Bill > A00540

This bill amends the New York State General Business Law to require that all helicopters operating within the state be equipped with three specific safety technologies: a flight data recorder (which captures technical information about the flight), a cockpit voice recorder (which records audio communications in the cockpit), and a terrain awareness and warning system (which helps pilots avoid potential ground collision). The bill maintains the existing requirement that aircraft must be licensed and registered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and keeps the existing exemption for aircraft used exclusively in U.S. government or New York state national guard service. The new safety equipment requirements aim to enhance helicopter safety by providing critical data and warning systems that can help prevent accidents and improve understanding of any incidents that do occur. The law will go into effect 180 days after it is signed, giving helicopter operators time to comply with the new equipment requirements.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A540