Following a tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River that claimed six lives, community advocates in New York and New Jersey are intensifying their efforts to ban nonessential helicopter flights. The coalition, led by Stop the Chop NY/NJ, argues that these flights not only disrupt daily life but also pose significant safety risks. They cite a history of accidents and the stress caused by noise and pollution. The call for action comes after years of complaints to regulatory bodies, highlighting a failure to address these concerns adequately.
These helicopters are not emergency aircraft; they're joyrides and luxury charters disrupting daily life and putting people at risk, Melissa Elstein, board chair of the nonprofit, said.
Concerns about helicopter traffic have been escalating since the tragic April 10 helicopter crash in the Hudson River that killed the pilot and all five passengers, including three children.
Approximately 80,000 nonessential helicopter flights take place annually in New York-New Jersey skies, with nine crashes over the previous 20 years.
For years, thousands of us here in New York and New Jersey have submitted noise complaints, reported helicopters flying at unsafe altitudes, contacted FAA regional offices, and appealed to elected officials.
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