re: #134 Gus 802

There are two vantage points from which a helicopter would get a clear view of the park - and that would be either from due east or west of the park. Northern and Southern vantages are blocked by skyscrapers, and even the Eastern vantage is blocked by buildings, but the setback allows for restricted views.

That means that the best vantage would be someone flying a helicopter over the WTC site or directly overhead the park itself. With the ongoing construction and limitations on aircraft in place, it’s a pretty crowded airspace (and a dangerous one that has seen quite a few accidents in recent years - helicopter crashing into a propeller aircraft a couple years ago, helicopter crashes involving news choppers, and tour choppers). Limiting access directly over the park seems reasonable, particularly at night because of low visibility and the potential to fly into buildings or each other.

Not quite the same thing for flying over Foley Square or Union/Washington Square - lower buildings, less obstructions, and more vantage points.