This week I attended a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) symposium on helicopter routes and questioned representatives from the FAA and the Eastern Region Helicopter Council (ERHC) as to why transition routes have now been concentrated over certain areas on the North Fork, frustrating residents due to constant noise from the aircraft, especially in the spring and summer months. This is unacceptable.
The residents of the North Fork did not buy their homes next to an airport. The popularity of the Hamptons has attracted many who wish to fly in, rather than take the long drive. Those who live in close proximity to an airport should have a reasonable expectation of aircraft noise. I find it very interesting that a renewed effort to resolve this problem is underway now that South Fork residents are complaining. There is no reason those who live on the North Fork should have to accept anything less than flight paths that go around Orient Point or along the South Shore. We must force the FAA to find a solution to this ongoing problem.
