Malibu Council to Support Helicopter Noise Relief Bill

The Malibu City Council is expected to throw its support behind the Los Angeles Helicopter Support Act of 2013, a resolution urging President Obama and Congress to approve pending legislation to reduce helicopter noise in L.A. County.

The bill argues that local residents "suffer intrusive and disruptive low-flying helicopter traffic above their neighborhoods." The bill places much of the blame on media helicopters covering news events and tourism helicopters.

"Helicopters provide a tremendous benefit in emergencies by allowing law enforcement law enforcement and emergency first responders to quickly arrive and provide aid when needed," a city of Malibu staff report states. " ... However, the growing use of helicopters for such activities as sightseeing, area tours, filming and paparazzi has caused an unacceptable intrusion on the quality of life for local residents due to the high decibel level noise caused by these aircraft."

Among other things, the pending legislation in Congress would ask the Federal Aviation Administration to evaluate helicopter routes, altitudes and hovering practices before reporting back to Congress about possible solutions to noise complaints. Unlike fixed wing aircraft traffic, the FAA does not currently regulate helicopter traffic in Los Angeles.

The council will consider the resolution at its April 8 meeting at Malibu City Hall.

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