6N5-Spot1
New York East 34th Street Heliport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on September 8, 2026
New York East 34th Street Heliport (6N5/K6N5) is located, you guessed it, at Manhattan’s Eastern coast at the end of 34th Street just south of the United Nations Headquarter. After concerns about noises caused by helicopter approaches onto the tops of buildings accross Manhattan, the city looked for keen spots along the waterfront during the 1960s. The location at East 34th Street seemed favourable due to the FDR viaduct passage, reducing bottle neck effects by heavy traffic and traffic lights. After some delays and discussion about alternative locations, the helipad was built here during the 1970s.
Today, the pad is also known as BLADE East Heliport, TSS or 6N5 Heliport. However it is referred to, it is used regularly throughout the day by BLADE and various other operators. Peak season can be seen during United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September with also higher security restrictions. Outside of that season, once there is no VIP traffic, you can also ask for permission to pass the “terminal” and move along the fence airside on the helipad for various angles from the front.
Keep in mind, that this helipad gets more and more shadow by the skyscrapers west of it from 2/3 hours before sunset on depending on season.
In addition, the helipad closes in the evening around 19 o’clock and is closed on sundays completely normally. Then, only JRA on West 30th St will be in use.
As of 2026, there are construction works going on north and south of the heliport on the parking areas offering great views on the ground so far. We have no idea how long they will build here. However, now you cannot see the helipad/ground itsself, only once the helicopters are airborne.
Written by Severin Hackenberger. Last Update: Summer 2026
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Photo Locations | |
| Weather | |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not needed and not recommended! |
| Car/Public Transport | Difficult to find a free parking lot so walking, CitiBikes or public transport is better. |
| Drinks/Food | There are plenty food trucks, stores and restaurants in the area. |
| Hotels | There are few hotels around here, noon with special views though. |
| Season | Not particularly, but around UNGA in September the helipad gets busier as well. |
| Security | Spotting is no issue here generally, but keep your camera stowed while passengers are boarding/disembarking to avoid problems. |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | For approaches: most of them will fly over the Easter River and head in frontally
For takeoffs: some turn (still on the pad) facing south, then lift off a few meters and head out to the river, while others lift of directly and climb backwards directly before turning north/south depending on their location |
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Spot #1 – Playground/Pier
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|---|---|
| WHERE | This spot is located on the Pier and the (area of the former parking lot which now gets converted to a) playground.
|
| WHAT | Basically all movements. |
| TIME | Sunrise till later morning, summer is better. |
| MISC. | Keep a low profile to avoid attention and security visits. Around the blocks are stores and food trucks. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-300mm |
Pier:
Playground:
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Spot #2 – Terminal Containers
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|---|---|
| WHERE | This spot is located below the FDR Driveway along the fence front between the terminal helicopters. Simply shoot through the fence poles here. |
| WHAT | Basically all movements, nice views on touchdowns/lift-offs. |
| TIME | Depending on the angle, from early noon can work till the afternoon once 2/3h before sunset the skyscrapers start to shadow the pad. |
| MISC. | Keep a low profile to avoid attention by BLADE and security visits. Only take your camera out, once the passengers are gone! Do not hang around here long. Around the blocks are stores and food trucks. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 30-300mm |
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Spot #3 – East River Promenade South
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|---|---|
| WHERE | This spot can be found south of the parking lot (right now construction area) on the East River Greenway which would normally run along the water, but is now redirected towards along the street. From here, you are far enough away to spot helicopters arriving/leaving over the fence and clutter.
|
| WHAT | Basically all movements. In addition, you can even spot the waterplanes coming in/going out from/to the north. |
| TIME | From noon on. Keep in mind, that the skyscrapers will start shadowing the pad and close movements from 2/3h before sunset. |
| MISC. | Nothing around, keep a low profile to avoid attention and security visits. Around the blocks are stores and food trucks. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200-400mm Helicopter side on ~200mm |
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