TITLE
Recommendation to direct City Manager, or his designee, to communicate the City's support for Senate Bill 208 (CA-Feinstein) and House Resolution 456 (CA-Schiff), and amend the City's Federal Legislative Agenda to support regulations that reduce helicopter noise pollution in residential areas.
DISCUSSION
Long Beach residents endure excessive and disruptive low-flying helicopter traffic above their neighborhoods. Helicopter traffic in Los Angeles County is not currently regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or any other agency. In May 2013, the FAA suggested controlling helicopter operations with voluntary guidelines created through a collaborative effort involving community groups, pilots, and elected officials. The voluntary measures have provided little relief for residents, without oversight from the FAA. The FAA currently does not have the authority to establish helicopter flight paths. The Long Beach Airport has a pamphlet that is provided to helicopter pilots to suggest flight paths over the City, but these suggestions are not enforceable.
The 113th Congress has two bills that may regulate helicopter noise in Los Angeles County. Senate Bill 208 (CA-Feinstein) and House Resolution 456 (CASchiff) were introduced on February 4, 2013 to require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to prescribe regulation to reduce helicopter noise pollution in residential areas in Los Angeles County. These federal bills are known as the Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act of 2013.
H.R. 456 and S. B. 208: The Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act of 2013 directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to prescribe regulations for helicopter operations in Los Angeles County, that include requirements: for helicopter flight paths and altitudes, to reduce helicopter noise pollution in residential areas, increase safety and minimize scheduled commercial aircraft delays. It directs the Administrator to make reasonable efforts to consult with local communities and local helicopter operators to develop regulations that meet the needs of local communities, helicopter operators, and the FAA. Helicopter operations related to emergency, law enforcement, or military activities are exempt.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal or job impact associated with this request.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GARY DeLONG
COUNCILMEMBER, THIRD DISTRICT
SUJA LOWENTHAL
COUNCILMEMBER, SECOND DISTRICT
AL AUSTIN
COUNCILMAN, EIGHTH DISTRICT