Letter: Helicopter pilots breaking the rules
A helicopter departs from the East Hampton Town Airport in Wainscott on Nov. 11, 2014. Credit: Gordon M. Grant
I've been fighting air traffic over the East End for more than 12 years ["Copter companies sue," News, April 24]. I find it very interesting that the helicopter companies say it's "unfortunate" that they are forced to sue the Town of East Hampton. If the pilots had followed the rules in the first place, all this could have been avoided.
It is my understanding that the original proposal by then-Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton) and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) was to have the helicopters stay one mile out over the Long Island Sound, go around Plum Island and come in over the bays. The Federal Aviation Administration decided to leave it to the pilots' discretion to transition over land. I believe this should only occur in the event of foul weather. When the skies are clear blue, why are they flying over our homes at all hours of the day and night at very low altitudes? They brought this on themselves by not following the original proposal.
Janice LoRusso, Jamesport
