City Council Bill Proposes New York City Helicopter Ban

NEW YORK, NY — Manhattan lawmakers are proposing a ban on non-essential helicopters flights in New York City a month after a fatal crash in Midtown Manhattan, but it's unclear if the new bill will actually restrict flights if the federal government does not take action.

City Councilmember Mark Levine, who represents parts of the Upper West Side and Upper Manhattan, introduced the new legislation Tuesday. The bill claims that crashes are an inevitability due to the "dangers associated with helicopters in an urban setting," citing thirty helicopter crashes that have occurred in the city in recent decades.

The most recent crash cited occurred in Midtown Manhattan on June 10. A pilot died after crashing into the roof of the 752-foot AXA Equitable Building on Seventh Avenue while performing a non-essential flight in poor weather conditions.

"The use of helicopters for non-essential travel over New York City has proven once again to pose a serious hazard to not only those in the aircraft but also to the general public," Levine said in a statement. “These flights are run solely for the benefit of the private operators and the few passengers with the means to afford the expensive ticket."

The legislation also argues that frequent helicopter flights have negative effects on the health of New Yorkers. Lawmakers cite a 1999 study that shows noise from helicopters can cause in increased chance of ailment such as high blood pressure, impaired psychological and cognitive functions and poor long-term memory in children. The bill also states that helicopter flights give off dangerous pollutants such as nitrogen oxide and formaldehyde.

The City Council bill is consistent with proposals made by federal lawmakers such as Carolyn Maloney and endorsed by Mayor Bill de Blasio, but the effect of the bill should it pass the council is unclear. The Federal Aviation Administration must sign off on any attempt to ban helicopter flight over an area.

City lawmakers did say that the mayor has the power to prevent private helicopter companies from using helipads within New York City.

Levine's bill was co-sponsored by Manhattan City Councilmembers Helen Rosenthal and Margaret S. Chin and endorsed by Borough President Gale Brewer.

"Helicopters pose a serious risk to New Yorkers, one that we have recently been reminded of with the helicopter crash in Midtown in June that left one dead," said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. "I thank Council Members Levine, Rosenthal and Chin for taking steps towards banning non-essential helicopters over New York City."