But For NIMBYs And Pandering Politicians, The Sky Is
Falling
The reaction to Tuesday's fatal helicopter accident at New York
City's 34th Street Heliport has produced a fascinating range of
reactions which appear to vary based on personal agendas. The pilot
says a loss of power forced him to put the Bell 206 down in the
river after gaining what witnesses said was only about 25-30 feet
of altitude following takeoff. The pilot and three passengers
survived. One woman did not escape before the machine sank, and
died.
Those who can justify the expense of helicopter shuttle or tour
flights keep the waterfront heliports busy in New York, because the
congestion of America's most densely-populated major city
compromises surface travel. But those who live or work along the
rivers aren't so appreciative of the benefits of helicopters, and
like to complain about the noise which in many cases was part of
the neighborhood before they were. And politicians who wouldn't
dream of proposing the shutdown of noisy, crowded highways in
reaction to car accidents seem to have no trouble proposing such
response to aviation accidents.
State Senator Daniel Squadron (pictured above from a YouTube
screen-grab) is not above pandering to the NIMBYs, or using
the excuse of safety to push his argument. The lawmaker, who
represents Manhattan and Brooklyn, told the news website
NY1.com, "It's very clear: A trip originating and ending in
Manhattan, that's not essential, that's a tour, and it's just too
crowded. Manhattan is the most crowded island in the country and to
have this volume of air traffic doesn't make sense."
He elaborated in comments to the Fort Greene-Clinton Hill Patch:
“(Tuesday)’s tragedy is another clear sign:
nonessential helicopters in Manhattan don’t make sense for
passengers, pilots, or local residents.”
State Assemblywoman Joan Millman echoed, “We have
witnessed too many incidents. The city claims these tours generate
needed funds, but at what price!"
While we're left to assume that Senator Squadron feels qualified
to be the arbiter of what flights are "essential," the people
actually flying on all those helicopters continue to demonstrate
that they believe any risks are justified. NY1 reports that workers
at the heliports the day after the accident said Wednesday was just
like any other day, and the lines were just as long, despite all
the "live team coverage" of the accident in the media the previous
afternoon.
One visitor told the outlet, "I was on the phone making
reservations when I looked at TV and saw the helicopter crash.
Didn't bother me one bit."