World Trade Center records folder, 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Page 6- ERHC 9/26/01

With regard to the existing Enhanced Class B airspace restrictions, and the 25 NM restricted area surrounding New York City, I present the following.

Ironically the helicopter industry and ATC in the New York Metro area have been utilizing a system on a daily basis for almost 25 years, that already provides the appropriate elements of control and monitoring, that I believe the Security agencies are now trying to achieve.

Transitions to and from the above noted approach / departure points in space, and the outlying areas, can be made via already existing, dedicated, discrete helicopter routes. These routes and procedures have been in existence for almost 25 years, and are clearly defined on the current NOAA New York Helicopter Route Chart. The routes and procedures denoted on this chart are utilized by ATC and operators on a daily basis, are well known to both, and provide the necessary transitions and access to points noted in the above proposals. Appropriate transponder codes are utilized, and monitoring of flight progress can be maintained. We propose that this tested and proven system, and it's associated routes, be authorized for use by helicopters conducting either FAR Part 91 or 135 YFR operations, within the Enhanced Class B airspace, and the 25 NM restricted area currently in place as identified in the applicable Notams.

In summation I would also like to point out that the various helicopter operators and personnel in the New York Metro area are familiar with operations under trying conditions of national security, and events requiring airspace restrictions. This is due to the fact that New York is host to numerous special events, such as the celebration of our country's Bicentennial, Operation Sail, the Rededication of the Statue of Liberty, Presidential visits, as well as visits by other world leaders. We have also had to operate in less pleasant times involving natural disasters, and other national security events. We have always risen to the occasion, and conducted our operations as we always do, safely, professionally, with due consideration for the surrounding community, while not presenting any security concerns for the agencies involved.

As previously noted we are all to aware of the impact of the tragic attacks, their resultant effects, and the necessity of heightened attention to security issues. I sincerely believe we have a proven track record of performance under similar circumstances, and have addressed the issues as noted above.

Accordingly, I respectfully request that our proposals be presented to the appropriate agencies for review and approval

The Eastern Region Helicopter Council, it's members, and I, stand ready to assist you in any way possible, be it to answer any questions, provide additional information, make ourselves available for any meetings, or provide testimony.

NYC-WTC 000136539