By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would ban non-emergency aircraft from practicing training maneuvers, including simulated landings, practice approaches, turns about a point and power off turns, within a two nautical mile vicinity of a hospital with a helipad. Aircraft would be allowed to fly directly over the helipad as long as they are not performing these maneuvers and are flying at an altitude of over 2,000 feet.

“As a representative from a district with a hospital that operates a helipad, I filed this bill after much input from the public,” said sponsor Rep. Dan Sena (D-Acton). “I heard from constituents that recreational aircraft often utilized the helipad for training flights and maneuvers that were completely unrelated to the operation of the hospital, which had a significant impact on those in the area. This bill is designed to ensure that hospital helipads are kept open and safe to ensure they are always prepared for an emergency and free of interference.”