FAA Turns Deaf Ear to Complaints of Helicopter Noise

Local residents suffering for incessant helicopter noise gathered to hear why Federal Aviation Administration was turning a deaf ear to their complaints Monday evening.

In a prepared statement, Congressman Brad Sherman joined their chorus at the Autry National Center in Griffith Park, saying: "It is time to free Angelenos from the oppression of noisy, invasive helicopter flights carried on with no regard for the well-being of homeowners and others under the flight path."

But the FAA, in a report released last week, only suggested that residents and pilots work together to solve the problem, but failed to issue mandatory rules.

“There is no reason why helicopters should be allowed to buzz around homes of celebrities, fly near the Hollywood Sign and other prominent landmarks without respect to the affected residential areas." Sherman said.  "It’s time for the FAA to do the job given it to it by current law – imposing reasonable standards on helicopter operations."

Dave Garfinkle, president of the Tarzana Property Owners Association, told KPCC radio, “They (the FAA) just threw up their hands and said it was too hard to enforce regulations.”

"The FAA need not wait for the passage of the Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act.  It has the authority to impose reasonable mandatory standards, and it should do so immediately," Sherman said. 

"I must ask," Sherman said, "What are we out here, chopped liver?"