The Niagara Falls City Council voted to approve a resolution authorizing Rainbow Air Inc.’s proposed flight plan and related operations at a new tourism center, following public comment that focused on safety and potential noise impacts.

The vote followed presentations by Rainbow Air representatives and local air-traffic controllers who said the route minimizes risk and noise. Supporters noted the company will use newer, quieter aircraft and that the plan keeps flights mostly over water and parkland.

Company representative Mark Chamberlain explained the proposed outbound and inbound routing, saying the plan “was designed with help of FAA,” and describing climb profiles that would keep aircraft well above populated areas: “we're gonna climb immediately to 2,000 feet … then climb up to 2,500 feet … once we do the tour, we're required to climb another additional 500 feet. So at 3,000 feet, we'll be coming back out.”

Daniel Leonard, local president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Niagara Falls, told the council the path “offers the safest entrance and egress” from the restricted area over the Falls and “offers the best noise abatement procedures” because of quieter helicopters and the routing.

Residents supporting and questioning the plan spoke during public comment. Merle Smouts urged the council to consider homeowners who have invested in nearby properties: “I just hope that it's going to be quiet… I don't want those homeowners… forgotten about.” Ralph Guetta said his primary concern was “the route back,” noting hotels and tourists below portions of the inbound route.

Council members asked whether the city could revisit the approval if noise complaints arise. Corporate counsel and staff said the city issues a revocable license for the flight plan, and that the council retains authority to reopen the matter if problems emerge. Council members also pointed to materials showing the new aircraft’s measured noise levels were below the city ordinance threshold.

The council’s approval motion passed by roll call. The resolution references the city’s codified ordinance provision authorizing local regulation of aerial operations and grants the administration authority to execute the related agreement.

The council and Rainbow Air said they expect to keep channels open for resident complaints and to work with the operator to adjust procedures if the community reports adverse impacts.