Secures Transportation And Infrastructure Committee Review Of Helicopter Related Complaints Above Los Angeles

At the request of Congressman Howard L. Berman’s (CA-28), the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee is convening a roundtable to examine helicopter flight operations in metropolitan areas. As author of H.R. 2677, the Los Angeles Helicopter Noise Relief Act, Congressman Berman sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking member of the Aviation Subcommittee last month requesting the panel review the issue of helicopter noise and safety concerns. The Aviation Subcommittee’s roundtable is scheduled for 10:00 am ET on Thursday, October 27, 2011.

“I have heard from many Valley residents about the nuisance caused by intrusive, low-flying helicopter traffic above their neighborhoods,” said Congressman Howard Berman (pictured). “It’s time my colleagues in Congress understand why it is necessary that the FAA bring order to the skies above Los Angeles and at long last hold helicopter operators accountable.”
 
Congressman Berman will testify at the Aviation Subcommittee’s roundtable meeting where he’ll highlight what he calls the "battle" Los Angeles area residents face against intrusive and disruptive low-flying helicopter traffic above their neighborhoods. Earlier this year, Congressman Berman introduced H.R. 2677, the Los Angeles Helicopter Noise Relief Act, to address the growing safety and noise concerns among Valley residents caused by low-flying helicopters above residential neighborhoods.
 
Congressman Berman’s bill would require the FAA to regulate helicopter operations above Los Angeles within 12 months of being signed into law. Specifically, the bill calls for the Administrator of the FAA to set guidelines on flight paths and minimum altitudes for helicopter operators in residential areas of Los Angeles County. Exemptions would be allowed for law enforcement, emergency responders, and the US military.
 
Berman says that San Fernando Valley residents suffer more than most from the foundation-rattling flyovers due to the heavy helicopter traffic in and out of the Van Nuys Airport. When residents have attempted to address this disturbance, he says they’ve reached a "dead end, unable to find a way to require helicopter operators to change their behavior due to the FAA’s refusal to set helicopter flight regulations above Los Angeles."

FMI: www.house.gov/berman