Protecting Communities from Helicopter Noise Act

This bill tells the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to study helicopter flights within 20 miles of the Statue of Liberty. The study will look at how often helicopters fly, how loud they are, and how they affect safety, health, the environment, the economy, and quality of life. It will also check if pilots are following existing voluntary agreements, where flights are coming from, whether the flights are necessary, how they add to crowded airspace, and how new aircraft like electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles could change noise and safety in the area.

The study must also explore ways to cut noise, such as moving routes away from homes and parks, creating new flight paths, setting altitude limits, and even whether banning nonessential flights would help. The FAA must report the results to Congress within 180 days after the bill becomes law.

• Who is affected: People living and visiting within 20 miles of the Statue of Liberty; helicopter operators; the FAA.
• What changes now: A study only—no immediate new rules. It gathers facts and options to reduce noise and improve safety and quality of life.
• What could change later: Possible new routes, altitude limits, or limits on nonessential flights, based on the study’s findings.
• When: The FAA’s report is due within 180 days after enactment.