NYC Economic Development Corp Releases NYC Helicopter Sightseeing Plan

NYC Economic Development Corp Releases NYC Helicopter Sightseeing Plan

 

InView May 2010 Issue

 

New York City Economic Development Corporation Releases New York City Helicopter Sightseeing Plan

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), in cooperation with the five helicopter tour operators out of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport (DMH) and the Eastern Region Helicopter Council (ERHC), released a New York City Helicopter Sightseeing Plan. The plan is a comprehensive package that includes the elimination of short tours, elimination of sightseeing tours over both Central Park and the Empire State Building, elimination of sightseeing flights over Brooklyn, the adoption of improved sightseeing tour routes, and an enhanced 311 protocol and data gathering system.

NYCEDC has been working closely with the Eastern Region Helicopter Council and the tour operators to develop a plan in response to the concerns of the local community and elected officials regarding the impact of helicopter sightseeing flights from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport have on surrounding neighborhoods. To address these concerns the New York City Helicopter Sightseeing Plan includes the following elements:

 

  1. Elimination of short tours: The air tour operators have agreed to eliminate "short tour" flights. These flights, lasting four to eight minutes, represent approximately 15 to 20% of sightseeing flights at DMH. Short tours are also concentrated over New York Harbor and because of their brevity and flight path are major contributors to helicopter noise in the Brooklyn Heights area.

     

  2. Elimination of sightseeing tours over: Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Brooklyn.

     

  3. Adoption of improved sightseeing tour routes: All air tour operators will follow either of the two agreed upon tours. All sightseeing helicopters will depart and approach the heliport from the south, maximizing aircraft distances from the Brooklyn Bridge Park. Helicopters will then follow the center of the Hudson River north to either 79th Street, or Yankee Stadium, before returning south center-west of the Hudson. All flights will transit the Hudson at 1,500 feet or above thereby mitigating noise heard from lower altitude flights.

     

  4. Enhanced 311 protocol and data gathering: Currently, helicopter complaints to 311 are directed to NYCEDC. This process will be streamlined by having 311 representatives input the noise complaints, which will improve NYCEDC's ability to track complaints and allow it to report data on noise complaints more effectively. Customers will also be able to use 311Online (www.nyc.gov/311) to file these complaints. Additionally, NYCEDC will establish a task force, along with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), FAA and the ERHC to develop a noise monitoring system in the Brooklyn Heights area and in other impacted communities. In addition to the above plan, the installation of a fuel tank at heliport will reduce the number of operations by 10%. On a daily basis, over 35 operations are associated to fuel trips. The fuel tank is safe and FDNY, NYPD Counterterrorism, Marine One and Secret Service have evaluated the designs plans for the installation of the fuel tank and approved its location and operation.

The creation of this plan has been agreed upon by the Eastern Region Helicopter Council and the five tour operators at Downtown Manhattan Heliport and is subject to a letter of agreement (LOA) signed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The plan will be administered and enforced by NYCEDC. There will be penalties for non-compliance up to and including the revocation of a tour company's permit to operate from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. The plan will be reviewed in October to determine its effectiveness.

"The New York City Helicopter Sightseeing Plan is a win-win for both area residents and New York's tourist industry," said NYCEDC President Seth W. Pinsky. "The Downtown Manhattan Heliport is an important part of New York City's vibrant tourism sector, generating an estimated $45 million annually for the City's economy and employing more than 300 people. I am proud to be a part of this solution which balances both quality of life needs and our important tourist industry."

"The air tour industry is a key part of the New York City's $28 billion tourism industry," said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. "We are pleased that air tour operators and the City have reached an agreement that will allow helicopters to continue to in a safe manner that maintains the quality of life for New Yorkers as well as the vibrancy of New York City for the millions of people who visit City each year."

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is the City's primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC's mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City's competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City's many opportunities.

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