Trump Signs Law Demanding FAA Reassessment Of Helicopter Route

EAST END, NY — It was victory Friday after President Donald Trump signed into law a proposal by Rep. Lee Zeldin that requires the Federal Aviation Administration to reassess the North Shore Route and pursue an all-water route over the Atlantic Ocean.

For years, resident have been pleading for help, stating that helicopter and seaplane noise had shattered their bucolic East End quality of life.

After the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which included his legislative proposal to require the FAA to reassess the North Shore Route to address the noise impact on affected communities, improve altitude enforcement, and consider alternative routes, was signed into law by President Trump Friday, Zeldin said: “It is great news . . .no longer can the FAA ignore the concerns of residents as they have from the North Shore Route’s planning to its continued use, while day to day quality of life has suffered due to the persistent issue of helicopter noise on the East End. Finally, the FAA is forced to listen. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting this legislation and the President for signing this important proposal into law.”

With the enactment of this legislation, a public hearing must take place no later than 30 days from Friday; a public comment period must begin no later than 30 days from Friday and last for at least 60 days; the FAA must commence a formal review of the NSR no later than 30 days from Friday, including the potential creation of an all water Atlantic Ocean route.

Upon Congressional passage of the legislation, local lawmakers applauded the news.

“The ever increasing number of helicopters over Southold has devastated the quality of life for our residents. Southold has become a doormat to the helicopter operators as they head to and from the Hamptons," Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said. "Rep. Zeldin's amendment is a common sense approach that will provide immediate relief to our community. I urge the FAA to follow the Congressman's lead and help him restore the quality of life of the people of Southold.”

Southampton Supervisor Jay Schneiderman agreed. “Anything that will provide relief from helicopter noise will be welcome news for residents of the region.”

Riverhead Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith said helicopter noise during the busy summer months has exponentially increased over Riverhead in the past several years.

"These helicopters tend to fly the same routes when navigating overland resulting in helicopters passing overhead every five to 10 minutes," she said. "The noise created is so loud and disturbing that it can drown out your TV, or even shake pictures off your wall if you are inside. And outside is even worse, requiring you to stop your conversations until after the helicopters have passed. The intended routes for these flights is to avoid the land, and head out over the water to reach their destinations. In practice this is not what happens. I applaud this bipartisan effort to finally bring relief to Riverhead residents.”

Shelter Island Supervisor Gary Gerth said the issue is of the most important for the residents of Shelter Island, who have been adversely impacted by persistent helicopter noise. "This common sense legislation is great news for Shelter Island and our entire region and will have such a positive impact on Long Islanders day-to-day quality of life," he said.

East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc said Congressional attention to the problem of aircraft noise over the East End is appreciated and warranted. "We look forward to continued discussions and meaningful improvement," he said.

Patch file photo.