The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) joined five other aviation associations recently in opposition to two New York City bills that would severely restrict helicopter operations in the city and create additional paperwork requirements. The March 9 letter to Peter Vallone, chairman of the New York City Committee on Economic Development, was co-signed by representatives of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Helicopter Association International (HAI), the Eastern Region Helicopter Council (ERHC), the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
Aviation Coalition Opposed to NYC Helicopter Rule Changes
Key Takeaways:
- A coalition of six aviation associations, including NBAA, opposes two New York City bills (No. 2026 and No. 2067) that would severely restrict helicopter operations through strict noise standards and extensive documentation requirements, warning of devastating economic impacts.
- The opposition argues that the bills are legally problematic due to federal preemption in aviation regulation and technically flawed, potentially affecting 80% of current operations and misinterpreting noise certification.
- While opposing the restrictive measures, the coalition supports a separate bill (No. 2027) to study replacing NYC's helicopter fleet with quieter electric rotorcraft (eVTOLs), aligning with industry investments in sustainable aviation despite the bills arising from increased noise complaints.
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