Safety, Noise Still Big Concerns 6 Months After Fatal Heli-Tour Crash, Gives Anti-Aviation Folks Reason To Grab Spotlight

U.S. Representative Rob Menendez (NJ-08) sent letters to two agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General, requesting them to take immediate action to address safety risks and noise issues associated with helicopter traffic in New Jersey.

He also urged the DOT’s OIG to investigate FAA oversight of the helicopter tourism industry six months after the crash of an air tourist helicopter into the Hudson River in April that resulted in six fatalities. The demands come as complaints continue to rise from residents in areas where as many as 140 helicopters pass overhead on an almost daily basis.

In the letter to DOT’s Acting Inspector General Mitch Behm, Menendez along with Reps. Nadler (NY-12), Case (HI-01), Goldman (NY-10), Pallone (NJ-06), Tokuda (HI-02), and Velazquez (NY-07), requested an investigation into the FAA’s oversight.

The lawmakers wrote, “We have continually raised our concerns directly with the FAA, including via letters sent on March 4 and May 8, 2025, and have been deeply disappointed with their response. While the FAA claims to prioritize safety, it has failed to hold helicopter tourism companies to adequate safety standards and protocols.”

In his letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Menendez wrote that the agency must use its public health and environmental authority to protect New Jersey residents from helicopter noise pollution. In doing so he noted health, environmental, and quality-of-life issues that arise from constant noise of helicopter flights and the toll those take on Hudson County families.

The grand-standing continued as Menendez wrote: “Despite years of engagement from Members of Congress from New Jersey and New York, the advocacy of local leaders, and input from community residents, federal authorities have failed to take meaningful steps to address this crisis and protect the families that we represent from harmful, disruptive, constant helicopter travel. The Environmental Protection Agency must fulfill its responsibilities to address this critical quality of life issue.”

FMI:  menendez.house.gov/