FAA issues flight restriction over New York's East River

FAA issues flight restriction over New York's East River

The FAA has issued a flight restriction prohibiting fixed wing land aircraft from flying in the narrow VFR corridor above the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn. The flight restriction allows continued helicopter and seaplane operations. Other aircraft may use the "East River exclusion area" if authorized and controlled by air traffic control.

"Considering all of the possible overreactions to the Lidle accident being demanded by some, the FAA's safety response is reasonable," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "This provides some breathing room while the NTSB gathers the facts and arrives at an accident cause determination."

October 13, 2006