WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressmembers Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Dan Goldman (NY-10) introduced the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act ahead of the one-year anniversary of the devastating 2025 Hudson River helicopter crash that took six lives. The bipartisan bill mandates safety standards for helicopters that are, at a minimum, equivalent to airplanes.
“I am proud to introduce legislation to protect our communities by ensuring that helicopter flights are held to the highest possible safety standards,” said Congressman Menendez. “Last year’s Hudson River helicopter crash that claimed the lives of six people only made it more urgent to address serious helicopter safety issues. I’m grateful to join Congressman Nadler on this bill and I remain committed to doing everything possible to keep our neighbors safe.”
“The 2025 Hudson River crash stands as a tragic reminder of the enduring impact of sudden loss. On this painful first anniversary, I offer my continued comfort to the family of the victims and commend them for turning their profound grief over their horrific loss into valiant advocacy for the safety of us all,” said Congressman Nadler. “In the year since the crash, this incident has prompted reflection, investigation, and renewed calls for vigilance and safety, even as the memory of those lost continues to be honored with solemn remembrance. I am proud to have authored the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act and to introduce it with my colleagues today. The bill puts forth a simple notion: helicopters should be held to the same safety standards as airplanes. Such a notion is common sense, and it’s time for our laws and regulators to catch up. By adopting the safety measures outlined in the bill, we can work to reduce the risk of another crash in the future.”
"Today, we stand with the families still carrying the pain of last year's tragic Hudson River helicopter crash. On this solemn anniversary, we remember the lives lost and renew our commitment to ensuring no family endures such a tragedy again,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “For too long, sightseeing helicopter operators have exploited regulatory gaps to operate under lower safety standards than those of other passenger aircraft. This is unacceptable. Every passenger deserves the same level of protection, regardless of the aircraft they board. The Helicopter Safety Parity Act is a commonsense step to close these loopholes, strengthen oversight, and put passengers and communities first. We owe it to these families, future passengers, and local residents to act with urgency and ensure these stronger protections and safety measures are in place."
“For too long, non-essential helicopters have caused public safety hazards and noise pollution for the residents of New York and New Jersey,” said Congressman Espaillat. “Last year’s crash was yet another in a long line of senseless tragedies and it is far past time that the FAA and Congress step up. We owe it to the victims to do all we can to prevent incidents like this from happening again.”
“One year removed from the tragic 2025 Hudson River helicopter crash, I am proud to help introduce the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act.” said Congressman Goldman. “That devastating incident underscored a clear gap in our aviation safety standards, where helicopters are not required to maintain the same safety protocol as airplanes. This commonsense legislation will close that gap and help reduce the risk of fatal crashes from occurring again.”
One year ago tomorrow, a routine sightseeing tour turned tragic when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River and six people—Agustín Escobar, Mercè Camprubí Montal, their three children, Agustín, Mercè and Victor (ages 10, 8, and 4), and 36-year-old Navy veteran pilot Seankese Johnson—lost their lives.
In response, Congressmembers Menendez, Nadler, Malliotakis, Espaillat, and Goldman are introducing the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act, to reduce the risk of a similar crash like the one that took six lives one year ago from ever happening again in the United States.
The bill achieves safety parity between airplanes and helicopters by mandating the development of new safety rules and standards, requiring the use of specific safety equipment, applying airline-equivalent maintenance standards, and ensuring strict enforcement and regular oversight. The bill also provides funding for inspectors to implement the new safety regime. Together, this approach addresses the safety gaps most likely to reduce the risk of a similar crash in the future.
Congressman Menendez has long been a leader on helicopter safety issues leading several bills to combat this issue including the Improving Helicopter Safety Act, Communities Before Air Tourism Act, and the Protecting Communities from Helicopter Noise Act. In addition, he led the New Jersey and New York delegation in an effort to include the region in upcoming helicopter safety legislation. He has worked with local and county officials on solutions for helicopter safety and noise pollution.
He has also led several efforts to pressure the Federal Aviation Administration to take action on helicopter safety. Congressman Menendez currently serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and sits on the Subcommittee on the Environment, Subcommittee on Energy, and the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
The text of the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act can be viewed here.
