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By DON STINE<\/strong><\/p>\n ASBURY PARK<\/strong> – A Wall Township business owner would like to offer sightseeing helicopter rides in Asbury Park, if officials approve.<\/p>\n The proposal was presented to the City Council last week by Vincent Giglio, owner of Ocean Helicopter, which operates out of the Monmouth Executive Airport in Wall. He said he is \u201choping to break through the glass ceiling\u201d on providing rides in Asbury Park and that he hopes the council is receptive to the idea.<\/p>\n He said the main purpose of the rides would be sightseeing. The company has had success at other oceanfront locations, including Seaside, Barneget Lighthouse, Long Beach Island and Point Pleasant.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is very safe and kids and families love it. It\u2019s also a good way to get kids interested in aviation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n According to Giglio, the helicopters are smaller than regular helicopters with a low noise signature.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is not a very intrusive helicopter. It makes less noise than a train, more like the sound of a bus,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He also said the helicopters will fly at an altitude of 1,000 feet and that people can then see for miles. It will cost $25 for a five-minute ride although longer trips can also be arranged.<\/p>\n Suggested sites for the landing pad are at the north end of the beachfront or possibly on the old concreter pad of the former Casino building over the beach at the southern end.<\/p>\n \u201cWe do not need a lot of room,\u201d Giglio said.The flights and landing site would need approval from the state Department of Transportation.<\/p>\n \u201cThe devil is always in the details and how it will work in Asbury Park,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Picured above is an Ocean Helicopter, from their website<\/a>. Below is a short video courtesy of Ocean Helicpter.<\/p>\n