World Trade Center records folder, 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Page 2 - ERHC 9126101

I believe this information provides a clear understanding that those involved in the helicopter industry, in the New York Metro area, have a personal and intimate understanding of the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001, and the magnitude of the loss of life. This is especially true since we are also residents of New York City and the surrounding areas, with many of us being effected on a personal level as well. Accordingly the events of that day, those who lost their lives, and their loved ones, will always be in our thoughts.

It is with this in mind that I present the following. We are requesting your help, to accomplish the goal established by Mayor Giuliani, Governor Pataki, and President Bush. Namely, return New York City to it's normal, vibrant status, as the financial, business and tourist capitol of the world.

For over 30 years New York City has been widely recognized as the urban area with the highest level of helicopter activity in the world. The New York City heliport network has averaged over 100,00 operations per year. In a recent Master Plan study conducted by the N.Y.C. Economic Development Corporation, it was noted that the helicopter industry segment operating in the New York City area, had a safety record almost eight (8) times better than the national industry average. This due in part to the fact that almost all the helicopters flown in the area are staffed by full time professional pilots. Many of these helicopters are also operated with a 2 pilot crew, with an average experience level of over 20 years in the New York City area. Additionally the N.Y.C. Economic Development Corporation indicates that it found, that the helicopter industry, and it's related activities, contribute approximately 160 million dollars annually to the City's economy.

From the time of the attacks, and the period immediately following, ERHC and it's members fully understood the need to restrict our access into certain segments of the airspace, and supported this action. These restrictions were necessary to minimize any potential further threats, while providing clear and unobstructed airspace access for relief and security aircraft. Accordingly our members, their employees, and the customers they serve, have endured the severe economic impacts resulting from these airspace restrictions.

However the reality of the effects of these continued airspace restrictions has set in, and we have now reached an extremely critical point in our situation, that threatens our ability to remain in business, and move forward towards a return to normalcy. Just today I was advised by one of our members that he had to furlough 100 employees, due to his inability to access the N. Y. C. heliports.

Unfortunately for ERHC and it's members, we now find ourselves situated in the most restricted airspace in the country, that through a unique set of circumstances, effects only our helicopter operators in a manner not being experienced by any other segment of aviation in the United States. I present the following for your consideration.

NYC-WTC 000136535