New York, NY — I welcome the FAA’s decision to ground New York Helicopter Tours following last week’s heartbreaking crash on the Hudson River. This tragic incident, which claimed the lives of an entire family and their pilot, underscores the urgent need for stronger oversight and accountability in the helicopter tourism industry.

This action must be just the beginning. The FAA should expand its investigation into the helicopter tour industry in New York City and our city’s Administration should consider a pause on non-essential helicopter flights from city-owned heliports to determine whether safety standards are being met — and lives are not being put at risk for the sake of profit. We owe it to the victims and their families to get this right.

Media Contact for Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers:

Julian Martin | jmartin@council.nyc.gov 

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