Matt Zuccaro: Rules As Published Will Have "Unintended Consequences"

Helicopter Association International (HAI) Matt Zuccaro filed comments last week strongly opposing the FAA's proposed rules mandating a VFR-only helicopter route along the north shore of New York's Long Island.

Mr. Zuccaro filed comments on Friday, June 25 with the FAA, cautioning the agency over the need to follow established regulatory process and environmental policy and Zuccaro warned of the potential negative effect the proposed rule could have on safety and operational efficiency. While the proposed rule does contain deviations for safety, weather conditions, or the transitioning to or from a destination or point of landing, Zuccaro pointed out the proposed rule fails to address operational limitations or performance factors.

According to HAI's comment, the proposed regulation is unprecedented and will result in unintended consequences and has the potential to degrade safety by failing to provide for altitude separation of opposing traffic, fails to consider or address the potential need for additional GPS navigation equipment to conduct precise navigation between way points, and will create cost burdens on operators, including the additional fuel required for longer flights.

HAI will continue to closely monitor this issue and work with industry as well as the FAA. Updates will be posted on this Web site as information becomes available. Zuccaro said he was sincerely appreciative of the many HAI members who joined HAI in filing comments.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.rotor.com