City Council passes bill to limit nonessential helicopter flights that don't meet FAA noise standards
It would take effect in 2029, as the city says it will allow time for the industry to transition.
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The City Council passed the Helicopter Oversight Act, which will ban non-essential flights like sightseeing tours and private helicopters, from city heli-ports, unless they meet federal noise standards.
It would take effect in 2029, as the city says it will allow time for the industry to transition. In the meantime, the EDC will be required to report on the current amount of flights that do not meet the standard.
According to data from the city, in the past five years, 311 has experienced a 2,329% increase in noise complaints related to helicopters.
Kenneth Lay, a Brooklyn resident and board member of the organization "Stop the Chop NY/NJ," says the helicopter noise is frustrating.
“The noise is unbearable. You know, you can't sleep through it. So, it wakes me up in the morning, or if I try to go to bed early. You can't talk to people on the street as they fly over. It's too loud. They cause the buildings to shake," said Lay.
Debate over the bill comes after several recent helicopter-related accidents in New York, including a fatal Hudson River crash earlier this month. Brooklyn residents like Norine Strazza tell News 12 they're happy about the possible improvement in noise, but are still worried about safety.
"There goes half a block of people if the helicopter crashes. It's just not a good idea. It should not be allowed, not over residential areas especially after what happened," said Strazza.
Board Chair of Stop the Chop NY/NJ Melissa Elstein says while there's more work to be done, it's a step in the right direction.
"It's a first step. We believe there's going to be more bills at all levels of government," said Elstein.
While the bill is now passed, it's now in the mayor's hands to sign it into law.
