Judge Rules Helicopter Adventures Can Continue Flying While Zoning Decision Is Appealed

The owner of Helicopter Adventures in Myrtle Beach, SC, has won a round in court that will allow the company to keep flying at least for the time being. The Horry County Circuit Court has ruled that Freddie Rick can continue operating while he appeals a zoning board ruling that said his business is not appropriate for the area in which it operates.

The business opened in May after receiving all of the proper permits to build a helipad and fly tours, but people living near the business were quick to complain, and many of them contributed to a legal fund to try to put Helicopter Adventures out of business, at least near their homes. The company changed flight paths in an effort to accommodate the residents, but they have vowed to "fight" until the company is "gone."

Last week, the Zoning Board of Appeals agreed with the residents, and said that the business was not appropriate for the area for which it was originally approved. But Rick has the right to appeal that decision, and now has won the right to continue to operate while that appeal works its way through the system.

Myrtle Beach Online reports that Rick says he intends to do just that ... continue to fly while the appeal is pending. In a news release, Rick said "We are grateful that we will be allowed to operate our business as we challenge the ruling of the Zoning Board of Appeals."

FMI: www.horrycounty.org/depts/econdev/PlanningZoning/index.asp