Helicopter Noise Bill Introduced in Congress

According to the Los Angeles Times, a local member of congress has introduced a bill that could create limits on helicopter noise in Los Angeles County.

HR 2677 would require the Federal Aviation Administration to "include requirements relating to the flight paths and altitudes associated with such operations" when looking at helicopter noise.  The agency would have one year from passage of the bill to bring a plan to Congress to address the issues.

The New York Times recently reported on neighborhoods in the city and San Fernando Valley having problems with helicopter noise, much of which came from tours involving low-flying helicopters.

In Altadena, most of the helicopter traffic comes from police, fire and air rescue operations, which does cause concern among local residents from time to time.

HR 2677 might not address these concerns as it specifically allows the FAA to exempt law enforcement and emergency operations from the new rules should the agency choose to do so.