Take a look at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. Its story is one of innovation adaptation and constant evolution. This heliport stands on Pier 6. It is on the East River in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District.
The Downtown Manhattan Heliport was built in 1960. The Port of New York Authority constructed it on a pier. This pier once served as a general cargo terminal. From 1983 to 1987 the heliport was reconstructed. The Port Authority operated it until 2008. Saker Aviation took over then.
This Downtown Manhattan Heliport pioneered several firsts. It was the first in the US certified for scheduled passenger helicopter service. It boasted the first public semi-automatic fire protection foam system. Imagine a barge used for aircraft parking. This was another first for the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. Today it is the only heliport in New York City for sightseeing flights.
Back in the mid-1950s the Port Authority planned six heliports. The goal was to improve transportation. The Downtown Manhattan Heliport was key. In 1960 the New York City Board of Estimate approved the heliport plans. The original facility had a landing pad and parking. There was also a terminal building and auto parking.
New York Airways started flights the same day the Downtown Manhattan Heliport opened. Helicopters flew to LaGuardia Newark and New York International Airport. High operating costs caused temporary suspension in 1969. Service resumed in 1971 with new Sikorsky S-61s. Flights to Morristown Airport also began.
The airline stopped Wall Street Heliport service in 1977. They reopened the heliport on the Pan Am Building’s roof. An accident there led to five deaths. The airline did not return. Vertical takeoffs limited passenger loads.
In 1971 Island Helicopters began commuter service. Flights connected the Wall Street Heliport to Roosevelt Field Industrial Park. Service lasted three years.
By the late 1970s the original wooden pier was deteriorating. President Jimmy Carter’s visit was diverted. Safety concerns arose. The Downtown Manhattan Heliport closed in 1983 for reconstruction.
The FAA chose the Downtown Manhattan Heliport for its National Prototype Heliport Program. The old pier was replaced with a new concrete structure. A barge was added for helicopter parking. A semi-automatic fire protection foam system was installed.
In 1987 the reconstructed Downtown Manhattan Heliport was dedicated. The project cost 13 million dollars. Seagulls became a problem after the reopening. They dropped clams onto the heliport. Stencils of flying seagulls were painted to deter the birds.
Trump Air provided service to LGA in 1989 and 1990. The Downtown Manhattan Heliport gained FAA certification in 1990. National Helicopter Corp started sightseeing flights in 1997. US Helicopter resumed scheduled passenger service in 2006. The Downtown Manhattan Heliport became the first federalized heliport.
In 2008 FirstFlight took over operations. The company later became Saker Aviation. Sightseeing flights were banned from West 30th Street Heliport in 2010. The Downtown Manhattan Heliport became the sole sightseeing heliport. Noise complaints increased from residents and visitors. An agreement in 2016 cut sightseeing flights in half.
Looking ahead the Downtown Manhattan Heliport is set for more change. A climate resilience plan proposes a replacement heliport. It will be built at a higher elevation. In 2023 the Downtown Manhattan Heliport hosted electric aircraft demonstration flights. Downtown Skyport LLC will operate the heliport in 2025.
The Downtown Manhattan Heliport handles traffic from Wall Street. Executives and time-sensitive deliveries are common. The President of the United States often lands here. The heliport has one helipad. It can accommodate aircraft up to 50000 pounds. The Downtown Manhattan Heliport uses a pier and a barge for its facilities.
Accidents have occurred throughout the Downtown Manhattan Heliport’s history. These incidents led to safety improvements. Today the Downtown Manhattan Heliport stands as a vital transportation hub. It is adapting to new technologies.