New York City Sunset Aerial View from Helicopter

Panic at the disco's song lyrics floated softly, "Late night, telephone," accompanied a sun setting on the New York City skyline. Manuel Esquivel, the man who captured it, shared the scene via his helicopter ride. The iconic city sprawled like a geode: One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and more glowing in the day's leftover light. The glittering skyline, eager to shine, first booked the sun as its backdrop.

Urban Zephyretics: The Thrill of the Skyline

Dry as a desert hiker would never know. The clouds parted to reveal, as they say, a street-level view, never really comfortable — unless the nearest neighbor is Roger and SpongeBob, or until vertical real estate forces a new definition of “neighbor.” The buildings in New York City blend into the modern skyline as one whole self-portrait. By these buildings we know the city, and by aerial vessels anyone joins its club. Once celestial, now they're the earthly gods that humans fly to reach. These rare birthdays, wedding anniversaries, or bachelor parties must be photographed from an aloft-view to give the scene its "live it to believe it" vibe. The technology in the craft that brought the skyline into human palms is a reason to celebrate another victory for modern engineering. Flight routes for a helicopter usually involved irrigation, but today they're known for incredible views. These bird-eyed panoramas are, for the moment, a bucket-list item for every traveler and every tourist. With an urban skyline no longer a distant dream, one must consider the details of booking a flight. "What's the discount?" was always the answer. Today, the answer is "depends on the package." For instance, a helicopter ride in New York City can cost around $250 per person, but the trip is only about 15 to 20 minutes. For $600 per person, one can take a 30–40 minute arc that touches Broadway, Wall Street, and the Statue of Liberty.

Perspective: That Special Watch on Earth

Manuel Esquivel's journey isn't a lone one, but a taste of the American dream: a skyline already seen from ten thousand feet, yet still a rare commodity. Space never dreamed of this. The chance to visit this city and the chance to fly over it are two different things. If anything, bird-eye views might hinder the Earth but make its flight more meaningful. Buzzing with energy at ground level, aerial views of New York City present a different side story of the skyline. A ride in the sky feels less like a commute and more like visiting a friend. With a panoramic perspective, the iconic cityscape and surrounding water provide a backstop for its people to shine. "Late night, telephone, calling all the wallflowers I know, out the dark, into the light." When one chooses to drift away from the crowd and into the city's embrace, one is left with a sense of awe and wonder. There's nothing quite like looking down at the city, with its lights glistening in the dusk, and the darkening clouds slowly passing over.

Above the Pines: How a New Yorker gets to travel while standing still

Those who truly understand that beauty in small dosages are those who lean back, while the rest lean in. Manuel Esquivel would know. He rides aerial tours over the city and captures some of the most stunning views. The prospect of planning a tour, an aerial one, like Esquivel's that orbits Central Park, is a secret that only a few desire.

The Picturesque: On ground to sky ratios

From the expansive green parks to the quaint cobbled streets, New York City is a city known for its buildings. And when you're sky-high, the buildings look like small figurines. The city's geography is like a circular disc that acts as a magnet, attracting tourists, locals, and the sky-high. Sky-high might even be more interested in the skyline than the ground-level visitors. Those who choose to fly over the city will be treated to a glimpse of the city without ever having to leave the comfort of their home.

The Defiance: The skyline of modern times

They say flying above the city is the next best thing to being there. But to most, it's a privilege that rarely comes with peace. The city offers its most iconic views and landmarks to those who take the leap of faith. Though flying above the city has become a popular activity for those who want to explore the city without leaving their homes, for some it provides peace of mind. Most skyscrapers were designed to withstand 70-mile-per-hour winds. But more than ever, the skyscrapers are experiencing 150-mile-per-hour gusts. Some skyscrapers, like One World Trade Center, have even been designed to withstand winds of 140 miles per hour.

The Uninclusive Immersion: Not for everyone

To hear the city is to hear the quiet in the music between concerts. Sky-high views are not meant to be enjoyed by just anyone. The aerial views of the city are usually private but not exclusive. The opportunity to soar through New York City is unique, but it isn't catered. Helicopter tours are generally safe, and wings are unique to the individual, after all. Flying above the city is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for everyone. Anyway, soar or stay, The Big Apple has plenty.