Concentrated Noise Over Certain Communities A Concern

The Eastern Region Helicopter Council is asking residents of New York's Long Island to oppose a new FAA regulation establishing a mandatory North Shore route for helicopters. The group says the new rule would “exacerbate air traffic congestion and make helicopter noise permanent over some communities.”

Jeff Smith, chairman of the ERHC said “We are again calling on the FAA to reverse course and do what is right and best for Long Islanders by eliminating the proposed restricted flight paths that increase noise and instead returning to a more diversified and rational plan. Instead of concentrating flights over small areas and compounding noise over certain communities, we must diversify helicopter flight routes over land and Long Island Sound. This will not only ensure maximum safety but also decrease noise levels in the Great Neck, Port Washington and Glen Cove areas in particular.”

27 East reports that the new routing was announced in February by NY State Senator Charles Schumer, and would require helicopters to take an over-water North Shore route inbound to interior places like East Hampton Airport. The senator's office announced simultaneously that the FAA would begin working on a similar routing for Long Island's South Shore. Both routes are a response to complaints of helicopter noise throughout Long Island, and East Hampton in particular.

Dominick Stanzione, East Hampton Town Councilman said on Monday “We strongly support both routes. I think it’s important that we have both routes because we are committed to reducing the obligation of our northern communities from exclusively being burdened by the traffic pattern. It’s really important for us to advocate a fair share approach for aviation traffic in our community.”

East Hampton airport will have a new control tower in place by week's end, and this is anticipated to help alleviate some of the noise complaints.

FMI: www.erhc.org, www.faa.gov