New Jersey governor proposes limiting non-essential helicopter flights following a fatal helicopter crash in New York City.

Governor Phil Murphy Calls for Helicopter Flight Restrictions in New Jersey

In response to a helicopter crash that occurred on April 10, resulting in six deaths, including a family from Barcelona, Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey has requested the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to restrict nonessential helicopter flights in the state.

The helicopter involved in the tragic accident was based at a heliport in Kearny, New Jersey, and was giving a typical tour of the Manhattan skyline when it broke apart, crashing into the Hudson River, 75 feet from the Jersey City waterfront.

In an Aug. 18 letter, Governor Murphy argued that future crashes could be more devastating if they occur on land. He compared the proposed regulations to the cap on tourist helicopter flights over Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park that the FAA adopted in 2023.

The governor proposed limiting the operating hours for nonessential flights from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and suggested that flights from Kearny could be routed over Newark Bay, reducing impacts on residential neighborhoods and enhancing safety.

Bailey Wood, a spokesperson for Vertical Aviation International, mentioned that safety and community compatibility are top industry priorities. The National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary report on the doomed flight in May, but is still investigating what caused the helicopter to break apart.

The heliport in Kearny, New Jersey, reached an agreement in June with Hudson County and Kearny officials to cut the number of flights by the thousands and not bring in a new tour company. However, as of now, no final decision has been reported regarding Governor Murphy's request to reduce or ban non-essential helicopter flights in New Jersey.

The FAA has stated it will reach out directly to Gov. Murphy regarding this matter. The crash revived concerns about the safety of the popular and costly aerial tours over New York City, and Governor Phil Murphy's request comes at a time when the industry is under scrutiny.

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Under federal regulations, helicopters must not pose a hazard to people or property on land when operating. The governor's request is a significant step towards ensuring the safety of New Jersey residents and visitors, and it will be interesting to see how the FAA responds to this call for action.

New Jersey governor proposes limiting non-essential helicopter flights following a fatal helicopter crash in New York City.