FAA says it will change airspace rules over Hudson River in wake of fatal collision

FAA will change airspace rules over Hudson River

NEWARK, N.J. — Federal aviation officials say they will change airspace rules over the Hudson River at New York City after a deadly crash last month.

The Aug. 8 collision between a small plane and a tour helicopter killed nine people and focused attention on the river corridor. It is used by many small aircraft.

The new rules include requiring pilots to tune their radios to specific frequencies and restricting speeds.

Aircraft between 1,000 and 1,300 feet would use the same radio frequency as those flying below 1,000 feet.

Last month’s crash occurred between a low level where visual flight rules apply and a higher altitude where air traffic controllers guide pilots.