(Editor's Note: This is a joint statement from Assemblyman Tom Alfano and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy regarding airplane and helicopter flight patterns over numerous communities, including Floral Park and South Floral Park.)

The Elmont, North Valley Stream, South Floral Park and Floral Park communities respectively have had a summer season where airplanes have flown over their homes so frequently that one would think the airport is right down the street.

Sadly, that's not the case. And, it's unacceptable.

As your representatives in the State Assembly and Congress respectively, we wanted to address this issue directly with the community. Our respective staffs have visited the neighborhoods, parks and communities and have listened to input on this quality of life issue.

Simply stated, something must be done. Federal Aviation officials and airports must work with our community. We are committed to making sure that your voice is heard and will be acted upon.

As most are probably aware, our respective offices do not have direct oversight of airplane pattern traffic. However, we do have input in the agencies that oversee airport and airspace safety and security. To that end, we are offering several suggestions to aviation officials:

* Return airline traffic to previous patterning, which follows parkways and non-residential areas;

* Airlines must fly at altitudes that respect the communities they fly over;

* Continuous updating of representatives on any corrections or changes to traffic patterning for local input; and

* Private aircraft, either planes or helicopters, must be placed into patterning that respects the neighborhoods they fly in and out of.

These steps, along with others, are critical to our neighborhoods. As your representatives, we stand ready to work with aviation officials and be a sounding board for our constituents on this serious quality of life issue. Rest assured, we will be tireless in our efforts.

As our work continues, we will be updating the community on our progress in the weeks and months to come. If you have any input or suggestions on this issue, please contact our offices in writing to:

Assemblyman Tom Alfano

925 Hempstead Turnpike

Franklin Square, NY 11010

Hon. Carolyn McCarthy

200 Garden City Plaza

Suite 320

Garden City, NY 11530