Helicopter Complaints Lead To FAA Investigation In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a Toms River man was cited by Toms River officials for landing a helicopter at his home, Toms River police said Friday.

Meir Gurvitz of Dino Boulevard was cited for violating Toms River Zoning Ordinance Chapter 348, 10.5 Unauthorized Helipad Zone, said Jillian Messina, media relations specialist for the Toms River Police Department.

Messina said Toms River police had received several complaints about a helicopter flying low and appearing to land on private property on Dino Boulevard, including on June 24.

Since then officers were able to see the helicopter that residents were complaining about and get its tail number, allowing them to track down the owner.

Gurvitz, the owner and pilot of the helicopter, provided necessary information to officers, she said, and was cited.

Messina said the FAA and the New Jersey Department of Transportation will be investigating the incident and whether it violated federal and state laws.

An FAA spokesman said federal aviation regulations do not prohibit landing on private property, but states and local municipalities can set their own laws and ordinances.

"The only requirement on the part of the FAA is that the pilot does not endanger the safety of people or property on the ground," the spokesman said.

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