Local Legislation – New York City

  • Video link of NYC Council’s Economic Development Committee hearing regarding NYC helicopter operations on November 29, 2022. NYC Comptroller Brad Lander’s written testimony. Joint hearing testimony by Manhattan and Brooklyn Borough Presidents. Joint letter to Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer from Manhattan and Brooklyn Borough Presidents.
  • Proposed resolution (Res 0389-2022) by NYC Council Member Brewer dated November 22, 2022 – “Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to amend the Hudson River Park Trust Act by banning non-essential use of its heliport.”
  • Proposed legislation (Int 0773-2022) by NYC Council Member Powers introduced on October 14, 2022 – “This bill would prohibit chartered helicopters from taking off and landing at heliports owned by the city if those helicopters do not meet the stage 3 noise levels for helicopters as determined by the Federal Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990.”
  • Proposed resolution (Res 0291-2022) by NYC Council Member Brewer introduced on August 11, 2022 – “Resolution calling upon the United States Federal Aviation Administration to ban all non-essential helicopter travel, including tourist and chartered helicopter flights over New York City.”
  • Proposed legislation (Int 0551-2022) by NYC Council Member Lincoln Restler introduced on June 16, 2022 – A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting non-essential helicopters from operating at heliports owned or operated by the city. See press release.
  • Proposed legislation (Int 0226-2022) by NYC Council Member Brewer introduced on April 28, 2022 – “This bill would prohibit sightseeing helicopters from taking off and landing at heliports owned by the city if those helicopters meet the stage 3 noise limits for helicopters as determined by the Federal Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990, subject to approval by the United States Secretary of Transportation.”
  • Letter from Manhattan Borough President Brewer dated January 18, 2022 – “I write to urge you to close the West 30th St Heliport that is located in Hudson River Park.”
  • Press Release from Manhattan Borough President Brewer dated October 29, 2021 – As helicopter complaints soar to new heights, first-ever dual-state, multi-city, multi-borough coalition calls for urgent federal action.
  • Community Board 7 Resolution: Jan 5, 2021 – Transportation Committee resolution seeking to end NYC government tax payer support of marketing helicopters over Manhattan.
  • Int 2067-2020: This bill would require the New York City Economic Development Corporation to collect certain safety and route information regarding helicopters operating on property owned by the city and submit such information to the Council upon request.
  • Int 2027-2020: This bill would require the Department of Citywide Administrative Services to conduct a study on the safety and feasibility of using electric powered vertical takeoff and landing vehicles in the city fleet.
  • Int 2026-2020: A local law to amend the NYC administrative code in relation to reducing noise caused by chartered helicopters. Introduced July 28, 2020.
  • NYC City Council pending legislation 2018 bill number 0852-2018: Would require NYC EDC to produce an annual helicopter sightseeing plan in consultation with community advocates, industry, and experts.
  • NYC City Council Hearing regarding Modifying Helicopter Routes to Reduce Noise Over Residential Neighborhoods on April 18, 2018: Testimony (download PDF) and Transcript (download PDF).
  • 2016 Agreement with NYC and Saker Aviation Services (operator of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport) to reduce helicopter tourist flights
  • Nov. 14, 2016 testimony of Friends of Governor’s Island regarding increase of helicopter flights and noise.
  • Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy Testimony Regarding Bills to Ban Sightseeing Helicopters Presented to NYC Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection at City Hall.
  • NYC City Council Hearings for Bills Intro 858 and Intro 859, November 2015: Testimony (download PDF) and Transcript (download PDF).
  • NY State Senators Squadron and Hoylman Testimony in Support of NYC Council Bills Intro 858 and 859.
  • Int 858-2015: Bill that would prohibit sightseeing helicopters from taking off and landing at heliports owned by the city if those helicopters meet the stage 3 noise limits for helicopters as determined by the Federal Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990.
  • Int 859-2015: Bill that would prohibit sightseeing helicopters from taking off and landing at heliports owned by the city if those helicopters do not meet the stage 3 noise levels for helicopters as determined by the Federal Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990.
  • February 26, 2014 – NYC Council Resolution calling upon Congress to require the Federal Aviation Administration to promulgate regulations on air quality and noise for tourist helicopters flying over New York City.
  • September 17, 2014 – Letter from the Public Advocate Letitia James to Mayor de Blasio calling for a ban on the Helicopters Tour Operators.
  • June 17, 2013 – State of NY introduction of S5824. An act to amend the Hudson River Park Act.
  • October 5, 2011 – Press Release: Manhattan and Brooklyn Politicians Call for Total Ban on Tourist Helicopters from Manhattan Air Corridors.
  • June 1, 2011 – Letter from Congressmember Nydia Velazquez to Mayor Michael Bloomberg regarding tourist helicopter noise pollution and seeking ban over NYC.
  • April 2010 NYC EDC Helicopter Sightseeing Plan between Eastern Region Helicopter Council and Downtown Manhattan Heliport eliminating sightseeing tours over Central Park, Empire State Building, Brooklyn, and short tours, creating 311 noise complaints logs, and helicopter noise monitoring systems, and more.
  • September 27, 1999 – Mayor Giuliani press release regarding NYC Heliport Master Plan Study.