Avella Introduces Legislation to Rein in Helicopter Traffic

Queens, NY – When the New York State Senate convenes in January, State Senator Tony Avella will add a bill (S6875) that seeks to authorize and direct the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to acquire control over helicopter routes that travel through its jurisdiction to his list of proposed legislation.

Currently, there is very limited regulation of helicopter routes in New York State. In fact, one private locally organized group, the Eastern Region Helicopter Council (ERHC), has begun self-policing helicopter routes over the state. While well intentioned, a private organization of helicopter pilots is not nearly enough and is not what our communities need when it comes to regulating helicopter traffic above our homes.

Frequent helicopter traffic has become more and more of a problem over Queens recently, leaving homeowners wondering what, if anything, can be done to address the issue. That is where Senator Avella’s proposed legislation seeks to provide assistance. Currently, as Senator Avella’s bill justification points out, “it is clear that New York State must do a better job of managing the routes that helicopters take as to balance the convenience of flight routes with the concerns of those communities affected by helicopter traffic.”

Many homeowners complain that frequent helicopter traffic results in an increase in noise pollution and a decrease in home values in communities where helicopter routes are the heaviest.

If this legislation is signed into law by New York State, it would take effect upon the enactment of identical legislation by the state of New Jersey.

“Granting authority to the Port Authority to control helicopter routes within its jurisdiction will allow for better control of the noise pollution and quality of life issues that helicopter traffic creates.  By increasing regulations of these routes, we can minimize the negative effects to quality of life to residents while still maintaining efficient helicopter routes,” said Senator Tony Avella.