The recent tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River, which resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including three children, has prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to order an immediate cessation of operations for New York Helicopter Tours. This decision follows significant public outcry and calls from Senator Chuck Schumer to revoke the company's operating certificate due to its concerning safety history . The FAA's action underscores a growing awareness and concern regarding safety standards within the sightseeing helicopter industry in New York City.
The FAA, in a statement posted on X, also said it would launch an immediate review of New York Helicopter Tours' operating license and safety record.
The move came hours after New York Sen. Chuck Schumer had called on federal authorities to revoke the operating permits of New York Helicopter Tours.
The company's sightseeing helicopter broke apart in midair and plunged into the Hudson River Thursday, killing the tourists from Spain and the pilot, a Navy SEAL veteran.
At a news conference Sunday, before the announcement by the FAA, Schumer said the company should be required to halt all flights as the National Transportation Safety Board investigates the deadly crash.
Rafn Herlufsen, visiting from Iceland with his teenage son, made similar plans: a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, a helicopter tour later in the week.
And Agustín Escobar, a Spanish executive with the technology giant Siemens, bought one of the longer flights offered by the tour company, New York Helicopter. Five tickets, for himself, his wife and their three children for a trip that would last 20 minutes and include a George Washington Bridge flyover.
The Eastern Region Helicopter Council, a trade group that represents helicopter operators, says a ban would not be the right solution.
Moreover, this incident has reignited discussions about regulatory oversight and safety inspections for helicopter tour companies. The FAA will conduct a thorough review of New York Helicopter Tours' operating license and safety record as part of its response . Given that this crash is not an isolated event—New York's helicopter tourism sector has experienced multiple fatal accidents over the past two decades—there is mounting pressure on regulators to implement stricter safety measures across the industry .
Read more
Stock futures climb as traders assess China tariff relief after volatile week Apple is developing a Vision Pro that connects to MacsSarah H
Also on site :
- Star Wars spin-off Mandalorian and Grogu tops box office as horror Obsession achieves incredibly rare feat
- Her hit song was banned from SF radio in 2014. Now she's headlining BottleRock.
- Woman tries to get Tiffany pieces polished at the store. They want to charge her $25, so she finds out what they use and DIYs it for $10 instead