New York Helicopter Bans Raise Questions about eVTOL Operations

Noise from helicopter flights in the New York City area has prompted support for tough restrictions on non-essential flights.

Eve's four-passenger eVTOL aircraft could operate in cities such as New York. — Developers of new eVTOL aircraft like Eve view major cities like New York as ideal markets and say they will operate far more quietly than existing helicopters. (Image: Eve)

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

June 20, 2022

Legislation proposed in the New York City Council would eliminate “non-essential” helicopter flights from the two city-owned heliports in the Wall Street area and at East 34th Street. A related New York State bill that further increases pressure on helicopter operators is awaiting the signature of Governor Kathy Hochul. It would allow individual citizens to sue helicopter operators who “create an unreasonable level of sustained noise at ground level.”

Neither bill specifically mentions the eVTOL aircraft that could start entering service in major cities by 2024. However, the bipartisan political support assembled to back the legislation suggests that the industry has more work to do to convince some cities to accept the new mode of transportation and how it differs from existing rotorcraft services in terms of noise.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN