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Senate committee weighs limits on nonessential helicopter flights after Hudson River crash
Summary
After testimony from Hudson County officials and residents, the Senate committee debated Senate Bill 275, which would impose licensing conditions to reduce nonessential helicopter operations, exempt emergency and government flights, and require a 47% reduction measured against the prior 12-month period.
Senate Bill 275, introduced to the committee as a response to a recent Hudson River helicopter crash, would direct the state'level licensing authority to require reductions in nonessential helicopter operations at facilities licensed by the Department of Transportation. The proposed committee amendments would exempt bona fide news helicopters, political subdivisions and licensed hospitals and health-care providers, and would prohibit sightseeing or tourist helicopters from departing or landing at a licensed vertical aeronautical facility during specified overnight hours as a condition of issuing or renewing a license.
Supporters told the committee the bill is urgent. "We are crying out for help," said Jenny Poo, a 20-year resident of Jersey City, who said helicopters have become "incessant"…
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