Menendez, Nadler, Malliotakis Introduce Legislation to Ban Non-Essential Helicopters in Wake of Hudson River Tragedy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representatives Rob Menendez (D-NJ), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) introduced the Improving Helicopter Safety Act, which bans all non-essential helicopter traffic within a 20-mile radius of the Statue of Liberty. The bill comes in the wake of the tragic crash of an air tourism helicopter into the Hudson River on April 10, which claimed the lives of six people.

"While we have consistently worked to address the impact of non-essential helicopters on our communities, last month's tragic crash should be a clarion call for every level of government to take action on helicopter safety," said Congressman Rob Menendez. "Rising congestion of non-essential helicopters, coupled with concerning safety records of air tourism operators, are causing a direct threat to public safety. Along with my colleagues from New Jersey and New York, we're doing what is necessary to prevent tragedies like this from happening again."

"The tragic helicopter crash last month on the Hudson River was not an isolated incident; it was the latest in a long line of preventable tragedies in the New York metropolitan region's increasingly crowded and poorly regulated airspace," said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. "For far too long, non-essential helicopter flights have endangered public safety and shattered the peace of our neighborhoods. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Improving Helicopter Safety Act with my colleagues Rob Menendez and Nicole Malliotakis to finally put an end to these dangerous flights in our region. We owe it to the victims, and to every resident living beneath these flight paths, to put safety first and prevent future disasters."

"The tragic crash that claimed six lives in the Hudson River isn't an isolated event, it's the clearest sign yet of an industry that has operated without meaningful oversight for far too long and continues to pose an unacceptable public safety threat," said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. "Congress must take action, which is why I'm joining my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ban non-essential helicopter traffic within a 20-mile radius of the Statue of Liberty and finally rein in these helicopter tour companies."

"Stop the Chop NY/NJ commends Representatives Jerry Nadler, Rob Menendez, and Nicole Malliotakis for today's introduction of the 'Improving Helicopter Safety Act of 2025' - common sense federal legislation that will, when passed, finally put an end to the dangerous helicopter conditions in the New York metropolitan area. For too long, tax-paying New Yorkers and Jerseyites have been subjected to excessive noise and air pollution, as well as the safety risks, of endless sightseeing and commuter helicopters flying, often at extremely low altitudes, over our homes, parks, and schools. We have sounded the alarm each time one of these nonessential helicopters has crashed while traversing our densely populated urban areas, but the FAA has still not addressed the community's concerns, harms, and pleas for relief. The multiple recent fatal crashes involving helicopters, coupled with the alarming shortage of air traffic controllers, demonstrate the need for immediate reform of the current Wild West-like conditions over NYC and surrounding communities. We also thank the additional Congressional co-sponsors: Representatives Grace Meng, Nydia Velázquez, and LaMonica McIver. This non-partisan issue negatively impacts all who live or work near the NYC and NJ heliports and/or along the helicopter flight paths. It is heartening to see our elected officials joining forces across state lines and party affiliations to end this public harm."

The crash on April 10 is part of a well-documented and escalating pattern of helicopter-related incidents in the New York Metropolitan Area. Since 1983, there have been at least 30 helicopter crashes in the region, resulting in at least 31 fatalities. In addition to furthering ongoing frustration over air traffic congestion in the region, this year's crash also shed new light on serious concerns about regulatory oversight and operational standards for non-essential helicopter operations.

In addition to Menendez, Nadler, and Malliotakis, the bill is co-sponsored by three Representatives from New Jersey and New York and is supported by the grassroots advocacy organization Stop the Chop NY/NJ.

In the 118th Congress, Congressman Menendez introduced the Protecting Communities from Helicopter Noise Act and the Communities Before Air Tourism Act which aim to reduce the number of helicopter flights in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area. Additionally, the Congressman has sent several letters to the FAA demanding that they address safety concerns with the volume of helicopter traffic. Last fall, the Congressman hosted the FAA in Jersey City for a workshop on helicopter noise.

For full bill text, click here.