Staten Island Reporter

In response to a recent helicopter crash in the Hudson River, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis has reiterated her call for increased regulation of tour helicopters operating over New York City. In a statement, Malliotakis expressed condolences to the victims' families and highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the safety of these flights.

Malliotakis stated, "We extend our deepest condolences to the family and pilot who tragically lost their lives in the helicopter crash over the Hudson River. This incident highlights the safety concerns we’ve raised with the FAA and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and previously with the Biden Administration, regarding tour helicopters operating over densely populated and residential communities across New York City."

The Congresswoman emphasized the impact of tour helicopter flights on residents, particularly in Staten Island, noting, "Staten Island residents remain deeply concerned about the frequent low-flying tour helicopters whose flight paths continue to frequently pass over their neighborhoods at all hours of the day." Malliotakis argued that to prevent future accidents, these helicopter operations should face more stringent control or potentially cease altogether.