ATC
HAI: FAA a “Victim” on North Shore Route

Helicopter Association International president Matt Zuccaro said HAI is evaluating its legal and political options in the wake of a federal court decision upholding the authority of the FAA to mandate the “North Shore Route” for helicopters transiting New York’s Long Island.

“We’re frustrated. Everybody agrees this was started as a political action,” Zuccaro said. “We almost view the FAA as a victim. This wasn’t their idea. They did not want to do this. They basically don’t agree with it. However, they were directed by those with political influence to do this. That’s the reality of the world, and when that happens we lose control of the [airspace] process. It’s like telling the FAA to go sit on the steps of the Capitol and wait for instructions. That’s not what we think the agency is about.”

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