Would Exclude All But Police, First Responder And News-Gathering Aircraft

Following an accident last Monday in Manhattan that resulted in the fatal injury of helicopter pilot Tim McCormack, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is calling for a "full on ban" on helicopters flying over Manhattan.

Television station WABC reports that the proposal would ban all helicopter flights over Manhattan except police, first responder and media aircraft.

McCormack was fatally injured when the aircraft he was piloting impacted the roof of the 54-story Equitable Building at 52nd Street and 7th Avenue. Weather conditions were reported to be poor when the accident occurred.

In an interview with WNYC-AM radio in New York, Mayor de Blasio (pictured) said his administration is making progress in its effort to reduce sightseeing helicopter flights by half, and restricting them to flying in river corridors. But he said it "makes no sense" that there are no restrictions on helicopter pilots operating over "the most populated place in the country."

An FAA official told ABC news that according to preliminary information from law enforcement sources, the pilot lost contact with the tower at KLGA, and the pilot was looking for the nearest flat place to set the aircraft down.

Responding to the Mayor's call for a total ban, the FAA said it would be "premature to consider any actions pending the outcome of the investigation."

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report