Congressman Sherman Calls for Stronger Action on Helicopter Noise

Sherman Oaks – On Monday, the Los Angeles Area Helicopter Noise Coalition (LAAHNC) formally announced that the Federal Aviation Administration had rejected all of its petitions for greater regulation of non-essential flights.

"Despite years of effort including an automated complaint system for the public and an ongoing public dialog, we have not experienced the reduction in helicopter noise that Valley residents expect and deserve," stated Sherman.

In October of 2015, LAAHNC first submitted four petitions to the FAA to propose new regulations on minimum flight altitudes, hovering times, media helicopter pooling, and protection of coastal areas.

Congressman Sherman formally requested the FAA take concrete steps to address the excessive helicopter noise in the San Fernando Valley and consider all of these petitions on their merits, with appropriate exemptions for law enforcement, emergency responders, and the military. This is the second time that the FAA has rejected the petitions.

"The FAA has the authority to enact regulations that reduce the impact of aviation noise over the San Fernando Valley" said Sherman, "and I will continue to work with the community until their concerns are addressed."

###