Berman Moderates Dialogue on Helicopters

[This information was taken directly from a press release issued by Rep. Howard Berman's office].

Congressman Howard L. Berman hosted a roundtable meeting Thursday with Valley homeowners associations, helicopterpilots and operators, local law enforcement and emergency response agencies, and representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about the problem of helicopter noise in the Los Angeles area.  The meeting was an opportunity for Valley residents to illustrate how helicopter noise impacts their communities, but also to discuss with helicopter operators and regulators ways in which quality of life and safety concerns can be better addressed.  

The conversation, moderated by Congressman Berman, focused on finding immediate and practical solutions to curb helicopter noise in the Valley.  Meeting participants discussed the practicality of imposing voluntary minimum flight altitudes, how to better track and report helicopter disturbances, and other efforts helicopter operators could take to minimize disruption to residential areas.  

“I’m pleased that everyone had an opportunity to sit together at one table and share their concerns about helicopter noise, as well as discuss what future steps can be taken to address this serious problem,” said Rep Berman.  “I left the roundtable hopeful that everyone -- the homeowners, the helicopter operators, and the FAA -- can find common ground on this issue.”

“The meeting demonstrated that there are workable solutions to helicopter noise, if all parties cooperate,” said Richard Close, President of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association, who worked with Rep. Berman to craft legislation to address helicopter noise in LA.   

Last year, Rep. Berman introduced H.R. 2677, the Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act of 2011, in response to increasing complaints about helicopter noise in the Valley.  His legislation would mandate the FAA to regulate helicopter traffic in LA.  A companion bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Feinstein and Boxer.

Added Rep. Berman:  “I will continue pursuing a long-term legislative solution, but it’s my hope that more immediate steps can be taken to address Valley residents’ safety and noise concerns cause by low-flying helicopters in their neighborhoods.”

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