New York Downtown Manhattan Heliport (JRB/KJRB) is located a bist east of the southern peak of Manhattan directly at the waterside next to Whitehall ferry terminal. It is used by various operators such as Helicopter service, Helilift or Zip Aviation as well as rarely authorities or even military helicopters. Once POTUS is in town (e.g. UNGA), he will be dropped off and picked up here, mostly bringing one white-top, some Ospreys and Blackhawks. Additionally, NYPD helicopters circling the city may stop here for refueling.

Once there is no VIP traffic, but just tourists, you can also ask for permission to pass the “terminal” and move along the walkways on the helipad for various angles.

While there is regular traffic throughout the day, keep in mind that this helipad closes around 7pm during weekdays and is closed on sundays completely normally. Then, only JRA on 30th St will be in use.

Pictures by William Verguet and Severin Hackenberger. Last Update: July 2026

Rating
Movements
Photo Locations
Weather
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed.
Car/Public Transport	Difficult to find a free parking lot so walking or public transport is better. Closest metro station is South Ferry (line 1 terminate stop).
Drinks/Food	There are some options around here.
Hotels	There are a few in a 20 minute walking range or less than 10 minute car ride.
Season	Not particularly but there is a bit of haze on the hot summer days from both locations.
Security	Spotting is no issue here, but please stow the camera during boarding = only take pictures once the doors are closed and you cannot see the passengers.
Runway Usage
General Info	The 4 western pads mostly come with approach from the west and departure to the southeast. The 10 eastern ones, depend on traffic and situation.

	Spot #1 – Pier 11 – Morning
WHERE	This spot can be found along Pier 11’s western front facing towards the helipad. Just position yourself depending on the ferry scheudle in an empty gate to enjoy an uninterrupted view.
WHAT	Basically all movements.
TIME	Early morning hours.
MISC.	Everything you need is nearby. Take care of the passengers boarding/disembarking the ferries and not to drop anything into the water.
FOCAL LENGTH	Should be 300-500mm

We have no examples from here yet, if you do, please get in touch with us or mail them support@spotterguide.net.

	Spot #2 – East River Greenway – Afternoon
WHERE	The Spot is located directly at the waterfront along the East River Greenway. Simply move around here.
WHAT	Almost all movements, east parts of the pads may be hidden by the “terminal” depending on your position.
TIME	Later afternoon and evening till closure at 6pm, so summer is better as the afternoons are longer then.
MISC.	Everything you need is nearby. Take care of bicycles and runners pasing by.
FOCAL LENGTH	200-300mm On pad: 240mm

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