Action Needed on Copter Noise

Gerald and Myrna Silver were right on target with their suggestions for reducing helicopter noise (“Chopper Nuisance Grows,” Valley Commentary, Feb. 5). The noise has become an everyday nuisance, especially in the evening hours.

I live in east Van Nuys, nowhere near the Van Nuys Airport, and I observe helicopter traffic here constantly, sometimes five to 10 times an evening. Many appear to travel at 200 to 300 feet, rather than the recommended 500 to 1,000.

These aircraft are virtually unidentifiable from the ground. They do bear markings that can be seen from the side, but that doesn’t do me any good when I am almost directly below them.

On the particularly busy nights, I have called the complaint line at Van Nuys Airport and left specific messages on their answering machine. No one has ever acknowledged these calls.

The Silvers made some sensible, constructive suggestions to lessen the noise pollution. Helicopter owners and operators would do well to self-regulate their industry more before things get any worse.

GREG GOLDEN

Van Nuys