New helicopter rules have Hamptons billionaires sweating

The changes would limit East Hampton-bound helicopters to one flight a week

Manhattanites, accustomed to making their commute to the Hamptons by helicopter, make a “desperate plea” this week to stop changes to the East Hampton Airport.

The group asked for a temporary restraining order to prevent restrictions that would limit helicopters to one flight a week to or from the East Hampton Airport, according to the New York Post.

The new rules come after a three-year campaign by neighbors angered by the nonstop noise. And according to the Post, the changes would have the biggest effect on billionaire Ira Rennert, who owns a 19-seat Sikorsky S-92 and a 12-seat Sikorsky S-76.

Other frequent fliers that would be inconvenienced by the changed rules include Goldman Sachs chief Lloyd Blankfein, art dealer Larry Gagosian and Jets owner Woody Johnson.

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“Rennert runs them both as a shuttle, back and forth every day,” Frank Dalene, head of Quiet Skies Coalition, said.

And the new rules would, of course, mean more car traffic.

“It will be like ‘Apocalypse Now,’” a Hamptonite told the Post. “But it’s not the end of the world. Seaplanes can still land in East Hampton. Everybody will be taken care of. It’s rich people’s problems.” [NYP]Christopher Cameron