When most people think of helicopters, they imagine action movies, news crews, or military rescues. But what if we told you there’s a company where flying high is just another day at the office? Meet Independent Helicopters, a fun and friendly helicopter company that takes flying seriously—but not too seriously!
TLDR (Too Long, Didn’t Read):
Independent Helicopters is a small but mighty helicopter business based in the Northeast United States. They offer flying lessons, aerial photography, private charters, and more. Their vibe is relaxed, professional, and passionate about aviation. If you’ve dreamed of flying, this is your chance to make it happen—one rotor spin at a time.
Who Are They?
Independent Helicopters was founded in 2008 by Heather Howley, a woman with sky-high goals and determination to match. She started with one helicopter and a big idea—to make helicopter training accessible, safe, and fun for everyone. Today, Independent Helicopters has grown into a trusted name in aviation training and services.
They are headquartered in New Windsor, New York, at Stewart International Airport. They also operate from Saratoga Springs and Schenectady for more regional reach. This allows them to serve New York City, upstate New York, and Western Massachusetts.
What Do They Do?
Independent Helicopters isn’t just a one-trick pony. They offer a wide range of services that make them stand out. Their core services include:
- Helicopter Flight Training – Learn to fly with certified instructors.
- Aerial Photography and Videography – Capture breathtaking views from the sky.
- Private Charter Flights – Travel in style and skip the traffic.
- Aerial Tours – Sightseeing from a brand new angle.
- Commercial Services – Support for surveys, inspections, and more.
Whether you want to become a professional pilot or take a romantic helicopter tour over NYC, they’ve got you covered.
Flight Training: Learn from the Best
This is the heart of what they do. Teaching people how to fly helicopters isn’t just a job to them—it’s a passion. Independent Helicopters offers:
- Private Pilot License (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- Instrument Ratings – So you can fly safely in any weather
The training process is hands-on, detailed, and personalized. Students aren’t just numbers. Many go on to fly for medical transport, law enforcement, or become instructors themselves.
They use robust Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters, perfect for training and efficiency. And yes, you’ll actually take off, not just read about it in books!
Aerial Photography and Videography
This part of the business is where art meets aviation. Independent Helicopters works with real estate agents, film crews, and even wedding planners. People want that perfect sky shot, and the company delivers.
From sweeping landscapes to pinpoint property surveys, their skilled pilots and open-door helicopters give you crystal-clear images.
They’ve helped during events, commercials, and even on TV sets. If it needs to be shot from above, they’re the team to call.
Private Charters: Travel Like a VIP
Why sit in traffic for two hours when you can fly over it in 20 minutes? Independent Helicopters offers custom charter services that make travel fast, convenient, and—let’s admit it—pretty cool.
These charters are perfect for:
- Business Executives
- Couples on a romantic getaway
- Sports fans heading to the big game
- Adventurous travelers
Flights can be booked for destinations across the Northeast, and you arrive like a rockstar. Talk about making an entrance!
Tour Like Never Before
Helicopter tours give you a whole new view of the world. Independent Helicopters offers sightseeing trips over:
- Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty
- The Hudson River and surrounding mountains
- Autumn foliage in the Northeast
These tours are favorites for locals and tourists alike. Whether it’s your first flight or your fiftieth, the thrill never fades.
The Team That Makes It All Happen
Independent Helicopters is powered by an enthusiastic and tight-knit crew. Founder and Chief Pilot Heather Howley leads by example. She’s one of the few female helicopter business owners and pilots in the U.S.
The rest of the team includes certified flight instructors, mechanics, and support staff, all committed to top-level service. They may fly high, but their vibes are down to Earth.
They believe in making helicopter aviation inclusive, diverse, and approachable—especially for women and underrepresented groups in aviation.
Safety First. Always.
No matter how fun it looks, flying helicopters is serious business. That’s why safety is at the core of everything they do. Independent Helicopters follows strict FAA regulations, performs regular maintenance checks, and ensures every student and passenger understands the basics before liftoff.
They have one of the best safety records of any small helicopter company in the country. Because at the end of the day, everyone wants to enjoy the skies—and get home safely.
Community and Outreach
They aren’t just a company; they’re neighbors too. Independent Helicopters often appears at community events, local schools, and aviation expos. They offer discovery flights—short intro flights for curious beginners.
They’re also involved in mentoring and sponsorship programs, especially to get young people interested in aviation careers. Many of today’s pro pilots got their first thrill from a 30-minute flight with these sky-starters!
Pricing and Packages
Flight training and helicopter rides can sound pricey, but Independent Helicopters tries to keep costs fair and flexible. They offer packages, memberships, and financing options:
- Discovery Flights start around $200
- Flight training ranges by rating and hours
- Aerial tours and charters vary by destination and time
They’ll work with you to build a plan that fits your goals and budget. No pressure, no fluff—just honest flying.
How to Get Started
If your dream involves a headset, a stick in your hand, and a view from the clouds, you’re in luck. Here’s how to take the next step:
- Visit their website – Check out pricing, FAQs, and contact forms.
- Schedule a Discovery Flight – A short lesson to feel what flying is like.
- Talk to their team – They’ll help you map out a learning or service plan.
No pressure to become a pilot overnight. You take things at your own pace—with expert guidance every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Independent Helicopters is one of those rare companies that makes flying feel both exciting and comforting. Whether you’re looking to start a sky-high career or just score the perfect aerial selfie, they make it happen with passion, professionalism, and a whole lot of rotor-spin fun.
So next time you see a helicopter in the sky, it might just be one of theirs. And next time, it might be you in the pilot’s seat!