Business
The Death and Life of Helicopter Commuting
Inexpensive flying had a moment 40 years ago, then horrific tragedy struck. Now a comeback is on the horizon.
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Fifty years ago, a helicopter company called New York Airways whisked passengers from the rooftop of the iconic Pan Am Building in midtown Manhattan to any city airport in just 10 minutes. Unlike most private charters nowadays, which can cost thousands of dollars per trip, the scheduled service was frequent and relatively affordable—as little as $40 in today’s dollars.
The era of rooftop helicopter travel ended on May 16, 1977, however, when an idling Sikorsky S-61’s landing strut gave way and the aircraft tipped over. Four passengers waiting in line were killed by the rotor blades, and a fifth person 800 feet below died when shrapnel fell to Madison Avenue.