Judge Hearing Arguments In Lawsuit Over East Hampton Helicopter Restrictions

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A federal judge could decide Monday whether East Hampton town officials can restrict helicopter traffic into and out of its airport because of noise complaints.

The town says the restrictions are necessary to protect quality of life for its residents, WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reported.

The aviation industry filed a lawsuit against the town's restrictions, saying only the federal government can regulate the air. Some allied local shopowners are also worried the restrictions will hurt business.

Listen to Judge Hearing Arguments In Lawsuit Over Helicopter Noise In East Hampton

The noise battle has been going on for decades.

The new regulations are scheduled to take effect this week before the start of the busy tourist season. They include new curfews on the hours of operation, and the number of flights permitted by so-called "noisy" aircraft.