The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken decisive action by issuing an emergency order to ground New York Helicopter Charter, Inc.
This follows a tragic Bell 206 helicopter crash in the Hudson River on Thursday. The FAA’s decision stems from serious safety concerns.
This followed the abrupt firing of the company’s Director of Operations after he agreed to halt flights voluntarily.
Alongside the grounding, the FAA has launched a thorough review of the company’s operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
FAA Issues Emergency Grounding Order
Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau shared details of the emergency order on his social media today. The order highlights a troubling sequence of events that unfolded after the crash.
On April 13, the FAA contacted Jason Costello, the director of operations for New York Helicopter by telephone. They requested the company cease all flight operations due to safety concerns.
The suspension was to remain in place until the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) completed their investigations into the fatal incident.
During the call, Costello agreed to comply with the FAA’s request and halt operations. About 30 minutes later, he sent a confirmation email reaffirming the company’s commitment to stop flying as discussed.
However, just 16 minutes after that email, the FAA received another message—this time from Michael Roth, the CEO of New York Helicopter.
Roth stated that he had not authorized any cessation of flight operations. He also stated that Costello was no longer employed by the company.
FAA Concerns over Key Position Holder Dismissal
The FAA viewed Costello’s sudden dismissal as a major red flag. The agency believes the firing was retaliatory, directly tied to Costello’s decision to prioritize safety by grounding flights.
This action not only raised doubts about the company’s commitment to safety but also left New York Helicopter Charter without a qualified director of operations—a critical role required by FAA regulations.
The absence of a properly credentialed individual in this position violates federal standards, further eroding confidence in the company’s ability to operate safely.
As a result, the FAA issued an emergency order mandating the immediate suspension of all New York Helicopter flight operations.
The agency questioned whether the company still meets the qualifications to hold its Air Carrier Certificate, a credential essential for conducting commercial flights.
Until New York Helicopter Charter can demonstrate that it has the necessary personnel and safety protocols in place, the suspension will remain in effect. The company has also been directed to surrender its Air Carrier Certificate pending the outcome of the FAA’s review.
Conclusion
The FAA has begun a comprehensive evaluation of New York Helicopter’s operations, known as a Certificate Holder Evaluation Program (CHEP).
This process will assess whether the company complies with regulations, effectively manages safety risks, and has measures in place to prevent future incidents.
The review aims to identify any hazards and ensure they are addressed before the company can resume operations.
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