Story ID: 
L.A. Congressman Proposes Restricted Helo Routes
By: Mark Huber
Caption: After U.S.
Word Count: 131
After U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) inserted language into the FAA reauthorization bill to restrict helicopter routes on Long Island, observers predicted it was only a matter of time before other legislators followed suit elsewhere. Another member of Congress is now proposing specific legislation to regulate airspace in his district in an attempt to mollify special interests. U.S. Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.) recently introduced H.R. 2677, the Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act of 2011, in response to noise complaints from constituents in Sherman Oaks, near Van Nuys airport. Berman’s tack is somewhat different from Schumer’s, as his bill mandates that the FAA restrict helicopter flight paths and set minimum altitudes within 12 months. Exemptions would be provided for law enforcement, EMS and the military.