But For NIMBYs And Pandering Politicians, The Sky Is Falling

The reaction to Tuesday's fatal helicopter accident at New York City's 34th Street Heliport has produced a fascinating range of reactions which appear to vary based on personal agendas. The pilot says a loss of power forced him to put the Bell 206 down in the river after gaining what witnesses said was only about 25-30 feet of altitude following takeoff. The pilot and three passengers survived. One woman did not escape before the machine sank, and died.

Those who can justify the expense of helicopter shuttle or tour flights keep the waterfront heliports busy in New York, because the congestion of America's most densely-populated major city compromises surface travel. But those who live or work along the rivers aren't so appreciative of the benefits of helicopters, and like to complain about the noise which in many cases was part of the neighborhood before they were. And politicians who wouldn't dream of proposing the shutdown of noisy, crowded highways in reaction to car accidents seem to have no trouble proposing such response to aviation accidents.

State Senator Daniel Squadron (pictured above from a YouTube screen-grab) is not above pandering to the NIMBYs, or using the excuse of safety to push his argument. The lawmaker, who represents Manhattan and Brooklyn, told the news website NY1.com, "It's very clear: A trip originating and ending in Manhattan, that's not essential, that's a tour, and it's just too crowded. Manhattan is the most crowded island in the country and to have this volume of air traffic doesn't make sense."

He elaborated in comments to the Fort Greene-Clinton Hill Patch: “(Tuesday)’s tragedy is another clear sign: nonessential helicopters in Manhattan don’t make sense for passengers, pilots, or local residents.”

State Assemblywoman Joan Millman echoed, “We have witnessed too many incidents. The city claims these tours generate needed funds, but at what price!"

While we're left to assume that Senator Squadron feels qualified to be the arbiter of what flights are "essential," the people actually flying on all those helicopters continue to demonstrate that they believe any risks are justified. NY1 reports that workers at the heliports the day after the accident said Wednesday was just like any other day, and the lines were just as long, despite all the "live team coverage" of the accident in the media the previous afternoon.

One visitor told the outlet, "I was on the phone making reservations when I looked at TV and saw the helicopter crash. Didn't bother me one bit."

FMI: www.danielsquadron.org ; www.ntsb.gov