Video: Senator Schumer announces new DOT helicopter regulations

Smithtown resident Craig Cooper (left) goes over the new FAA regulations forcing helicopters to fly over the Long Island Sound instead of over his house with New York Senator Charles Schumer (right). (Photo: J. Brierton / SmithtownRadio.com)

Smithtown, NY (SmithtownRadio.com) – Standing outside a Smithtown home, New York Senator Charles Schumer announced new Department of Transportation regulations forcing helicopters to fly over the Long Island Sound and not over North Shore communities Tuesday.

“Way back in February 2006, I received a letter from our host, Craig Cooper, regarding loud and low-flying helicopters over the North Shore of Long Island that were negatively impacting his and his neighbors’ quality of life,” says Schumer in a released statement. “With the announcement of these regulations, I am certain we are finally on the path towards relief for Craig and thousands of residents along the North Shore of Long Island.”

Craig, who moved into his Milleridge Lane home eight years ago, says he and his wife realized pretty quickly how often helicopters fly over.

“This is a noisy place,” Craigs tells SmithtownRadio.com outside his home. “As a Smithtown person we’re very close to Stony Brook University hospital. We know that there are going to be medivacs and things like that but this wasn’t that.”

When the rules take effect in early August, pilots are required to fly approximately one mile off-shore and 2,500 feet high over the sound inside a flight channel stretching from Huntington to Orient Point. The Federal Aviation Administration has the power to review any pilot not adhering to the rules and could issue them financial penalties. The FAA could also revoke or suspend the pilot’s license.

Read More: The FAA Helicopter Rule (pdf)

The rules do not prohibit pilots from diverting from the channel in order to land or pick up passengers. The rules also allow pilots to leave the channel for bad weather or other safety concerns.

The new rules do not effect helicopter traffic along the South Shore.

The regulation expires in two years and Schumer hopes to have it renewed.

SmithtownRadio.com made several calls to helicopter charter services but none were willing to speak on the issue. SmithtownRadio.com will again try to reach the Eastern Region Helicopter Council Thursday. The group has concerns
about the safety of the channel because of potential overcrowding in the sky, according to previously published reports.