New Bill Would Regulate LA's Helicopter Traffic
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Rep. Adam Schiff and Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer Monday introduced legislation that would regulate helicopter traffic over L.A. neighborhoods.
The Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act would control flight paths and require minimum altitudes for helicopter operations.
"Los Angeles area residents living in Glendale, Pasadena, the Valley, the Hollywood Hills, West Hollywood and other areas are especially affected by intrusive, disruptive and often non-emergency related helicopter traffic above their neighborhoods," Schiff said in a statement. "The terrain of canyons around the Rose Bowl concentrates low-flying helicopter noise to high levels, and Hollywood Hills and West Hollywood residents frequently suffer from noise generated by celebrity news media that follow stars to the beach, the grocery store, or for court appearances. The residents in these areas deserve peace and quiet, and if the FAA won't act, Congress must pass this legislation to give residents the relief they need."
"LA County residents suffer from high levels of disruptive, low-flying helicopter traffic over their neighborhoods. This bill would address that problem by requiring the FAA to create regulations for how helicopters operate in the skies above Los Angeles," Feinstein said in a statement. "In addition to reducing noise, this bill would increase safety and minimize commercial aircraft delays while exempting first responders and military aircraft from its limitations. I look forward to working with Congressman Schiff and Senator Boxer to get this bill passed."
The legislation would require the FAA to set its new guidelines within 12 months of being signed into law.
It would also provide exemptions for law enforcement, emergency responders and the military.
