Lawmaker: Helicopter Decision 'Victory' for North Fork

Finally, some good news for North Fork residents who consider noise generated by helicopters flying overhead on their way to the Hamptons the singular most egregious issue faced daily.

On July 12, the United States Court of Appeals rendered a decision striking down a challenge by pilots belonging to Helicopter Association International, Inc. to the FAA rule establishing a mandatory North Shore helicopter route for Long Island a mile off shore.

The North Shore route was proposed by the Federal Aviation Administration in 2010 after scores of residents railed against helicopter noise on the North Shore.

According to New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele, the FAA determined that "slightly more than a third of the total number of commenters complained about the levels of helicopter noise that they are exposed to, particularly during the summer
months," and issued the final rule in 2012.

The FAA found that "residents along the North Shore of Long Island
emphatically agreed that helicopter overflights during the summer months are
unbearable and negatively impact their quality of life."

Exceptions were made for helicopters that might not be able to travel the route safely and for pilots who might need to deviate due to weather or issues involving destination or point of landing.

By upholding the mandatory North Shore Route, the U.S. Court of Appeals
stated ". . . the FAA has authority to "prescribe air traffic regulations . . . [to] protect individuals and property on the ground." 

According to Thiele, "Whether the FAA had the legal authority to protect the
public from helicopter noise had long been a bone of contention. Some argued
that the FAA would need additional Congressional authority to mandate
helicopter routes on the basis of noise mitigation. With this federal
appeals court decision we now know that the FAA already possesses that
authority. It is a major victory for the public."

He added, "Now that the court has established the FAA's legal authority
to protect the public from helicopter noise, it is time for the FAA to
provide the same protection to the South Shore as the North Shore by
approving a mandatory Atlantic Route."

What do you think of the decision? How does helicopter noise impact your quality of life on the North Fork?