New York public officials have received "numerous complaints regarding helicopter noise," FAA says, noting that Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and former senator and current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were among those hearing from constituents. The agency began working with stakeholders and industry groups on the issue, developing the visual flight rules for the North Shore route to address the noise concerns. The route directs helicopters over water when transiting the area.

But with voluntary procedures in place, FAA says, "New York elected officials have advised the FAA the noise complaints continue in this area notwithstanding the North Shore route. The local FAA Flight Standards Division has also received the same complaints."

The agency acknowledges that a number of conditions may occur that would require helicopters to deviate from the route, and says "provisions are included that take into consideration the wide variety of helicopters, their associated performance and mission profiles, the dynamic weather environment along the route and the pilot's responsibility to maintain safe operations at all times."

The agency is accepting comments on the proposal through June 25. Submit comments to www.regulations.gov or to Docket Operations, M-30, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Room W12-140, West Building, Ground Floor, Washington, D.C. 20590-0001.