Votes To Support Legislation Allowing FAA To Tighten Controls For Helicopter Operations Over The City

The Los Angeles, CA, City Council on Tuesday night gave its blessing to legislation sponsored by Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA) that could mean tighter flight path and altitude restrictions for helicopters operating over the city. The legislation, if passed, would authorize the FAA to set minimum altitudes and establish flight corridors for certain areas of the city.

Berman (pictured)  has a link on his official website that allows constituents to make helicopter noise complaints.

The vote follows a town meeting called by Berman on August 6th, in which the FAA participated, to discuss helicopter noise in Los Angeles County. “Our views and input will play a significant role in determining how the FAA addresses this issue. We have shared our frustration about this problem with our friends, neighbors and local elected officials. Now the FAA must hear our voices and implement changes that place the well-being of Valley residents before the interests of a few helicopter operators. We are long overdue to find a commonsense solution to this constant problem,” he said in announcing the meeting.

Berman, along with Senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, both Democrats, had sent a letter to DOT Secretary Ray LaHood requesting FAA participation in the meeting.

The Los Angeles Times reports that city councilman Richard Alarcon voted against the resolution supporting the legislation, saying he was concerned that the restrictions could create problems for public safety aircraft operating in LA. The bill focuses on civilian aircraft, and exempts certain military, law enforcement, and other emergency aircraft from flight restrictions that would be developed by the FAA.

FMI: www.house.gov/berman, www.lacity.org/YourGovernment/CityCouncil/index.htm