FAA Grounds New York Helicopter Charter Inc. Amid Safety Concerns

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency grounding order for New York Helicopter Charter Inc., following a fatal crash involving a Bell 206 helicopter in the Hudson River. The incident, which occurred on April 10, 2025, claimed the lives of six individuals, including three children.

FAA's Decision and Safety Review

The FAA's decision to halt all operations of the company came after its Director of Operations voluntarily shut down flights, only to be abruptly fired shortly thereafter.

This raised concerns about the company's commitment to safety, prompting the FAA to initiate a Certificate Holder Evaluation Program (CHEP)-a comprehensive review designed to assess regulatory compliance and risk management.

Industry-Wide Safety Measures

In response to the tragedy, the FAA has announced a nationwide analysis of helicopter and airplane hot spots to identify risks and improve safety measures. Additionally, a helicopter safety panel is scheduled for April 22, where industry experts will discuss findings and potential mitigation strategies.

Next Steps for New York Helicopter Charter Inc.

The company has the option to appeal the FAA's emergency order within 10 days by filing a notice with the National Transportation Safety Board's Office of Administrative Law Judges 2. Until then, all flight operations remain suspended.