Will Push For Legislation In 2013 To Regulate Minimum Altitudes, Flight Paths Over LA

A congressman in southern California is taking up the fight against what he says are "persistent fly-overs" by helicopters in the areas around Los Angeles. Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) said in a statement released Wednesday that he would work to revive a bill first introduced by Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA) that would require the FAA to establish helicopter flight corridors that were away from residential areas. Berman lost his re-election bid when another Democrat ousted him in a primary fight.

Schiff (pictured) released the statement after meeting with FAA officials in LA. “While I appreciate the FAA’s willingness to engage residents and hear their concerns directly, it is plain that voluntary actions will not be sufficient to address the real quality of life and safety issues raised by these persistent fly-overs,” said Rep. Schiff. “Residents living throughout Los Angeles are deeply impacted by the intrusive, disruptive and often non-emergency related helicopter traffic above their homes and neighborhoods. The canyons and mountains across our region concentrate the low-flying helicopter noise to extremely high levels. Add to that the problem of tourist and press helicopters tracking celebrities in the Hollywood Hills and West Hollywood or perusing the Rose Bowl, and you have a significant impact on the quality of life of thousands of constituents. The residents in these areas deserve peace and quiet, and I will be taking up the legislation shepherded by Congressman Berman in the new session of Congress.” The statement was posted to the Pasadena Now website.

In a separate statement, Congressman Berman said he was "heartened" by Schiff's move to continue to push his legislation. "Los Angeles County residents should know that they will have an important voice in Washington who will continue to fight for common sense reforms to protect their safety and quality of life from intrusive helicopter flights,” he said.

The bill calls on the FAA to establish specific flight corridors and minimum altitudes for helicopters operating in residential areas of Los Angeles. It makes exceptions for law enforcement, emergency responders, and military aircraft.

FMI: http://schiff.house.gov