For Immediate Release: April 28, 2023 

Alexandria, Va.– On Tuesday, April 25, City of Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, U.S. Representative Don Beyer, and other local officials announced new measures to reduce the impact of disruptive helicopter noise in Northern Virginia.

Representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Helicopter Association International (HAI) announced that moving forward, helicopter pilots will have to adjust flight paths and raise altitudes to reduce the impact of noise over residential areas. This announcement followed FAA analysis of data from a pilot program to track helicopter noise complaints by area residents.

“We are grateful to Congressman Beyer for his efforts to find creative ways to identify and address the impacts of helicopter noise in our communities,” said City of Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson. “This helicopter noise complaint tool was far more than a nicety to assuage frustrated residents. This tool gathered data that was used by the FAA to make important changes that will mitigate helicopter noise across our region. Our residents weren’t just listened to – they were heard.”

Mayor Wilson, along with officials from Arlington County, Fairfax County, and Falls Church, announced an agreement to continue funding the helicopter complaint system.

Currently City residents can submit helicopter noise concerns at the Helicopter Complaint webpage, through the Complaint Box mobile application, or by voicemail at the noise complaint hotline at 877.209.3200.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact the Office of Communications & Public Information at newsroom@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3969.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please call 703.746.3961 or email genevieve.babecki@alexandriava.gov.

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This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/4575.

About the City of Alexandria  

Founded in 1749, the City of Alexandria is a full-service, independent, city in Virginia with a AAA/aaa credit rating and a national reputation for progressive and responsible government. With a fast-paced business environment and walkable neighborhoods, Alexandria is a world-class destination where businesses and nonprofits choose to call home. Alexandria’s ample office space and urban amenities offer room to grow – a value unmatched in the region. Located minutes from the nation’s capital, Alexandria’s old-world charm and cutting-edge innovation are the perfect mix for attracting a diverse community, talented workforce, and enthusiastic visitors.