Safety Study Conducted At Request Of Local Residents

The results of two FAA safety inspections show that Helicopter Adventure, a helicopter tour company which recently began operations in Myrtle Beach, SC, is safe. The agency conducted one safety study before the company opened for business, and another one at the request of people who live near the heliport.

The local residents have already tried to have the operation shut down through the local city council, but were unsuccessful in that attempt. ANN reported earlier this month that the company complied with all laws and received all of the necessary permits to build the heliport and begin making aerial tours of the area. Some residents who live near the heliport said its existence make their homes "virtually worthless."

Now, television station WMBF reports that homeowners had complained about the proximity of power lines, radio towers, and other obstacles in the area, saying they pose a risk not only to the pilots and passengers on the aircraft, but people on the ground as well. The FAA said this week that the two studies conducted by the agency do not make a case that the operation should be shut down for safety concerns.

The NIMBYS, however,  are not giving up. Brent Schulz, a Horry County Councilman and chair of the Public Safety Committee, says that the county is in the process of hiring a private firm to take noise readings. He called the problem "serious," and said he hopes to find a way to "mitigate the situation for everyone involved."

Schulz said the county has formed a committee to look into the issue which includes local residents, representatives from Helicopter Adventures, as well as local businesses and county staff.

FMI: www.horrycounty.org, www.faa.gov