Imagine a Sikorsky S-55 gracefully landing here. This is the West 30th Street Heliport. It stands as a testament to New York City’s innovative spirit. Let’s uncover its story together.
The West 30th Street Heliport has a rich history. It opened on September 26, 1956. The Port of New York Authority originally constructed it. Air Pegasus has operated the heliport since 1981. Today, it operates under a lease with the Hudson River Park Trust.
Back in 1953, Edward F. Cavanagh Jr., proposed a helicopter landing area. He was the New York City Marine and Aviation Department Commissioner. He envisioned it serving Midtown Manhattan along the Hudson River waterfront. The heliport would sit on barges tied to piers between 33rd and 37th streets. This location offered easy access for mail delivery to the General Post Office. Helicopters could take off and land over the open water.
However, the Port Authority needed to approve it. They had a 1947 agreement with the city about new airport facilities. The following month, Robert F. Wagner Jr. became mayor. His new commissioner, Vincent A. G. O’Connor, included a heliport in his 1955 capital funds request. It would be part of a new freight-forwarding terminal.
O’Connor planned to build the heliport on top of the terminal. This L-shaped pier would transfer cargo. The terminal cost was estimated at $1,250,000. Strengthening the roof for helicopters would add another $150,000 to $250,000.
New York Airways and the Port Authority deemed the rooftop plan unfeasible. In August 1955, the Port Authority proposed a ground-level landing pad. It would measure 100 by 400 feet. The estimated cost was $50,000. It could be completed in 30 days. This temporary facility would gather data for a permanent heliport. The permanent heliport was estimated to cost $5,000,000. O’Connor denied permission due to safety concerns. He cited its proximity to the West Side Elevated Highway.
In September 1954, the Port Authority shared letters supporting its design. Three months later, O’Connor shared a report raising safety concerns. It worried about motorists near the heliport. In January 1956, the Civil Aeronautics Administration endorsed the Port Authority’s plan. They rejected the city’s rooftop proposal.
Mayor Wagner created a committee. The committee also supported the Port Authority’s temporary heliport plan. They felt helicopter technology wasn’t ready for a permanent facility. The heliport should include a landing pad extending into the river.
On June 28, 1956, the Board of Estimate approved the heliport. Construction began on July 2, 1956. The facility was built on a 70-by-400-foot section of bulkhead. It included two 80-by-80-foot landing pads. These pads extended 40 feet into the water. Onshore, there was a parking area, tie-down areas, and a passenger terminal. The Port Authority restricted flights over the West Side Highway. A fence was installed for safety.
The West 30th Street Heliport opened with New York Airways operating Sikorsky S-55s. These helicopters carried mail and cargo. Passenger flights began a few weeks later. The heliport offered scheduled passenger flights to La Guardia and Newark airports. Service to New York International Airport was available via connecting flights.
Initially, projections estimated 1,000,000 passengers a year by 1965. By 1970, they expected 5,000,000. Actual passenger demand was much lower. In 1959, the heliport handled only 11,990 annual passengers. Competition from taxis and scheduling issues contributed to this.
The West 30th Street Heliport stands as a testament to urban aviation history. It has faced planning challenges and evolving needs. Today, it remains a vital part of New York City’s transportation network.