Nadler, Malliotakis, Menendez, Goldman, Espaillat Introduce Helicopter Safety and Parity Act

Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10), and Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) introduced the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act ahead of the one-year anniversary of the devastating 2025 Hudson River helicopter crash that took six lives. The bipartisan bill mandate safety standards for helicopters that are, at a minimum, equivalent to airplanes.

One year ago tomorrow, a routine sightseeing tour turned tragic when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River and six people-Agustín Escobar, Mercè Camprubí Montal, their three children, Agustín, Mercè and Victor (ages 10, 8, and 4), and 36-year-old Navy veteran pilot Seankese Johnson-lost their lives.

In response, Reps. Nadler, MalliotakisMenendez, Goldman, and Espaillat are introducing the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act, to reduce the risk of a similar crash like the one that took six lives one year ago from ever happen again in the United States.

The bill achieves safety parity between airplanes and helicopters by mandating the development of new safety rules and standards, requiring the use of specific safety equipment, applying airline-equivalent maintenance standards, and ensuring strict enforcement and regular oversight. The bill also provides funding for inspectors to implement the new safety regime. Together, this approach addresses the safety gaps most likely to reduce the risk of a similar crash in the future.

"The 2025 Hudson River crash stands as a tragic reminder of the enduring impact of sudden loss. On this painful first anniversary, I offer my continued comfort to the family of the victims and commend them for turning their profound grief over their horrific loss into valiant advocacy for the safety of us all," said Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12). "In the year since the crash, this incident has prompted reflection, investigation, and renewed calls for vigilance and safety, even as the memory of those lost continues to be honored with solemn remembrance. I am proud to have authored the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act and to introduce it with my colleagues today. The bill puts forth a simple notion: helicopters should be held to the same safety standards as airplanes. Such a notion is common sense, and it's time for our laws and regulators to catch up. By adopting the safety measures outlined in the bill, we can work to reduce the risk of another crash in the future."

"Today, we stand with the families still carrying the pain of last year's tragic Hudson River helicopter crash. On this solemn anniversary, we remember the lives lost and renew our commitment to ensuring no family endures such a tragedy again," said Representative Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11). "For too long, sightseeing helicopter operators have exploited regulatory gaps to operate under lower safety standards than those of other passenger aircraft. This is unacceptable. Every passenger deserves the same level of protection, regardless of the aircraft they board. The Helicopter Safety Parity Act is a commonsense step to close these loopholes, strengthen oversight, and put passengers and communities first. We owe it to these families, future passengers, and local residents to act with urgency and ensure these stronger protections and safety measures are in place."

"I am proud to co-lead legislation to protect our communities by ensuring that helicopter flights are held to the highest possible safety standards," said Representative Rob Menendez (NJ-08). "Last year's Hudson River helicopter crash that claimed the lives of six people only made it more urgent to address serious helicopter safety issues. I'm grateful to join Congressman Nadler on this bill and I remain committed to doing everything possible to keep our neighbors safe."

"One year removed from the tragic 2025 Hudson River helicopter crash, I am proud to help introduce the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act." said Representative Dan Goldman (NY-10). "That devastating incident underscored a clear gap in our aviation safety standards, where helicopters are not required to maintain the same safety protocol as airplanes. This commonsense legislation will close that gap and help reduce the risk of fatal crashes from occurring again."

"For too long, non-essential helicopters have caused public safety hazards and noise pollution for the residents of New York and New Jersey," said Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). "Last year's crash was yet another in a long line of senseless tragedies and it is far past time that the FAA and Congress step up. We owe it to the victims to do all we can to prevent incidents like this from happening again."

"No other family should have to experience the loss our family has experienced," said Joan Camprubí Montal, speaking on behalf of the Escobar Camprubí family. "Aviation safety is not a choice, it is a responsibility. Our prayer is that no family will have to endure what we have had to endure."

"One year after the devastating Hudson River helicopter crash, we remember the six lives lost and stand with their loved ones, who have turned unimaginable grief into powerful advocacy," said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Segal. "For years, I've pushed to reduce nonessential helicopter traffic over our city and strengthen safety standards for flights in and around Manhattan. This legislation is a critical step forward and can finally ensure helicopters are held to the same rigorous standards as airplanes. I'm grateful to the Members of Congress for their leadership, and I urge swift action to close these gaps and help prevent another tragedy in our skies or in our waterways."

"Nearly one year after the tragic Hudson River helicopter crash, we continue to carry the memory of the lives lost and stand with the families who have transformed their grief into meaningful advocacy. No New Yorker should have to wonder whether the aircraft flying over our neighborhoods meet the highest possible safety standards," said New York State Senator Erik Bottcher. "The Helicopter Safety and Parity Act is a critical, common-sense step toward closing longstanding gaps in oversight and ensuring helicopters are held to the same rigorous standards as fixed-wing aircraft. I'm grateful to Congressman Nadler and his colleagues for their leadership, and I join in urging swift passage of this legislation to better protect our communities and prevent another devastating tragedy."

"One year ago, a family of five, including three children, on a sightseeing tour over Manhattan tragically died when the helicopter they were on crashed," said New York State Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing. "This tragedy underscores the vast inadequacies of the helicopter industry, as well as the many safety loopholes that jeopardize the safety of all New Yorkers and tourists. The regulatory status quo cannot continue, which is why I am thrilled that Congressman Nadler has introduced the Helicopter Safety Parity Act to level the airfield for all operators. I will continue to partner with my colleagues in government to help push this bill over the finish line."

"Almost one year on, the pain of the 2025 Hudson River helicopter crash still sits heavy on our hearts," said New York State Assemblymember Tony Simone. "New Yorkers and visitors alike should never have to question whether the aircraft flying above our city meet the highest safety standards. I thank Representative Nadler, with advocacy from the members of the Escobar Camprubí family, for introducing the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act, a common-sense step to close that gap, strengthen oversight, and prevent another devastating loss of life."

"The tragic loss of the Escobar Camprubí family is a stark reminder that the regulatory loopholes governing helicopter operations can cost lives," said New York State Assemblymember Micah Lasher. "The Helicopter Safety Parity Act would require sightseeing operators to meet the same standards as every other commercial carrier, and we should get it passed."

"The horrific tragedy of the deaths of Agustin Escobar Canadas, Merce Camprubi Montal, their three children, and pilot Seankese Johnson on April 10, 2025, from a helicopter crash in the Hudson River will never be forgotten. We continue to mourn with the rest of the family, friends, colleagues, and all of Spain," said New York City Council Member Gale A. Brewer (D-Manhattan) "Although flying over Manhattan and up and down the Hudson River is of interest to some tourists, I, along with many elected officials including Congress Member Jerry Nadler, have urged at least three Mayors to close the Downtown Manhattan Heliport/Downtown Skyport (Pier 6) and the West 30th Street Heliport to all non-essential helicopter tours. Unfortunately, this crash is the latest in a list of accidents in New York; at least 38 people have died in helicopter accidents since 1977, mostly in sightseeing flights. I urge this Mayor to ban all non-essential helicopter take-offs from NYC heliports. Helicopters are dangerous, noisy, and contributors to poor air quality by emitting greenhouse gases like CO2." Council Member Brewer continued, "Our advocacy to curtail tourism helicopter flights over New York City is on-going, but I am also sending my deepest condolences to the Canadas family."

The text of the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act can be viewed here.

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