CONWAY, S.C. (AP) — Some Myrtle Beach residents say they will appeal a judge’s decision allowing a company to continue to offer helicopter rides from their neighborhood.
Circuit Judge Larry Hyman on Wednesday refused to reconsider his ruling last month allowing Helicopter Adventures to continue operations. The company began offering helicopter tours along the Grand Strand in May.
Residents of a nearby neighborhood want the helicopter landing pad moved away from their homes, saying the business is too noisy and dangerous.
Rick Hinde filed the case and said he plans to appeal to the South Carolina Court of Appeals.
“Really an airport is where this needs to be,” Hinde said.
Helicopter Adventures owner Freddie Rick says he followed proper procedures before he opened and is complying with noise and other regulations.
“I don’t know what else we can do as good neighbors,” Rick said. “We did everything by law we were supposed to do.”
The issue in the case considered Wednesday dealt with whether the company meets zoning rules. The county’s amusement-commercial zoning allows a variety of outdoor uses and specifically lists sightseeing operations as being allowed.
Helicopter Adventures says it is a sightseeing depot, Hinde says it’s a helicopter operation.
Ben Baroody represents Helicopter Adventures and said the company clearly meets the definition of a sightseeing depot. Baroody says the ordinance does not require sightseeing businesses to operate on the ground.
Helicopter Adventures said it changed some of its flight plans shortly after opening and getting complaints from some neighbors. It no longer flies toward the neighborhood.
But some neighbors say the noise is still a problem.
The company has continued to operate during the dispute, offering tours that range from $20 to about $180 per person
