Authorizes the study of aviation ownership and flight operations by the department of transportation

• Democratic5

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Monica Martinez says this is needed

In recent years, there have been increasing incidents of small planes crashing down from the sky, causing damage to lives and homes. For exam- ple, In August 2019, a small plane crashed-Into a home in Dutchess coun- ty, killing one of the occupants, injuring others and causing the house to burn. In January of 2022, a small plane owned by a company that has been linked to at least six fatalities since 2014 crashed in West-Ches- ter. Most recently, in December of 2024, a small plane crashed onto 1-684 in Westchester County, tragically killing one of the plane's two passengers. Safety guidelines-and guidance are fundamental to avoid this type of fateful accident. However, they are exclusively within the power of the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") to regulate and oversee. Addi- tionally, New York does not require owners of general aviation aircrafts to register with the Department of Transportation. Consequently, there is a lack of state-level information regarding crashes and the number of general aviation aircrafts in circulation. The absence of this data makes it difficult to address shortfalls in current flight operations and improve the safety of pilots, passengers, and persons and property on the ground in New York. This bill would direct the Department of Transportation to study aviation flight operations. Specifically, the department would be required to compile accident and crash statistics, as well as assess the relative safety of flight operations in New York and in other states. By providing this information to the Legislature, policymakers will have the necessary information to understand best practices and make evidence-based policy decisions that will promote the safety of New Yorkers.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.