Night Curfew Urged for Helicopters at Van Nuys

In an effort to further curb flight noise in Van Nuys, Los Angeles City Atty. James Hahn urged the Board of Airport Commissioners on Monday to bring a nighttime helicopter curfew in line with other aircraft.

Van Nuys Airport has had a nighttime curfew from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on fixed-wing aircraft since 1981. Some newer, quieter planes can fly until 11 p.m. But helicopters are not included in the curfew.

The current proposal would require helicopters not to fly during the same hours as the fixed-wing aircraft.

Hahn said he has been working with homeowners around the airport for years and the two things they consistently complain about are jets and helicopters, especially early in the morning.

“Many residents living near the airport are seriously inconvenienced by the noise,” Hahn wrote the commissioners. “Especially early in the morning, as evidenced by data collected from the airport.”

The data show the highest number of nighttime operations occurring between 5 and 7 a.m., Hahn wrote.

In his letter to the commissioners, Hahn asked that the helicopter curfew not apply to police, fire, emergency medical and other life-saving operations.

Van Nuys Airport officials had no immediate comment on the proposal.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires completion of a general impact study before a curfew can be implemented. The study takes about six months to complete. Hahn urged the commission to begin work on it right away.

After the study, the board would have to adopt a motion calling for a curfew and allow a period for the public to comment.

“If all goes well, it could be done within the year,” Hahn said.