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NYC mayor backs call for helicopter ban over Manhattan
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is supporting a call for a ban on non-essential helicopter traffic over Manhattan, following last week’s deadly crash.
A chopper which crashed on the roof of a skyscraper was the second in just a few weeks, adding to concerns over helicopter flight safety in New York.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash in which pilot Tim McCormack, 58, died.
"I think we need a full on ban on any helicopters going over Manhattan itself. Obviously, exemptions should be made for emergency responds, uniform services, also news helicopters should be exempted," de Blasio said.
Commercial aircraft allowed to fly should only be able to do so over water, he added.
It would impact tourist flights and helicopter transfers to and from airports such as Blade and Uber’s upcoming airport transfer launch.
It could have long term ramifications for future air taxis too.
"For us, it underscores the need to make safety the absolute bedrock of everything we do," said Eric Allison, Uber’s head of Elevate, its air taxi program.
De Blasio said flight restrictions over Manhattan would first need clearance from the FAA.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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