The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced an emergency order to ground New York Helicopter Charter Inc. This move follows a most tragic occurrence where a Bell 206 helicopter under contract with the company crashed into the Hudson River on March 11. One accident in a marina near Jersey City, New Jersey, prompted swift action from the FAA. As federal investigators determine whether the company violated any federal regulations, the company’s program is currently suspended.
The helicopter had departed from a charter heliport in Manhattan’s financial district for a scenic flight over New York City. Sadly, it crashed into the Cumberland River soon after. In response, the FAA initiated an emergency review of operator New York Helicopter Charter Inc.’s safety record. They want the company to be held accountable for protecting workers, public safety, and operational integrity. As part of this process, investigators sat down with the company’s reps and pulled various operational records.
Company Agrees to Shut Down Operations
Considering the terms of the still-pending investigation, New York Helicopter Charter Inc. voluntarily agreed to stop discrimination in its hiring practices. It was a decision born from profitability that the company’s director of operations, Jason Costello, had to make. He understood that immediate safety was the priority during the investigation. The company had just finished its seventh tour flight before the accident. Today, it’s working through a FAA-led Certificate Holder Evaluation Program.
FAA officials stated that this company had a past of safety occurrences, having been a party in two past occurrences. This should be particularly alarming, raising serious questions about its ability to conduct operations safely and in accordance with mandated regulations.
“The immediate firing of the Director of Operations raises serious safety concerns because it appears Mr. Roth retaliated against Mr. Costello for making the safety decision to cease operations during the investigation.” – FAA officials
Review and Compliance Requirements
New York Helicopter Charter Inc. has the duty to recognize hazards and risks associated with its operations. This step is only the beginning of the FAA’s review process. That was the company’s last major inspection, on March 1 — before this horrible incident. The FAA’s comprehensive evaluation aims to ensure that all operators within the aviation industry maintain high safety standards.
Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau indicated that failure to comply with regulatory requirements could lead to severe consequences for New York Helicopter Charter Inc.
“Further legal enforcement action, including a civil penalty of up to $17,062 a day for each day it fails to surrender the certificate.” – Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau
Implications for Future Operations
New York Helicopter Charter Inc., a company owned by Louisiana-based Meridian Helicopters LLC, faces the loss of its air-carrier certificate. If it doesn’t meet the cadence required of it by the FAA, that possibility becomes much more likely. The temporary cessation of operations raises important questions about the future of NYC helicopter tours. Safety of DOT employees and the public has, fortunately, begun to get some attention.
Safety is the FAA’s number one priority, and the agency is dedicated to making sure that all operators play by the same set of rules. Whether this review succeeds or fails will determine the future path forward for New York Helicopter Charter Inc. It will further set key precedents for safe operational standards throughout the helicopter tour industry.
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