Suozzi Secures Noise and Safety Provisions in the FAA Reauthorization Act

Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island, Queens) Co-Chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus applauds the House of Representative’s recent passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act, citing issues that he has championed including aircraft noise mitigation and safety. 

“This passage of this Bill has been a long time coming and, while not perfect, it is a start. As Co-Chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus, I have made it a priority to ensure that this reauthorization included provisions that are of great concern to my constituents, namely the continuous onslaught of airplane noise in Nassau County and helicopter noise impacting the residents of Northeast Queens round the clock,” stated Suozzi.

There are several provisions in the Reauthorization Act that were a priority to Suozzi. One is an amendment requiring of the FAA to complete the ongoing evaluation of the alternative metrics to the current DNL 65, the standard at which the agency determines acceptable day/night levels of aircraft noise. This amendment was co-sponsored with Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens).

Another provision requires the FAA to reevaluate the North Shore Helicopter Route. Residents of Northeast Queens are subjected to near constant noise pollution from helicopters transiting to the east end of Long Island beginning in the spring and running through the fall. This amendment was co-sponsored by Reps. Zeldin (R-Long Island), Meng (D-Queens), Crowley (D-Queens), and Rice (D-Long Island).

Lastly, the Suozzi Amendment #69 requires a report on the safety of aging aircraft, including metal fatigue, and requires a review of maintenance work done by contract repair stations. “The tragic Southwest Airlines events of last month and, again on May 2, hammer home the need to ensure that aging aircraft are scrupulously tested and maintained,” stated Suozzi.