Helicopter Update
On January 19, 2012, Congressman Howard Berman held an important roundtable meeting on his proposed Helicopter Noise Legislation for Los Angeles. Participants included: Congressman Berman, Daniel Harsha (Berman Washington DC staff), Bill Withycombe (FAA Regional Administrator, Los Angeles), Elizabeth Ray (FAA Air Traffic Organization, Washington DC), Mark Adams (Los Angeles World Airports, LAWA), Arnie Klein (President/GM KABC), Cheryl Fair (KABC News Director), Matt Zuccaro (COO, Helicopter Association International, HAI, Washington DC), Larry Welk (President, Professional Helicopter Pilots Association, PHPA, Los Angeles), police pilot representatives (LAPD, LAFD, LA County Fire, and LA Sheriff), Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association (Richard Close, President, Bob Anderson, and Helen Gordon), Studio City Residents Association (Bob Weiss), Beachwood Canyon Neighborhood Association (Fran Reichenbach and George Abrahams), Van Nuys Airport Citizens Advisory Council (Wayne Willaims), and several others.
After brief introductions, discussion focused on the need for regulating helicopter noise in many parts of Los Angeles. Congressman Berman led the discussion and kept us focused on the problems, the solutions, and the need for regulation. As expected, the two pilots groups, HAI and PHPA, were against any legislation or regulation, and want to conduct a study to better understand the problems. The citizens groups understood that a study is just a ploy to stall real action, and we argued for rapid, enforceable regulation with consequences. As the Congressman noted at the end, there was definitely no meeting of the minds, but the meeting brought key issues to the table and opened the way for future action.
We believe that the meeting showed to Congressman Berman and the FAA that the helicopter pilots and owners will not take action to reduce noise and safety concerns without government action. We have definitely caused concern by the industry which can lead to enforceable regulations.
Congressman Berman plans to hold a public meeting in the Valley soon on his helicopter noise legislation. We all need to work together and ensure broad attendance at this meeting. We will keep you posted. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Thanks.
Bob Anderson
Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association
818-907-7584
Note: George presented some Webtrak screenshots showing that there was sufficient airspace to permit a 2,000 foot above ground level flight rule. We got some movement on our SFAR petition. Elizabeth Ray, FAA Air Traffic Organization, Washington DC, said that the FAA would initiate a data collection study. Julia Massamino, chief of staff and council to Congressman Berman, told us that it was a meaningful first step to the creation of a flight rule. Matt Zuccaro, the COO of HAI said that he could accept a 2,000 foot above ground level flight rule.
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