Washington, DC

NBAA joins coalition’s call to action opposing NYC bill restricting heli ops

NBAA has joined with Vertical Aviation International (VAI) and other industry groups in opposing a measure before the New York City Council to restrict all “non-essential” helicopter operations at city heliports solely to electric-powered helicopters.

Facing an imminent council vote, Introduction 0026-A would prohibit any such flight operation from landing at and departing from city-run heliports that fail to meet federal noise criteria. VAI said the bill, “May be the most serious political assault on the vertical aviation industry in the Northeast that we’ve ever seen . . . even considering longstanding efforts to shutter our industry.”

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen noted the measure would ground thousands of people traveling by helicopter every day across the NYC area. “We are very concerned about the potential this proposal has to put a chilling effect on the many benefits provided by helicopter operations,” Bolen said. “Contrary to the bill’s language, many pf these flights are essential to supporting the city’s economy, emergency and security preparedness and other services.”

Bolen also noted that the proposal could set a precedent for eschewing the longstanding authority granted to the FAA for overseeing a national regulatory framework for aviation, which ensures consistency in safety mandates and other operational requirements.

Bolen called upon NBAA members to join VAI and the other coalition members in voicing their opposition to Int. 0026-A, utilizing VAI’s Legislative Advocacy Center.

The coalition added that, passage of Int. 0026-A will discourage investment in vertical aviation and transportation alternatives by signaling that New York is unwelcoming to the broader aviation industry. In fact, going far beyond any reasonable attempt at addressing community compatibility and environmental issues, this effort runs counter to the prioritization of accessible, quieter, cleaner innovations and instead serves as an effort of a few to push an entire industry out of one of the world’s most productive economic epicenters in one of the country’s busiest regional economic corridors.

Other associations joining the effort include the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Eastern Region Helicopter Council (ERHC), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the National Air Transport Association (NATA).