Res. No. 664
Resolution calling on the United States Congress to pass and the president to sign the Communities Before Tourism Act, which would require the Federal Aviation Administration and National Park Service to consult with communities under air-tour routes before entering into voluntary agreements with helicopter operators
By Council Member Hanif
Whereas, There are thousands of commercial helicopter flights over the City of New York each month; and
Whereas, During the past 5-years, 3-1-1 has experienced over a 2,300% increase in noise complaints related to helicopters with 20,553 helicopter noise related complaints received during 2025; and
Whereas, According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, exposure to frequent overhead flights are associated with several health effects in children, including high blood pressure, neuroendocrinological issues, impaired psychological and cognitive functions, learned helplessness, poorer long-term memory, and diminished reading comprehension; and
Whereas, In addition to cognitive effects helicopters may have on individuals, they emit air pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, and formaldehyde, which are known to cause asthma, cancer and other illnesses; and
Whereas, The federal government regulates airspace and the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) is the entity that is charged with developing airspace regulations; and
Whereas, In an attempt to make the airspace over New York City safer, on September 2, 2009, the FAA announced new recommendations that would include new training programs for pilots, air-traffic controllers, and tourist helicopter operators, set new mandatory speed limits for these vehicles and require all pilots to tune into the same radio channel; and
Whereas, Despite these proposed safety measures, some public officials felt the recommendations did not go far enough, because air traffic controllers would still not be required to monitor aircraft below 1,000 feet; and
Whereas, During the 119th Congressional Session, United States Representative Robert Menendez and Representative Daniel Goldman co-introduced H.R. 6153, also known as the Communities Before Tourism Act, which seeks to require the FAA and National Park Service (“NPS”) to consult with communities under air-tour routes before entering into voluntary agreements with helicopter operators; and
Whereas, The Communities Before Tourism Act aims to give affected communities a direct voice in determining flight paths which would help to curb the constant barrage of noise pollution, environmental degradation, and safety risks that heavily plague densely populated urban areas and public spaces, such as New York City; and
Whereas, A great deal of public outcry for relief from harms caused by helicopter tours in New York City still exists, including from a wide range of public officials; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the United States Congress to pass and the president to sign the Communities Before Tourism Act, which would require the Federal Aviation Administration and National Park Service to consult with communities under air-tour routes before entering into voluntary agreements with helicopter operators.
WJH
LS 20880
9/8/26