Aerial activities in New York State

Scenic airplane flights in Manhattan and upstate

Light-airplane scenic flights are common around New York City. Some follow the Hudson River and offer a direct view of the Statue of Liberty and Midtown’s skyscrapers. Others take off farther north, in the Finger Lakes region, where you cross an area of long, narrow lakes bordered by vineyards. The airplane remains the most classic option for a discovery flight, whether it lasts twenty minutes or more than an hour.

Ultralight in the countryside and glider in the Adirondacks

Around Albany and in the plains near Long Island, schools offer introductory flights in ultralights. It’s a lower-level flight in a light machine that lets you see fields, villages, and main roads. In the Adirondacks, gliders attract those who want to fly without an engine. The aircraft is first towed, then releases to continue in silence. The relief of this region provides an ideal setting for long high-altitude flights.

Hot air balloon in the Hudson Valley

Hot air ballooning is a great classic in New York State. Most departures are in the Hudson Valley. The balloon rises gently and you can make out historic towns, rolling hills, and the course of the river. Other sites like the Finger Lakes also host this activity, especially during festivals. It’s a calm flight, often chosen as a family activity.

Helicopter in Manhattan and paragliding in the Catskills

Helicopter flights are among the most sought-after activities for Manhattan visitors. These fifteen- to thirty-minute routes pass near the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, and the Financial District. Several hours’ drive to the north, the Catskills offer a completely different experience. Paragliding there is practiced from natural launch sites, with short flights that follow the valleys.

Tandem skydive near Niagara Falls

Skydiving is offered in the west of the state. Centers like Skydive The Falls organize tandem jumps. The airplane climbs above the Niagara River, then freefall lasts about fifty seconds before the parachute opens. The rest of the flight lets you see the surroundings of the falls and the U.S.–Canada border. It’s the most intense activity in the region and a memorable experience for those who try it.