The New York-area helicopter company involved in a March 2018 crash that left five dead has allowed passengers’ dogs on to its controversial “doors-off” flights, spurring criticism from two area US senators, who derided it as “repugnant” and “cruel”.

FlyNYON, the helicopter charter company, was engaging in a “brazen marketing campaign to bait more customers aboard by including new incentives to strap in your dog” on helicopter flights with the doors removed or opened, the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, said on Sunday.

Flights above Manhattan in open-door helicopters have become popular with people excited by posting daring pictures on social media, including so-called “shoe selfies”, images of their feet over the edge of the helicopter with parts of the famous city skyline beneath. It was a similar “doors-off” flight that killed all the passengers aboard last year. Initial reports suggested a bag strap had activated the fuel shut-off to the engine.

Schumer said: “It is outrageous that despite the death of five innocent people in a dangerous doors-off chopper flight and two active federal investigations into lapsed safety that FlyNYON is still operating those same flights at desperate discounts.”

He continued: “But now, it is a sheer jaw-drop to know that the same company is strapping in dogs for people to snap pictures of while the animals all but dangle high above New York skies, experiencing the sound of the rotors and who knows what other cruel things.”

FlyNYON does operate some trips. However, the fatal flight in March 2018 was operated by another company that FlyNYON had booked.

Schumer said: “Strapping in dogs for dangerous doors-off flights over New York is just totally repugnant; another disaster in waiting.”

New Jersey’s Democratic senator Bob Menendez also weighed in. He said: “These helicopter flights are not just a worry on the ground, but, after a series of deadly crashes, they’re a potential death trap in the sky.”

He said: “The idea that passengers and their pets are being strapped in and dangled out of open doors hundreds of feet above ground without strong safeguards in place is astonishing.”

The senators said FlyNYON was benefiting from a safety “loophole” by saying it flies “aerial photography” helicopter flights. Because “aerial photography” flights are for industry, not tourists, FlyNYON can continue with doors-off flights amid the federal investigation, they said.

Schumer and Menendez said FlyNYON social media posts relating to “flying dogs” show that the company’s customers are normal people – not professionals who need aerial photographs.

“We’ve teamed up with our friends over at Pilots N Paws [a pet rescue non-profit] to help pups find new homes! We’re offering 40% off all our flights with a portion of the proceeds going towards their organization!” said one recent Facebook post by FlyNYON flagged by the senators. “Use code PILOTSNPAWS at checkout to save 40%!”

A 42-second promotional video that no longer appears to be available online shows a dog riding above New York City in an open-door FlyNYON helicopter flight. The video ends with the FlyNYON and Pilots N Paws logo.

Since about summer 2018, photos and video of at least two other dogs on FlyNYON flights have appeared on social media.

FlyNYON released a statement on Twitter, saying it was focused on fundraising.

It said: “The facts are simple. Today, we are focused on raising money to help these animals and their human partners that are on the frontline of supporting recovery efforts like those of Hurricane Dorian, not trying to score political points.

“FlyNyon is fully compliant with all FAA operating and safety standards. We appreciate and stand ready to support smart actions that allow for enhanced helicopter safety in New York and New Jersey.”