Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton announced Wednesday that residents can now report helicopter noises in the National Capital Region to authorities thanks to a new trial system.
The trial helicopter noise reporting system will be operated by the Eastern Region Helicopter Council and the Helicopter Association International. The results of the system will be assessed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“While I am concerned that the FAA is not operating the trial helicopter noise reporting system itself, it is important that helicopter noise issues be submitted to the system, so that we can have a better idea which operators are causing noise problems and where they are concentrated,” Norton said in a release, adding that she looks forward to finding out the results.
In response to calls from Norton and other Capital Region House members, the Government Accountability Office recommended last year that the FAA start a mechanism to exchange information regarding helicopter noise with helicopter operators in the region.
However, the agency believes that founding such a system itself may not be in accordance with federal privacy laws.
As the co-chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus and as a member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, I announced there is a trial helicopter noise reporting system now available in the National Capital Region.
Details and how to report: https://t.co/fwx2otjZ3F
— Eleanor #DCStatehood Holmes Norton (@EleanorNorton) July 27, 2022
To report helicopter noise issues to the system, individuals may visit its website, use the mobile app, or call 877-209-3200.
Norton has put a number of efforts in her combat against helicopter noise in the District, such as:
- Introducing a bill that would require the FAA to submit recommendations to Congress on how to reduce helicopter noise in DC.
- Introducing a bill that would require helicopters in DC to fly at the maximum altitude permitted by the FAA in DC.
- Sending letters to the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Park Service asking them to fly their helicopters in DC at higher altitudes, limit nighttime flights and flights over residential areas, and provide advance notice to residents of prolonged training missions in particular areas.
- Introducing a bill that would require the FAA to implement GAO’s recommendation that the FAA establish a mechanism to exchange helicopter noise information with helicopter operators in the NCR.