have taken over 45 minutes by car in rush hour traffic only took 15 from start to finish via helicopter.

The pilots were also very professional when directing us on and off the plane, making sure we were clear of any hazards, particularly the propellers.

Granted, you can only go short distances, and there is no flight attendant.

Overall, I'm glad I was finally able to fly on my very first helicopter. And, HeliFlite was a great introductory experience.

While HeliFlite is geared towards high-net-worth people, it was actually a good glimpse into what regular commercial flyers can expect when eVTOLs enter the market.

Like HeliFlite helicopters, eVTOLs could allow people to hop from city centers to major airports in minutes by air rather than hours by car — and they could become a major threat to helicopters in the air taxi market.

Startup manufacturers like Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation are on track to certify large eVTOLs in the next couple of years, and airlines are already placing orders.

Though, like helicopters, people might have hesitancies when it comes to safety on eVTOLs. However, United Ventures president Michael Leskinen says people shouldn't worry.

Archer and Joby have both told Insider the flights will be competitive with ride-share options like Lyft and Uber, meaning they'll cost much less than a private helicopter.

While this will slightly bridge the gap between the middle class and the ultra-wealthy, private charters will still have the luxury and privacy airline eVTOLs can't offer.

Shorter hops from any Manhattan heliport to metropolitan airports like LaGuardia, Teterboro, and White Plains will start at $2,300.