Murphy Pushes for Ban on Nonessential Helicopter Flights in New Jersey After Fatal Hudson River Crash
After a catastrophic helicopter crash earlier this year raised safety and noise concerns in densely populated regions, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is urging federal authorities to curtail or ban non-essential helicopter flying.
Murphy forcefully requested the FAA to prohibit tourist and other non-essential helicopter activities across the state in a letter to Bryan Bedford on August 18. His appeal followed the April 10 crash of a tour helicopter into the Hudson River 75 feet from Jersey City’s waterfront, killing six passengers, including a Spanish family.
Murphy stated that low-flying helicopters over communities pose concerns that cannot be overlooked while the National Transportation Safety Board investigates the disaster. He warned that another disaster, especially over populated land, may be catastrophic for residents.
Murphy recommended numerous steps in his letter if a comprehensive ban is not passed. Rerouting flights away from residential areas like Hoboken and Jersey City, limiting operation hours, and imposing limits like Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park’s tour helicopters are among them. The tragic trip originated from Kearny’s HHI Heliport, therefore he proposed tourists fly over Newark Bay instead of urban districts. Murphy noted that Hudson County residents have long complained of helicopters buzzing at 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., and citizens deserve peace and quiet.
Murphy’s demands coincide with current congressional legislation. This Monday, bipartisan New Jersey and New York politicians Rob Menendez, Nicole Malliotakis, Jerrold Nadler, and Dan Goldman presented a measure requesting the FAA to analyze helicopter traffic within 20 miles of the Statue of Liberty. The bill proposes real measures to protect residential communities and popular recreational areas from rising sightseeing and commuter flights.
Advocates and local leaders promptly supported Murphy’s plea. Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla hailed the move, saying helicopter noise and safety issues had consistently harmed residents. The governor was praised by grassroots groups like Stop the Chop NY/NJ, which said federal action is needed. Safety concerns and the frequent loudness of non-essential planes have made daily life unpleasant for many locals, according to activists.
Hoboken, Jersey City, and nearby residents have pushed for stiffer tourist and commuter helicopter limits for years. Advocates say the region’s high population and few emergency landing options make flights risky. They say the April tragedy cruelly highlighted such concerns and heightened their demands.
However, industry groups claim they are addressing issues with community leaders. Vertical Aviation International, a trade association for operators and pilots, acknowledged Murphy’s letter but noted recent flight reductions and scheduling changes. Hudson County officials also acknowledged that the Kearny heliport voluntarily reduced operations by 3,000 flights per year and limited most activities to daytime hours after the April incident. However, citizens and safety coalitions argue that such restrictions do not go far enough to protect neighborhoods.
Murphy’s push puts FAA under pressure to respond. The agency acknowledged receiving the governor’s letter but has not responded. The fight over non-essential helicopter flights in New Jersey continues with state authorities, Congress, and citizen groups calling for reform. For households living under incessant rotor noise, the conclusion may restore serenity and safety or fuel discontent above the Hudson skyline.
Sources
FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)
Office of Governor Phil Murphy
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
