Limits on Light Planes, Copters Lifted

Federal officials Wednesday reopened the skies above Los Angeles and 29 other cities to blimps, banner pilots and news helicopters restricted by a security ban after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The Federal Aviation Administration decision allows most pilots who operate under visual flight rules rather than instruments to fly above the Los Angeles Basin, but it still prohibits planes from hovering above sporting events or large gatherings.

The move was much anticipated by aviators stung by revenue losses.

“I’m happy we can fly again,” said Tanya Reis, sales manager for Star Ads Aerial Advertising, based at Torrance Municipal Airport. “The ban has hurt all of us.”

Reis said it caused a “considerable” loss of income at Star Ads, a three-plane company that tows banners advertising suntan oils, sodas and personal messages above beaches and stadiums in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

Not being able to fly above football games will continue to hurt, Reis said. “I don’t understand it,” she said. “The FAA knows everything about our pilots. I can’t imagine anyone thinking they’re a threat to the public.”

Stricter rules remained in New York, Boston and Washington, D.C., where “there are ongoing security concerns,” said Jerry Snyder, a regional FAA spokesman. He declined to elaborate.

Before Sept. 11, most small planes and helicopters using visual flight rules flew below or above the restricted airspace around Los Angeles International Airport. After the attacks, FAA administrators extended the no-fly zone to areas around airports.

“That is gone,” Snyder said, except where local and other temporary restrictions apply.

Media helicopters now can provide better coverage of traffic accidents and police chases, said Jeff Wald, news director at KTLA-TV Channel 5. For much of the fall, they were either grounded or prohibited from flying within 25 miles of LAX.

“From a news standpoint, I am happy,” Wald said. “We are where we were before Sept. 11.”

The ban caused economic distress, including layoffs, at many general aviation companies. Justice Aviation, a flight school and plane rental company based at Santa Monica Municipal Airport, lost an estimated $60,000, co-owner Glenn Barnum said. About half of its planes operate under visual flight rules.

“I’m glad it’s lifted,” Barnum said. “It makes it easier for us to get around. It’s going to be a long recovery for the industry, but business is picking up.”

Although no extra restrictions existed above John Wayne Airport in Orange County, private pilots departing to the north had been forced to fly well to the east to avoid blocked airspace around LAX.

“It’s a return to normal that I’m sure will be welcomed by all civil aviation pilots, including myself,” said Ted Hoffman, who flies out of Fullerton Municipal Airport.

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Times staff writer Jean O. Pasco contributed to this report.