On Nov. 16, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in the wake of a fatal summer mid-air helicopter-light airplane collision, finalized rules to take effect later in the week for low-altitude flights in the crowded corridor over the Hudson River separating the U.S. states of New York and New Jersey.

They involve inserting a new flight layer, from 1,000 feet to 1,300 feet (1 foot equals 30.48 centimeters), for over flights by aircraft not under air traffic controls, between controlled flights, from 1,300 feet to 2,000 feet, from uncontrolled local traffic, including helicopters, flying below 1,000 feet, the agency said.

The new rules also require several procedures that previously were only recommended.

"Better separation of aircraft means a higher margin of safety," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "These new rules will ensure that aircraft can operate safely in the busy Hudson River airspace."

"These changes will define separate corridors for aircraft operating locally and those flying along the Hudson River area," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. "Separating aircraft on different missions and improving pilot situational awareness will add more layers of safety to this high-demand airspace."

A private plane transiting the busy corridor adjacent to New York City clipped a sightseeing helicopter, plummeting both aircraft into the Hudson River, and hurtling all nine people aboard the two craft to their death.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended the FAA alter rules for the uncontrolled airspace over the Hudson and Manhattan's East River. The FAA had earlier proposed the rules now set to take effect on Nov. 19.

The procedures now required in the previously uncontrolled area include maintaining a speed of 140 knots or less; to turn on anti-collision and aircraft position/navigation lights, if equipped; announce their own positions on specific radio frequencies and to carry current charts for the airspace and be familiar with them.

"In the exclusion zone below 1,300 feet over the Hudson River, pilots must announce their aircraft type, position, direction and altitude at charted mandatory reporting points and must stay along the New Jersey shoreline when southbound and along the Manhattan shoreline when northbound," the FAA said in a news release. "Pilots transiting the Hudson River must fly at an altitude between 1,000 feet and 1,300 feet. Local flights will operate in the lower airspace below 1,000 feet."

The FAA said it will conduct seminars and coordinate with pilot groups to make pilots aware of the new requirements. It has developed an online training program covering the New York area.