Following a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of six people less than a month ago, members of Congress have introduced a bipartisan bill proposing to ban “non-essential” helicopter flights in New York City and its surrounding areas to enhance public safety.
The legislation, named the “Improving Helicopter Safety Act,” was jointly introduced by Democratic Representatives Jerrold Nadler and Robert Menendez, along with Republican Representative Nicole Malliotakis. If passed, the bill will prohibit non-essential helicopter flights within a 20-mile radius around the Statue of Liberty, which includes sightseeing, recreational, and commuter purposes. The law would take effect within 60 days of being signed into law.
On April 10, a sightseeing helicopter carrying five Spanish tourists and one pilot disintegrated and crashed into the Hudson River outside Jersey City. None of the occupants survived the crash. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the helicopter had completed its eighth flight of the day, with its most recent inspection recorded on March 1.
Under current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, sightseeing helicopters are required to meet basic safety and noise standards but are not subjected to the same oversight as commercial flights. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated in a release that while the FAA has taken action to ground operators after accidents, there is still room for further reforms, particularly in regulatory standards and enforcement mechanisms.
Advocacy group “Stop the Chop” has also voiced support for the congressional bill. They have long advocated for the ban on sightseeing helicopter flights citing reasons such as noise pollution impacts and potential aviation safety risks.
Meanwhile, the New York City Council passed a regulation last month that will prohibit all helicopters not meeting FAA noise standards from taking off or landing at city-managed heliports starting in December 2029.
Should the “Improving Helicopter Safety Act” pass, flights for law enforcement, rescue operations, medical emergencies, news coverage, and scientific research, recognized as essential activities, will remain unaffected.