Rep. Zeldin Statement on Revised Helicopter Route

WASHINGTON - In 2018, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) ushered into law his proposal to require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reassess the North Shore Route (NSR) to address the noise impact on affected communities, improve altitude enforcement, and consider alternative routes.

Since passage of his proposal, Congressman Zeldin has been in constant direct communication, via in person meetings and phone calls, with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration Stephen Dickson, to secure an agreement to deliver noise relief for residents of the East End. 

The proposal on the table will have pilots inbound from points west to the East End fly an all-water route over the Long Island Sound at least one mile off shore at an altitude of 3,500 feet and around Orient. Pilots outbound from the East End to points west would fly over the Atlantic Ocean at an altitude of 3,500 feet at least a half a mile offshore. 

“Summer after summer, North Fork residents’ quality of life has suffered due to the persistent issue of helicopter noise on the East End,” said Congressman Zeldin. “Since coming to Congress, I’ve fought for an all-water route and alternatives that mitigate noise impact on residents, and finally we have a step in the right direction that hopefully will be implemented and abided by successfully. All levels of government from the FAA to the Eastern Region Helicopter Council to local elected officials and community residents have been working together to pursue a better path forward. As we move into peak season, we must ensure that all are listening to residents’ concerns as we continue to improve upon this proposed route.”