NYC bans all ‘doors-off’ helicopter flights

New York City has permanently banned ‘doors-off’ helicopter flights, city officials announced.

The Economic Development Corporation said it has secured agreement with Saker Aviation Services, the operator of the Downtown Heliport in Manhattan.

The ban comes after a doors-off Liberty Helicopter Tours pleasure flight crashed into the East River in March killing five passengers.

No doors off flights actually leave from the heliport but the agreement makes sure none ever will in the future.

The Liberty Helicopter Tours flight took off from New Jersey and the ban does not affect those that still leave from the neighboring state.

"It is our hope that by officially banning doors-off helicopter flights out of New York City, we will help improve air safety within the five boroughs," said James Patchett, Economic Development Corporation president.

Shortly after the crash the Federal Aviation Administration suspended all doors-off flights where passenger restraints cannot be easily released in the event of an emergency.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.

The Economic Development Corporation is currently drawing up a plan to manage the volume of helicopter tour flights due to long standing noise complaints from resident groups.