Tragic chopper firm again sells ‘doors off’ tours

THE SIGHTSEEING company that ran a doomed helicopter flight over the Manhattan skyline is once again selling tickets for “doors-off” sightseeing tours, less than a month after a similar tour crashed and killed five people.

Aerial photography company FlyNYON’s website is offering $219-a-seat tickets for 15-minute doors-off flights starting Saturday at 9 a.m.

“You can’t help but smile. Eyes wide open. Trying to take it all in. Dangling your feet . . .,” the website reads. “And laughing at how unbelievable it all feels.”

The Federal Aviation Administration on March 22 issued an emergency order banning “open door” and “doors off” chopper flights, unless the helicopters come with FAA-approved quick release restraints.

FAA spokesman Jim Peters said the ban is still active. He deferred questions about the safety of the new flights to FlyNYON.

In a statement, FlyNYON said it is selling doors-off flights and will resume doors-off operations in April. “Our flights have always been, and will continue to be, operated in full compliance with applicable FAA regulations,” FlyNYON said. “Passengers will be properly secured at all times with FAA-approved restraints as required and permitted by the recent FAA order.”