Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Senator Schumer Urges FAA to Revoke License of NYC Helicopter Tour Operator Following Fatal Hudson River Crash
Following a tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River that claimed six lives last week, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is pressing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to revoke the operating license of New York Helicopter, the tour company involved in the incident. The New York Democrat is specifically targeting the “Part 91” licenses under which New York Helicopter and other similar tour operators function, arguing for stricter regulations in the wake of the deadly crash.
Concerns Over “Part 91” Licensing
Senator Schumer is raising serious concerns regarding “Part 91” licenses, which New York Helicopter utilized when its aircraft, carrying five Spanish tourists, reportedly “split in half” mid-air before crashing last Thursday. Schumer contends that “Part 91” licensing stipulations do not mandate the same rigorous training standards for pilots and mechanics as more stringent commercial licenses.
Broader Implications for Helicopter Tour Industry
This type of license is also used by other helicopter sightseeing companies, notably FlyNYON, whose helicopter was involved in a fatal East River crash in 2018, resulting in five fatalities. Schumer believes that the prevalence of “Part 91” licenses within the helicopter tour industry poses inherent risks to passenger safety.
Call for Increased Scrutiny and Safety Measures
According to Schumer, who is scheduled to address the crash at a press conference on Sunday, the “Part 91” license framework under which these helicopter tour companies operate makes them potentially more hazardous. He is expected to formally request the federal government to implement increased ramp inspections across all helicopter tour companies, including FlyNYON.
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Past Incidents and Ongoing Investigations
The senator’s press release highlights a recent jury verdict finding FlyNYON responsible for a crash seven years prior that resulted in the deaths of all passengers. Schumer will also advocate for the FAA to suspend FlyNYON’s operating license pending a comprehensive investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Details of the Hudson River Crash
NTSB reports indicate that the crash last Thursday occurred during the tour company’s eighth flight of the day. The victims of the crash have been identified as a top executive from Siemens, the global technology corporation, and his family. They were among the five passengers, with the sixth victim being the pilot, Sean Johnson, a 36-year-old Navy veteran.
Victims’ Arrival and Tragic Event
Agustin Escobar, his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three young children – identified as Augustin (10), Mercedes (8), and Victor (4) – had arrived in New York City from Barcelona earlier on the day of the incident, according to law enforcement sources.
Harrowing Footage and Flight Data
Disturbing video footage captured the helicopter spiraling downwards before plummeting into the Hudson River. Additional clips showed rotor components impacting the water’s surface. Flight tracking data reveals that the aircraft, carrying the five passengers and pilot, was airborne for approximately 15 minutes before the crash.
NTSB Leads Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board is spearheading the investigation into last Thursday’s incident, which is the latest in a series of recent aviation emergencies.