There was helicopter service in the 80's from 2 different locations. One was a pier on the East side, I don't remember the exact location. The one I used was Pan Am and they left from Battery Park. The helicopter was free for full-fare Business Class and First Class on the Transcon. It meant that I could leave my meeting in Wall Street at 4:30pm, run to the 5pm helicopter flight, and still be on the 6pm transcon from JFK to LAX. What time do you need to leave Wall Street today to catch the 6pm flight from JFK?