Critics: Flights Causing Most Noise Would Be Exempted

A California lawmaker has introduced a bill in the state legislature which supports the idea of federal restrictions on noisy, low-flying helicopters over Los Angeles neighborhoods. But opponents, including helo operators, say most of the helicopters riling the neighbors would be exempt, and the proposed restrictions would achieve little as a result.

Mike Feuer, a Los Angeles Democrat, introduced a resolution January 24 asking the California Legislature to support the Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act of 2011, a federal proposal which has a version under consideration in both the House and Senate. Feuer says, "For far too long, residential neighborhoods have had to deal with increasing noise and other burdens from helicopters. This is a major quality of life issue throughout our region. The California Legislature should urge Congress to act this year."

But the North Hollywood Patch reports Larry Welk, president of the Professional Helicopter Pilots Association, told NBC Los Angeles the legislation would exempt all helicopters flown by fire and police departments, the Department of Water and Power , and other government agencies. Also exempted would be emergency responders such as air ambulance helicopters. Some LA residents note that low-flying police choppers, which may circle over a fixed spot for long periods, are the worst offenders, and would not be covered by the bill.

Welk adds that the proposal is based on "a public perception that there's more helicopter traffic. That's just not true. There used to be six, seven traffic helicopters in the air. News stations that used to have two now have one, some have none. The fact is, this legislation exempts 70 percent of the helicopters that generate the noise."

One Patch reader concurs, observing, "If they are going to exempt LAPD helicopters, which are the loudest and most obnoxious, we might as well not have any regulations because the noise problem won't be solved."

FMI: Feuer's Resolution