NEED FOR LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE HELICOPTER SAFETY AND REDUCE NOISE
The Los Angeles Area Helicopter Noise Coalition spent several years trying to get the helicopter industry to agree to voluntary measures, but no agreements were reached. The FAA is reluctant to adopt mandatory regulations. We are convinced that it will take Congressional legislation to bring about significant improvements in helicopter safety and noise reduction.
The NTSB has made several recommendations to improve helicopter safety which the FAA has declined to implement. In 2006, the NTSB recommended that commercial helicopters (like the one in which Kobe Bryant was killed) be equipped with Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS). But the FAA declined to accept the recommendation. In 2007, the NTSB recommended that all commercial air tour helicopters that fly over water be equipped with fixed or inflatable floats. But the FAA declined and does not require them. In 2009, the NTSB recommended that the FAA require crash resistant flight data recorders on newly manufactured aircraft. Again, the FAA declined.
Listed below are bills that were introduced in the 118th Congress (2023-2024) to improve helicopter safety and reduce noise.
HR 1071, introduced on 2/17/2023 by Ed Case. Title: Safe and Quiet Skies Act of 2023. Summary: Among other things, this bill would prohibit tour flights from operating at an altitude of less than 1,500 feet. This bill was cosponsored by local Representative Brad Sherman. (See full text)
HR 1257 introduced on 2/28/2023 by Eleanor Holmes Norton. Title: Reducing Helicopter Noise in the District of Columbia Act. Summary: This bill would require helicopters in the District of Columbia to fly at the maximum altitude permitted by the Federal Aviation Administration. (See full text)
HR 2509 introduced on 4/6/2023 by Eleanor Holmes Norton. A bill to direct the Secretary of Transportation to submit a report on helicopter noise in the District of Columbia. Summary: This bill would require the Secretary to make recommendations to reduce helicopter noise in the District of Columbia. (See full text)
HR 2585 introduced on 4/13/2023 by Ed Case. Title: Hawaii Air Tour Management Act of 2023. Summary: This bill would require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, in consultation with the Governor of Hawaii, to establish an air tour management plan for the State of Hawaii. (See full text)
