Bell Helicopter 407
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 130; Flight Crew Total 6140; Flight Crew Type 3700
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown; Confusion
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related; Airspace Structure
I had just finished a left turn in a climb from a westerly heading in front of the Statue of Liberty from 500 feet.In the turn I contacted EWR tower and asked for an alpha tour. Newark clears me in and tells me there are numerous other aircraft in the vicinity so I look around everywhere to see if there are more than what I already have seen which is about 3 other helicopters between statue of Liberty and Governors Island. I also look to the south and above me and I see no additional aircraft which will affect me.As I'm heading northbound just south and slightly west of Governors Island I notice a fixed Wing which looked like a white Cessna 172 above and to the left of me about 50 feet above. I'm climbing through 900 feet-1;000 feet as I see this. I immediately stop climbing and slow down my speed to around 90 KT from a 100 KT and turn slightly right. It looks like he's passing over me and turning to the left either to avoid me or just because he has just decided to make a turn to the left to follow the Hudson left of freedom tower.I'm not speaking to him and I'm busy listening to Newark for other traffic and also looking out for other traffic. The Cessna is probably on river frequency and continues ahead of me and I continue my climb behind the Cessna to 1;500 feet which Newark has cleared me to.
Reporter stated that no further information was available beyond what is provided in the ASRS report that was submitted.
A helicopter pilot reported an NMAC while giving a New York City tour.