Helicopters

The Federal Aviation Administration has dismissed Southold Town’s petition asking the agency to require East End-bound helicopters to use the FAA-established South Shore Route.

Southold Town is petitioning the Federal Aviation Administration to reconsider its prior rulemaking extending the north shore helicopter route and reopen the docket for public comment.

South Fork Assemblyman Fred Thiele said East Hampton must now consider closing its airport. His comment came after a federal appeals court ruled that East Hampton's airport is subject to federal regulation whether or not the town accepts federal funding.

Rep. Lee Zeldin, and local officials said FAA representatives told them today they extended the shore helicopter route for four years with no public notice or comment period because of "political pressure."

Ignoring repeated communications from members of Congress and taxpayers, "the FAA has chosen to go radio silent and release this directive in secret as if the American public is the enemy," Rep. Lee Zeldin said.

Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) calls on FAA to establish "rotating" access points over north shore and enforce minimum altitude rules for helicopters before start of summer season on the East End.