After recent fatal helicopter crashes in New York Harbor, this bill would ban civilian helicopter flights within 20 miles of the Statue of Liberty. The ban kicks in 60 days after enactment and the FAA has 90 days to issue rules. There are carve-outs for law enforcement, medical and emergency response, news flights, and heavy-lift construction work. Tourist sightseeing helicopters — which fly the harbor today — would no longer be allowed in that airspace. The 20-mile radius is wide enough to cover much of the New York City and northern New Jersey skyline.
Congressional Summary
Improving Helicopter Safety Act of 2025This bill generally prohibits the operation of a civil helicopter within a 20-mile radius of the Statue of Liberty National Monument in New York, New York.The bill includes an exception for flights carried out for the purposes of (1) public health and safety (e.g., for law enforcement or the provision of medical services), or (2) heavy-lift operations in support of construction and infrastructure maintenance.The Federal Aviation Administration must issue or update regulations to carry out the requirements of this bill.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-05-05
- Date Added
- 2026-04-25
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