Labels: FAA, Media, Noise Pollution

Labels: petition

Through the collected efforts of Helifreenyc.org, the Hudson River Helicopter Coalition and the Helicopter Noise Coalition of NYC, an online petition has been posted to collect signatures of those who wish to tell elected officials that we expect them to do something about the noise pollution emitted from helicopters in the NYC area. Please join us in this effort by placing your name on the petition.

Labels: petition

A Macdougal St. Resident reported to Helifreenyc.org this morning that the Fox 5 news helicopter was hovering over her neighborhood for about an hour this morning beginning around 6:20, while filming a broken water main. The resident said that when she called Fox to complain, they said they"couldn't move it because they were shooting a water main break." Click here to let Fox 5 know that you disapprove of these actions.

Labels: Complaints, Noise Pollution

In the very near future, a petition will be added to this site, that will enable the public to add their signatures and deliver their message to the elected officials with unified voice, to curb helicopter noise in the NYC area. The petition will work similar to the feedback page that is presently available on this Site. There are several local groups that are trying to finalize the language of the petition, in an effort to have it available for signature in the coming weeks.

Labels: petition

With the implementation of heavy regulation of the 34th Street heliport and the ongoing legal battle to close the 30th Street heliport, it seems that public involvement to curb helicopter activity in and around New York City is mounting. While changing local laws and diminishing the number of NYC helipads as option for take-off and landing of commercial helicopters, will definitely make a difference, utlimately the airspace over Manhattan is regulated by the FAA. Getting involved locally is important, especially because it is more likely that change in policy and procedure can occur on a faster timetable at the local level. All this being taken into account, right now may be a timely opportunity to push for federal legislation concerning the airspace over Manhattan. Congressman Weiner sponsored a bill last year, citing security and safety as the main reason for need to impose legislation restricting flight over Manhattan. Safety and security are big issues, especially in lieu of the 911 attacks and the subsequent crashes of aircraft in and around the city. But security and safety are not the only reasons that meet the threshold necessary to justify federal legislation. Environmental concerns are also taken in to account. For example, environmental concern and noise are the reason for the restrictions in the airspace over the Grand Canyon. If New York City-area residents put pressure on their respective representitives, federal legislation restricting flight can occur here to.

As it stands, helicopters that fly low enough, do not have to communicate with the air traffic control at any of the airports. This gives them an incentive to fly low, leading to more ground-level noise. Under Wiener's proposed bill, the Helicopters would have had to maintain in contact with the traffic controller's regardless of altitude. More importantly, it would restrict flight over the city, requiring the helicopters to stay over the water, except for take-off and landing.

If any or all of the provisions that were previously proposed were to become codified, it would help to improve the quality of life of those who suffer though the noise of the overhead rotors every day. Use this link to contact Congressman Weiner and let him know that you support legislation to curb air traffic over Manhattan. Even if he is not your representative, he is on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which has a Subcommittee on Avaiation and can process your feedback in that capacity.

If you live in Manhattan, your house representative is congressman is Charles B. Rangel. You can use this link to urge him to support legislation like that proposed by Mr. Weiner

Sample language to use in your correspondence with these elected officials will soon be available on the Helifreenyc.com site.

Labels: FAA, Federal, Legislation, Noise Pollution

Readers can now comment directly on any of the items posted to the blog. Comments will appear as soon as they are approved.