Hate helicopters? Get over it.

Re: “Hearing scheduled to discuss helicopter noise,” Political Landscape, June 1. If a helicopter-noise-hater needs to be rescued by a helicopter, do they have a card in their wallet that states, “I refuse to be rescued by helicopter because the helicopter will make too much noise”?

We live in the 21st century and helicopters are one of our technologies. If you live in the city and don’t like this technology, should I play my violin, do you need to move, or do you need some education?

Deaths by car accidents in the United States are a disgrace and a huge moral problem. Where is the outcry from the general population about this? The federal government can use science to make it a top priority to fix these issues by working toward safer cars, safer freeways, reducing noise, reducing pollution, having a goal of zero accidents and supporting recurrent training for all drivers.

The helicopter industry has made it a top priority to achieve quieter and more fuel-efficient engines for years and has made breakthroughs in new helicopter-engine technology. Vibration is one of the top enemies of the helicopter. Less vibration translates to a quieter helicopter engine. Newer advanced engines help helicopter operators with low noise, vibration and pollution.

There has been a voluntary “Fly Neighborly” program for years spearheaded by the Helicopter Association International. Another helicopter industry goal is also toward zero helicopter accidents worldwide, promoted by the International Helicopter Safety Team. Trade publications are annually writing about the importance of helicopter pilots flying safely.

Pilots also have recurrent training every year. Shouldn’t car drivers by law have annual recurrent training as well? Maybe those complaining about helicopter noise need to look at the helicopter industry for advice and demand the U.S. government force the automobile industry to operate with the same goals that the helicopter industry has had in place for years.

Mike Hampson
San Diego

Editor’s Note: The writer is president of Helicopter Links, an online directory for the helicopter industry.