Dan's Papers - March 14, 2008 - Over The River And Through The Woods

With 35 households in East Hampton already calling in 145 complaints, the new voluntary helicopter agreement is off to a rocky start. Reports estimated by East Hampton Airport records find only half of the flights are complying.

In a deal brokered by United States Senator Chuck Schumer-NY, helicopters flying out to the North Fork and East End will voluntarily fly at a minimum of 2,500 feet instead of the usual 500-600 feet that has resulted in the noise that spurred many complaints. Also in the agreement between the local airports (and including the Eastern Region Helicopter Council) is the use of a route that basically follows the North Shore of the Long Island Sound up to Shoreham. At that point, an overland route has been established for areas like the Pine Barrens, which has very little if any population. In the past year political forces led by Southold Supervisor Scott Russell and Congressman Tim Bishop, D-Southampton, have been calling for federal legislation to create federal regulations concerning height and no-fly zones.

A bill was passed authorizing the Federal Aviation Administration to study the situation. In fact, an FAA spokeswoman released a statement that the fine print of this agreement will not be released until this spring. Many residents, while realizing this was a step in the right direction, are skeptical about whether the rich and powerful, when in a hurry or delayed by the big deal, may instruct helicopter pilots to take the short cut low and directly over land. But with the increasing number of flights annually, the situation has reached the critical stage. For example, between May and August 2006, in East Hampton alone there were 3,536 flights (that number includes take-offs and landings). Between May and August 2007, that number jumped to 4,073 - an increase of over 14 percent. Grabeski Airport in Westhampton also had a 14 percent increase - from 1,416 landings and take-offs from May through August 2006, to 1,948 from May through August 2007. Too many of these flights were at an altitude of 500-600 feet. Now, although an optimist might say the problem is halfway resolved, one has to wonder which side will dominate as the busy summer months approach.

Many people are taking a wait and see attitude - at least giving the clout of the powerful New York Senator a chance to see if it deters the helicopter operators. But flying higher and longer will use up more fuel, leading to higher operating costs, and add an estimated seven additional minutes. It is reported that helicopter trade groups, such as the helicopter council, are already asking Long Island Helicopters to abide by the new guidelines. Many prefer this approach than mandated federal law with the teeth to fine and suspend or pull licenses.

Jim Brundige, the manager of East Hampton Airport, supports the agreement and will use his influence to get pilots to abide by the agreement and stay committed to it. North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Keiman reportedly thought the chances were 50-50 that the pilots would adhere to the rules. Anthony Ceglio, manager of the Gabreski Airport, feels the changes will have a positive effect. He is reported to be optimistic saying, "It should be a noticeable difference. Between the height and the routing, we're hoping it will save a lot of trouble."

However, officials for Senator Schumer expect airports to vigorously enforce the new agreement using the carrot and the stick approach. The powerful and colorful Senator Schumer reportedly issued this statement, "Any company that doesn't go along, we will go after."

Well, Senator, it is time to back up your words. East Hampton Town Supervisor William McGintee may be dialing up Senator Schumer's office himself. However, it should be noted that so far, half the flights have been in compliance with the agreement. Over time, perhaps Brundige will get that number up to almost full compliance.

Is the glass half full or half empty? To the 35 households that made 145 complaints the answer to them is clear. If progress is being made, it is still not enough for them. Truth be told, most East Hampton residents don't ever hear the helicopter noise. A patron at Rowdy Hall said recently, "If you buy near an airport, part of the price is the fact you will have airport noise."

So come this spring - when the helicopter traffic picks up and the new guidelines of the agreement between the local airports, the helicopter pilots, their companies and the FAA are in full motion - a moment of critical mass will come. Stay tuned.