Helicopter noise task force

Riverhead's helicopter noise task force will convene July 16 to discuss current problems as the FAA rule governing helicopter routes across the East End is set to expire July 29.

Residents fed up with the impacts of the Manhattan-East Hampton helicopter traffic packed Riverhead Town Hall Tuesday night for a discussion with an Eastern Region Helicopter Council official. They got little satisfaction.

An amendment sponsored by NY-1 Rep. Lee Zeldin to the FAA reauthorization bill requires the agency to hold a public hearing in affected communities and accept public comment before acting on the north shore helicopter route.

“The Town of Riverhead has been inundates with helicopters and sea planes that are not abiding by the recommended flight patterns and altitude guidelines,” Councilman Tim Hubbard said.