VAN NUYS : Activists Gain in Copter-Noise Fight

Community activists have won a small victory in their long-fought battle against the noise from helicopters using Van Nuys Airport.

Gerry Silver, president of the Homeowners of Encino, has received permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to print a petition in the Federal Register that calls for helicopters to maintain a minimum 1,000-foot altitude over populated areas.

The printing of the petition is only the first step in a long process that must be undertaken to get this type of regulation adopted. But it’s progress--last year the FAA denied the request to print the petition.

The FAA changed its mind, Silver said, after he provided newspaper clips and other indications that helicopter noise was an issue for the community.

Residents living near Van Nuys Airport have for years complained about noise from helicopters and airplanes. A loose coalition of homeowner associations from Benedict Canyon, Sherman Oaks, Studio City and Valley Village have formed an organization called Stop the Noise!

Nigel Turner, president of Heli-USA--a helicopter company that specializes in sightseeing excursions--said the proposed regulation is unworkable.

“A helicopter is often required to fly lower, whether it be for the press, fire or emergency,” Turner said.

Silver’s proposed regulation exempts police, fire and emergency helicopters from the altitude rule.

After Silver’s petition is published, the public will be given a chance to comment on the proposal. Then the petition is evaluated by the FAA and if the agency approves of the idea, a “notice of proposed rule-making” is published in the register.

Several more steps would follow. The whole process takes about about 2 1/2 years.