February 21, 2008
ERHC supports innovative proactivity at W. 30th St. heliport
Yardley, PA, February 21, 2008--The ERHC sent the following letter to The New York Times:
Dear Editor;
The Eastern Region Helicopter Council, the leading helicopter operator organization in the NYC region, is happy to see a proactive proposal appear for the W. 30th St. heliport in your February 15 article "Heliport Owner Would Move Landing Pads Into Hudson".
The facility has safely served passengers and produced revenue for over 50 years, its most recent beneficiary being the very park whose development threatens it. The park and heliport can nicely co-exist.
ERHC supports uninterrupted operation of this crucial facility for all users with the current level of services. We have been working with a variety of entities to try to achieve this and while friendly and understanding, there has been no evidence of any progress to once and for all make this excellent transportation resource permanent and upgrade its facilities to world-leading NYC standards (there has been no NYC heliport upgrade in over ten years).
NYC's helicopter community is among, if not the, safest and most professional in the nation. We serve scores of thousands of passengers a year, bringing the wonder of helicopter aviation's capabilities to all New Yorkers. This heritage and quality of service should be celebrated. A heliport is truly a gateway to the freedom of air travel; NYC's residents are very lucky to have three of them at their convenience.
The courts will decide the contentious issues, but a few things are clear. Fears about safety are baseless, as the heliport and industry have an excellent safety record. Complaints about noise and fumes must be placed in the proper context of the heliport's location - right next to one of the busiest roadways and truck routes in Manhattan. Calls to limit tour activity are not only discriminatory but likely more aimed at doing punitive harm. Air tours are safe, very popular with tourists, and provide revenue to the Hudson River Park.
ERHC believes in proactive, solution-focused communication, initiative, and innovative thinking. We call on all parties to work together to provide New Yorkers the world-class west side heliport they deserve.
David Nuss, Chairman, Eastern Region Helicopter Council
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ERHC is the northeast’s leading organization for helicopter professionals and an expert resource for the public. Founded in 1977, its volunteer leaders continue to work with communities, FAA, and their members for enhanced safety, professionalism, and efficiency. Learn more about the ERHC and its initiatives at its web sites www.erhc.org and www.flyneighborly.net
Phone us at 845-353-6050.