Sightseeing Tours Are Out, Banner Towing And Other Operations Are Allowed

A helicopter tour company in the Florida panhandle city of Destin has been grounded by the FAA from its primary business, conducting tours over the city.

The agency cited "multiple safety violations" as the reason for the grounding, according to a report appearing on WEAR-TV. While Timberview Helicopters may not take customers on aerial tours for now, they can still tow banners and conduct other businesses.

Timberline reportedly operates at Destin Airport, the Destin Commons Shopping Center, and from a barge in Destin Harbor.

The EmeraldCoast blog reports that Timberview had failed an FAA safety inspection back in April. They have reportedly been at loggerheads with the city government because of perceived safety issues, and of course noise.

Timberview can apply for reinstatement of its ability to conduct passenger revenue flights if they correct their safety violations, which reportedly are numerous. The city council, meanwhile, is considering zoning changes that could eliminate such flights altogether from places other than airports.

FMI: www.faa.gov