Charles P S.
$$$ BEFORE SAFETY
Helicopter tourism with Zip Aviation and Charm Aviation is not worth the risk. These helicopters operate at extremely low altitudes and in close proximity to one another, often in what can only be described as parade-style traffic. Watching them stack up in the sky over residential neighborhoods is unsettling. Just like the unfortunate helicopter crash that occurred last year, the recklessness of the pilots and owners makes it feel inevitable that another catastrophe will happen. Safety clearly takes a back seat to profit. Publicly available flight data tells the story. I've reviewed time-stamped flight records and screenshots showing tourism helicopters--specifically Zip Aviation and Lohman Aviation--flying as low as 400-800 feet over residential areas in New Jersey. The frequency of flights has increased dramatically in recent months. On average, helicopters pass directly over my home 5-6 times per hour, or up to 12 times per hour including return trips. There are documented instances of multiple aircraft passing overhead within minutes, including recent holiday periods where four helicopters flew over in a single two-minute window. This kind of congestion at such low altitudes is alarming. Each of these flights is estimated to generate around $1,800 in revenue, while residents are left to deal with constant noise, environmental pollution, and real safety concerns. The business model seems to prioritize volume and profit over community impact and risk mitigation. There is also a troubling correlation between current flight patterns and past fatal NJ helicopter crashes, including those in April and December 2025. When you compare the data, the similarities in altitude, density, and routing are hard to ignore. If you're considering a helicopter tour, I strongly recommend you check the public flight data yourself before booking. What you'll see may change your mind. For me, this is a clear example of profit being put ahead of public safety.