Sen. Ted Lieu Supports Helicopter Noise Relief Bill

A resolution urging President Obama and Congress to approve pending legislation to reduce helicopter noise in Los Angeles County was introduced in Sacramento by State Senator Ted Lieu on Friday.

The bill argues that local residents "suffer intrusive and disruptive low-flying helicopter traffic above their neighborhoods."

"Los Angeles County residents who have endured the cacophony of seemingly endless helicopter flights over their homes need relief,” Lieu said in a release. “When one can’t sleep or talk because of helicopter noise, it hurts the quality of life.”

Among other things, the pending legislation in Congress would ask the Federal Aviation Administration to evaluate helicopter routes, altitudes and hovering practices before reporting back to Congress about possible solutions to noise complaints. Unlike fixed wing aircraft traffic, the FAA does not currently regulate helicopter traffic in Los Angeles.

While the bill has the backing of U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer as well as U.S. Representatives Adam Schiff, Janice Hahn, Brad Sherman and Henry Waxman, it has met resistance from the helicopter industry.

Schiff, Waxman, Feinstein and Boxer introduced the Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act earlier this year, which would require the Federal Aviation Administration to establish regulations on flight paths and minimum altitudes for helicopter operations in the county.

According to Lieu, the FAA is "very much aware of the Los Angeles community's concerns with helicopter noise" and has appeared receptive to helicopter noise studies in the area.

Pacific Palisades residents have dealt with helicopter noise during the I-405 project, as well as regularity of police, fire/medical and media helicopter noise.

If introduced, the bill, known as Senate Joint Resolution 7, would exempt emergency service and military helicopters from any restrictions.

The bill is sponsored by Citizens for Quiet Helicopters.