An existing FAA airspace working group has met and will make recommendations to improve safety within the Hudson River VFR corridor. Among possible changes, the group could recommend making it mandatory to monitor the advisory frequency and report entering and leaving the airspace. Other good practices that are now voluntary could become mandatory. Currently, a NOTAM advises pilots to use dedicated radio frequencies, turn on their lights, announce their entry into the airspace and keep speeds below 140 knots. Some have suggested that fixed-wing aircraft fly near the 1,100-foot ceiling of the corridor and helicopters fly at lower altitudes. That used to be the common practice, but in the last few years, helicopter tour operators have agreed to fly at the same altitude as fixed-wing aircraft as a concession to noise complaints. Coincidentally, the same working group has addressed a proposed FAA Class Bravo airspace redesign in New York that would both expand and lower the outer rings of the ‘inverted wedding cake.’ Critics among general aviation representatives have complained that the plan would further constrict VFR airspace, forcing more VFR traffic to fly lower – and within more confined airspace.
FAA Working Group Reviews Hudson Corridor Traffic Rules
Key Takeaways:
- An FAA working group is proposing to make current voluntary safety practices (e.g., monitoring advisory frequencies, reporting entry/exit) mandatory within the Hudson River VFR corridor.
- The group may address past changes in flight practices, where helicopter tour operators moved to higher altitudes due to noise complaints, potentially impacting previous altitude separation with fixed-wing aircraft.
- The same working group is also reviewing a proposed New York Class Bravo airspace redesign that critics argue would expand and lower its outer rings, further constricting VFR airspace and forcing VFR traffic into more confined, lower altitudes.
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