WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representatives Rob Menendez (D-NJ), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Dan Goldman (D-NY) introduced the Protecting Communities from Helicopter Noise Act. The bipartisan bill, one of several pieces of legislation introduced in response to rampant helicopter noise in the New Jersey-New York Metropolitan Area, directs the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) to study the impact of helicopters on the safety of the airspace and helicopter noise within a 20-mile radius of the Statue of Liberty and examine solutions to divert helicopters away from residential and recreational areas. It was first introduced by Menendez and Nadler in the 118th Congress.
“It is impossible to ignore the detrimental effects that helicopter noise has on our community and the broader region,” said Representative Menendez. “I’ve heard from constituents in Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, and beyond whose quality of life is severely impacted by non-essential helicopters. The tragic crash of a tourism helicopter in the Hudson River just a few months ago makes it clear that this is a safety issue as well. It’s time for the FAA to act, and I’m grateful to my colleagues for helping to move this forward on a bipartisan basis.”
“I join my colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation requiring the FAA to examine helicopter noise, safety, and health impacts within 20 miles of the Statue of Liberty,” said Representative Malliotakis. “This report will identify solutions to reduce constant noise as a result of the flight paths, deliver relief to our communities, and address resident’s quality-of-life concerns.”
“The New York Metropolitan area experiences some of the most concentrated helicopter traffic anywhere, and the impact on our communities continues to grow,” said Representative Nadler. “In the past five years, the number of complaints about helicopter noise has increased by nearly 2,500 percent, making it one of the most frequently raised issues by my constituents. That’s why I am proud to join Congressman Menendez in introducing the bipartisan Protecting Communities from Helicopter Noise Act, which directs the FAA to study this problem and develop concrete solutions so families and neighborhoods can finally get the relief they need.”
“The prevalence of noise pollution from helicopters over New York City is an unnecessary and wholly preventable burden on millions of residents,” said Representative Goldman. “New technologies like Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing Aircrafts (eVTOLs) are expected to be quieter than helicopters and other conventional aircraft and could meaningfully decrease noise pollution over densely populated urban areas. We have an obligation to understand how eVTOLs may help solve the problem of noise pollution, as well as how best to enforce regulations on helicopter flight paths above our city to enhance quality of life, safeguard public health, and restore community well-being.”
Menendez previously introduced the Communities Before Air Tourism Act, which requires the FAA and National Park Service to consult with communities under air tour routes and take community impact into account when entering into Air Tour Management Voluntary Agreements with helicopter operators. He also co-led the Improving Helicopter Safety Act in response to the April 2025 helicopter crash, which bans all non-essential helicopter traffic within a 20-mile radius of the Statue of Liberty. Additionally, the Congressman has sent several letters to the FAA demanding that they address safety concerns with the volume of helicopter traffic. In 2024, Menendez hosted the FAA in Jersey City for a workshop on helicopter noise.
For full bill text, click here.
