FAA Aims for 'Crystal-Clear' Rules In Wake of Deadly Midair Collision

The Federal Aviation Administration released recommendations Wednesday for improving safety in the heavily trafficked section of New York City airspace over the Hudson River, the site of a deadly midair collision last month between a small plane and a sightseeing helicopter.

The changes proposed by an FAA task force include separating aircraft flying over the river from those operating out of heliports and seaplane bases. Nine people died Aug. 8 when a single-engine plane that had just left the airport in Teterboro, N.J., collided with a tourist helicopter near the New Jersey side of the Hudson.

In a statement, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said the recommended steps would "create crystal-clear rules" for pilots who operate in the area. The FAA said it expects to put the changes into effect by Nov. 19.

Political leaders in New York have blasted the agency, saying that its oversight of the air corridor has been insufficient, and have demanded quick action from regulators. The National Transportation Safety Board has also criticized the agency about New York airspace safety issues.

The area's congestion is caused by air traffic from four airports, helicopters from tour companies and TV stations, and the aircraft of various police, fire and Coast Guard operations.

The New York Airspace Working Group, the FAA task force created Aug. 14, also called for rules requiring pilots to turn on anti-collision devices, position or navigation equipment, and landing lights. Pilots would also be required to announce when they enter the area and to report their aircraft description, location, direction and altitude.

Many of the changes seek to codify common practices that pilots in the area have come to use informally over the years.

The task force report does not appear to address recent NTSB suggestions that the FAA brief air traffic controllers and supervisors about the circumstances of the accident, and it emphasizes that controllers stay attentive while on duty.

"We did that immediately after the accident," FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown said. "We'll certainly look at the board's recommendations."

In the days after the accident, the FAA reported that the air traffic controller at Teterboro had made a personal phone call in the moments before the crash. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has said that the call played no role in the crash.